and beyond – because what’s the point? I use my extra time reading up on topics like finding dream jobs, starting a business and online marketing. I can often feel trapped in my role, not allowed to try anything new or experiment. Rather than feeling trapped by my dayjob, I want to use it as a springboard to discover what else I can learn and how I can make a bigger contribution. The more I learn about other parts of our business and market, the more ways I can contribute. I know I need to perform in my ‘day job’ (what I was hired for), but aren’t there ways that I can also keep learning in other areas, including in making the company more money? Don’t look at these other interests as distractions from my role, but rather as possible complements. The career path here seems like a mystery, or worse – arbitrary, where executive favorites get all the attention and promotions, even when more than a few don’t seem that great, and even include some disasters. DEAR EMPLOYEE (FROM EXECUTIVES) Dear Employee, So you want to be successful in your career. Maybe you believe right now that you deserve a promotion or a raise. Or you’re just bored at work. Maybe people don’t respect your (great) ideas, or listen to you there. That you’re not getting a fair shake from either the owners or perhaps customers. Maybe our management systems are just broken and defeat our people’s best efforts (though we can’t admit that publicly). Because…the truth is, while we like you as a person and think you’re swell, and you’re doing well in your job, that’s the minimum. We don’t see how you’re going out of your way to contribute in other ways. (And all those side projects you’re working on don’t count. What, you think people here don’t know about them?) Here’s the deal. If things aren’t happening the way you want, it’s time to take charge of your own destiny rather than believe it’s “other people’s fault” such as your manager, owner or team’s fault. Don’t blame others for not recognizing your greatness. If you wait for people to recognize or discover you, here or anywhere, chances are you’ll be waiting a loooong time. The time will never be perfect. The opportunity will never be perfect. You have to work with what you have – as frustrated or defeated as you feel. A company is full of people who need things. Products launched, marketing campaigns run, sales closed, employees hired, customers serviced and bills paid. There will always be innumerable problems to solve; pick one and do something about it.