| When I was in high school I was called into the guidance
Counsellor's
office to chose my career. I was struggling in math so she suggested that I
enrol in the
four-year math program rather than the current five-year program that Ontario schools had.
Since I didn't see why I would want to stay in school until grade thirteen anyway (the
province that I had just moved from only went up to grade 12) I agreed.
I asked if this would have any effect on my decision to pursue a career in electronics
and she said no, the college I had selected only required grade 12 math. Three years later
when I applied for college, I was shocked to find out that my guidance
Counsellor had been
grooming me for a career as an electrician! I wouldn't be designing computers, I would be
wiring houses! While there is nothing wrong with a career as an electrician, that is not
what I wanted to do.
It took a lot of work to make up the lost ground and get my math to the required level.
It cost me a year of my life, while taking night school.
As much as I blamed my guidance Counsellor for the setback, I was ultimately the one who
did not make the effort to ensure that my future was on track.
My point is this: While there may be people who steer you wrong, unintentionally or
otherwise, take control of your destiny, it’s not up to luck or anyone else.
Do not be a victim. Repeatedly ask yourself " am I taking control of this
situation."
As a kid, if you got hurt or bullied, you may have gotten attention by whining. In real
life any attention you receive from being a victim will probably reflect on you as a weak
individual. The best business leaders do not promote people based on their weaknesses.
Make sure that those who are responsible for employee training and recruitment are well
aware of your future requirements for staff. If you require training yourself, share your
goals and aspirations. Make it easy for them to do their job. Don't become a victim of
neglect and remember that no one else cares as much about your future as you do. |