We live in a world of instant gratification. We want things NOW and if we can’t have it we move onto the next thing. We eat out at fast food restaurants, text message expecting an immediate answer and microwaves take way too long to heat up food. We want quick answers so we surf the net or ask Siri, we type in directions to our GPS or phone app and immediately find a route to where we are going.
Our grandparents and generations before us grew up working for businesses or in a factory for decades. Boys started working in menial jobs and stayed with a company year after year earning more respect, gaining experience within the environment being mentored or trained by someone older. Men took those younger under their wings to show them skills or trades they had learned. Companies were loyal to workers and workers to their businesses. Often times men retired from the very companies they began in right out of high school.
These ways seem outdated and old fashioned, yet we fail to see in this new way of living we have made some important trade-offs that may not all be good. What about long meaningful conversations over a three-course meal where friendships can be built? What about talking on the phone to hear the other person’s voice and see how they are doing? What about interacting with others while asking for directions or knowing how to read a map to find where you want to go?
This isn’t to say that technology, fast food and smart phones are bad things. They aren’t. But when we make exchanges for important things such as human relationships and interaction, they can be.
When you remain in one job or company over a long period of time, it gives you a vantage point and perspective others don’t have. You are able to see the growth and progress your business has made within the industry. Longevity matters and is rare these days. Again, because of instant gratification, some have begun to think staying in one job or career over a long period of time is dull or boring. If you hate your career, I would absolutely agree. But if you have landed a job that excites you and fits with the passions of your heart, remaining there does some incredible and intangible things.
Faithful Longevity Provides:
Expertise and experience. The longer you stay in a job or career, the more reliable you become. Your experience is priceless. You know what to do and when to do it, or what to steer clear of. You know your clientele because of the history you have with them. You begin to know what your customer needs or wants before they make the call. Your longevity gives insight to your job that others do not have.
Stability and reliability. We as humans like to know we can rely on someone or their business. It brings comfort and a sense of ease when we know who we are dealing with.
Mentorship and leadership opportunities. When you are in a job for a long period of time, you automatically have a role of leadership to those who are newer. Coworkers will come to you with questions or to ask input when dealing with clients. Clients will ask your opinion on products or how they might grow their business. Teaching younger coworkers through mentorship is a powerful way to pass on what you’ve learned over time.
Credibility. You become a credible and reliable resource when you’ve been around year after year. People know that you know what you’re talking about and believe you can help them.
The next time you consider changing your career, ask yourself if you truly love what you do. If the answer is yes, find creative ways to try new things within your current job to expand your growth and keep you an expert within your company.
For further information on Jennasis & Associates and how we can help you today, click on our website at www.jennasisassociates.com or email us at digitalmarketing@jennasisassociates.com.
