PROUD?

Proud.

It's a word that I haven't heard much used to describe a career by many people. So many, when asked about their job, simply reply its a job.

How sad....

There are many sources of pride in thinking about ones vocation. It could be that you help people in need, it could be that what you do makes your neighborhood a better or safer place to live, it could be that you have a product that is the leader in the industry. It's a great feeling knowing what you do is relevant. I'm sure it's easier to get up and go to work every day when you can be proud of the task at hand.

WHO you work for also comes into play.

If you have the most generous, kind, and compassionate owner or supervisor, the day will be much more positive and hopefully, productive. He will be there to guide, support, and encourage you when you need it. He will give you credit for a job well done, use your input as a valuable resource, and be a positive light when there is chaos.

I realize, I've given examples of work environments that you may have never  experienced, but I assure you they are out there. Although I've seen very few, the Utopian dreamer in me HAS to keep the image of a positive workplace for my own sanity.

Reality, however has shown me personally, a different version.

The majority of folks I've spoken to about this dislike what they do and/or who they report to. They see the business practices going on are unethical or at least not correct yet it is overlooked in the name of profit. 

They know the product they represent is flawed or worse, and feeling powerless to do anything about it. They feel under-appreciated and sometimes invisible to superiors except when an error is made and THEN the attention they get is right in their face.

What can you REALLY do to change the image in your head about your job or boss, other than leave?

I wish I knew.... 

I've escaped more than a couple of terrible companies, terrible supervision, or terrible ethics. I couldn't bring myself to maintain an association with conditions like that. I've always bounced back and usually it was an upgrade! Now, I'll admit that sometimes the "upgrade" was just not having to go there again...

More than once, I've shaken my head and wondered why ANYONE would continue to show up to a place they hate and don't respect. I know some feel trapped by a well-paying position, but the negativity brought home has a price too. It may be one of life's tragedies to feel like you have no other option. Like you have no way of being happy and proud of what you do for a living.

What would YOU do, if looking at the same scenario?

Or ARE you.....?