I need career/employment advice. I always seem to attract the wrong kind of attention at work.?

Question

I am philosophical, creative, and often unorthodox. I am interested in the larger-societal effect of policy and practice. I am working on a doctoral degree. Inevitably in my work environment, a power struggle occurs, even when I am completely submissive. I detect some jealousy and resentment by my fellow coworkers. I have many interests and abilities. I have worked in many different fields, yet I have not enjoyed the fruits of a linear career path. I only want to feel needed and appreciated within my work environment. Can anyone recommend a book or lend advice that would help me?

Answer 1

I would guess your company does not see you as completely committed to them. You come across as having your own agenda.

I would recommend applying your creative talents in a way that will benefit the aims of the company you work for. If you concerns are in other areas, just as this larger societal effect, that is commendable, however if that is not the aim of your company you should not expect them to reward you for it.

You sound passionate about things and maybe you should find a company, or not-for-profit organization that shares your passion. You will have much better job satisfaction and probably enjoy more success and reward for it.

Good luck

Answer 2

To me, employment is about doing the work. If that does not include the philosophical, creative and unorthodox, then you really need to tone that down. It may make you seem like something of a know-it-all and could have an impact on production time in meetings and during jobs. Co-workers may not appreciate that very much. Try keeping it to a minimum or restricting it to co-workers you have a decent relationship with.

Power struggles happen all the time. It's the nature of the beast & the beast is us. Step back and examine the job and the situation. If you are the supervisor or project leader, you're the boss. If not, then you're not. Do the work, if that means offering suggestions and recommendation - then do that. If the supervisior decides to go another way, that's his or her call.

Unless your job description includes the words 'COMPLETELY SUBMISSIVE' don't be. This tends to look like your playing the 'yes man', being condescending, don't care or have an agenda. Either way, you look bad. Do what your job says your supposed to do. Be able to justify your contributions to projects, follow organizational guidelines and move on.

Turn off the jealousy and resentment 'detector'. It will gain you nothing. Be professional, be helpful and evaluate your proformance based on your company's and your own professional standards. Not what others say or don't say about you.

It sounds like you need to develope a 'professional persona'. It is perfectly fine to have your own interests, beliefs and opinions. However, not all of them belong in the work place. Practice stepping back from situations that have caused you problems in the past and honestly evaluating them. Are you doing what's required of you? Are you going farther than you should? Are you satisfied that you complete your work in a timely and professional manner?

Let a neutral, objective perspective be your guideline and continue to search for a career you will enjoy. Good Luck!

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Sounds like a potential sociology case study. Workplace environments are filled with people... and that is where your problem lies. People are thinking about themselves and are driven and motivated by their own interests.

There is a book entitled, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," a NY Times bestseller. This may be a little utopian in practice.

Instead of the pure citizenship mentioned in the famous book, I suggest that you go into every situation remembering that people will like you if you make them feel good about themselves. At the same time, you must balance serving everyone else's needs with satisfaction of your own desires, and this takes political awareness. I think this is where your problem lies. It is where many peoples' problems lie.

For this subject, there are lots of books in the business/management section of most libraries, and it sounds like you have access to a university library. This is where I have found the best info on people skills, influence and negotiation. Very valuable information.

Answer 5

You are trying to hard; Most of us want a solution for a problem; (right or wrong) then we want to move forward to the next step. Those of us that think deep thoughts, slow the speed of out actions and are not appreciated.

Step back do not offer alternative answers if you are not requested to do so. Seek to find what is right with the proposed course of action. Yes, I know there is a lot wrong, but you need to know what is right with it.

Start by verbalizing the positive out come of the proposed action and suggest a course of action that would avoid a pit fall that you are sensing.

I tend to believe that your work place really appreciate you and your views. But they don't feel you are working for the benefit of the group, company, office, team. The art of team playing seem to be the skill I seem to think you need.

There are several books devoted to just this topic. Among them is "How to make friends and influence people".

Answer 6

It seems like you march to your own beat, which is not always appreciated or welcome. Try consulting. It sounds like you have good problem solving skills, but may rub other people in a permanent situation the wrong way (no offense meant) because you see and process information differently. Good luck.

Answer 7

Start your own Enterprise.
Good Luck