In January’s column, I touched on the issue of investing in your employees. This month I want to address the need for employees to invest in themselves. Whether you work for a facilities group, consulting engineering firm, construction company, or service company, the need to invest in one’s self is essential to job satisfaction. It is also an integral part of the advancement process. Even if you are satisfied with what you do for a living and have no inclination to go further up the corporate ladder, investing in one’s self is essential to long-term job satisfaction.
Over the years, I have followed this advice and have been able to continuously enjoy the business while others complain about what is wrong with their employer. My philosophy has been to always look at where I will be, both a year from now and three years from now, and make plans to maintain job and career satisfaction. It isn’t always clear what you will be doing in a year or three years, but it is a good process to look to the future, consider your options, and plan accordingly.