The Politics of Work

Why is the world of work sullied so much by politics? It's not just a case of doing a great job.  It's being seen to be doing a great job by the right people. If you don't shout and catch the attention of the right people your days may be numbered.

Being out of the work scene for half of this year I had forgotten about the games that you need to play in order to succeed.  Personally I think it's all a load of bull and why can't people appreciate what others do?  Is it that the world  of work has been sullied by the recession so everyone is fighting for their jobs, position and status. Actually, where I work is undergoing a major restructure so senior level people are jostling for position and one of the easiest ways to position yourself seems to be to stick the boot into marketing.  What do you do all day?  How come you can't do more? What are you doing for me?  There seems to be a never-ending list of what can be achieved by a very small, transient (most on 6 mth contracts if that) and in the main junior team.

Anyway, it's been a crazy few weeks where the real bones of the firm are starting to reveal themselves to me.  Now that my rose tinted glasses are starting to fade a tad, it's becoming apparent that actually where I work is not really any different to all of the other large firms that I have worked for.  People at the top who don't necessarily know what they are doing but are born sales people who use their silver tongued prowess to always come out on top.  To be honest if that is what the senior echelons of management are, I am not entirely convinced that it is for me.  I like delivering projects and getting on with delivering projects.

All I can do is take the next few months as they come and keep an open mind for whatever roles may appear on the horizon.

You're Fired - How The Apprentice Shows The Worst of UK Business!!

I have to admit that I am an avid fan of the Apprentice and always have been. The genius that is Stuart Baggs cannot be underestimated and the general cartoonish extreme traits that each candidate displays are always very entertaining.    Although most of the pantomime that features in each episode is down to fantastic casting and great editing, the types of back stabbing and general one-upmanship are things that we have all have encountered at work although to a much lesser degree.

Watching the past few weeks has made me reflect on the world of work and what I want to be a part of next. Having been out of work for a few months now, it has to be said that in many ways I actually am starting to enjoy not having to deal with all the hassle and protocols that you have to follow in an office. Being in control what you do each day and when is actually quite liberating although self-dicipline certainly has to be exercised or before you know it, the day has flown by.

So what next for me? Well still plodding on with applying for jobs but starting to realise that maybe my days working for someone else may have come to an end. So I am looking into setting up on my own working for companies that I actually want to work for so watch this space people. Creating my business plan as we speak so one day I can emulate my hero Stuart Baggs!