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June 1, 2001

Red Flags

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As part of my daily routine I check out a wide variety of web sites and print publications to keep a handle on the concerns of workers in the US and abroad. This week I became involved in a discussion thread on the NetSlaves web site (www.netslaves.com) regarding how some high-tech employees might be devaluing themselves by working longer hours for lesser pay and basically putting up with work environments that are far from ideal. Along with this topic we also touched upon some related issues involving pay cuts and other austerity measures.

You can do better

I came across a disturbing trend when reading the comments of some high-tech workers. There were quite a few who believed that you had to take whatever your work environment dished out because otherwise you would be out of a job. Frankly, I don’t believe this and neither should you. If you have the talent to be hired for your current job, you have the talent for hundreds of other jobs out there, at better companies.

When you let the language of fear and intimidation guide your career you are in very dangerous waters. Too often the language used to justify staying at a bad job sounds suspiciously close to that of a person involved in an abusive relationship.

"Everybody does it. They won't hit me again. I can't leave. It was all my fault. I made them angry. I won't survive without them."

If you find yourself using language like this you should seriously re-evaluate your current working conditions. You are in great danger of letting other people run your work life forever. This is the exact opposite of good career management. You need to regain control over your own life. The longer you stay in this type of work relationship the harder it will be for you to ever leave.

Even in the best job you must believe that you can do better. You should never feel trapped. If you do, this is a clear sign that you should be looking for another job…today. We are far from the unemployment levels of the Great Depression. Even with the slowing Dot-Com market and layoffs, there is still a dearth of high-tech workers.

Listen to the language you use to describe your job. Are you using the language of abuse or entrapment? Do you dread going to your job every day? Don't ignore these warning signs. It is time to spruce up your resume and find greener pastures.

Other red flags

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times contained an interview with a high-tech worker who was actually relieved when his company announced a 5%, across the board pay cut instead of layoffs. My first thought, though, was that I wonder how happy he will be in 6 months. While he may be happy to still have a job, the pay cut exposes extensive problems with his company as a whole. Were I in his position I would be worrying about the overall health of the company. Also, the pay cut cannot and will not rule out layoffs no matter what management might say. To me, there is a certain "double jeopardy" in taking a pay cut and then getting laid off anyway. The pay cut insures that you will have less of a financial buffer should the layoffs arrive. In this situation I would be watching the overall health of the company very carefully. Further austerity measures would be a red flag that the pay cut had not worked and could mean that layoffs are on the way. In any case, I don't believe there is any solace to be found in keeping your job after a pay cut. It is much like surviving a layoff. You survived this time, but how long will it be before the ax falls.

Austerity as marketing tactic

Finally, another posting in the online thread about devaluing yourself as an employee described a dot-com company that was profitable and healthy. The writer went on to describe how everyone worked on some sort of commission and how many people still worked on folding card tables. My eyes quickly stopped on this phrase and the red flag rose again.

I never consider austerity a marketing tool. Bragging about inappropriate working conditions makes me wonder what other corners this company might be cutting. I am not talking about providing everyone $1000 Aeron chairs and mahogany desks, but I believe that everyone deserves a decent work space.

Good work areas promote employee health and productivity. They also give a clear indication that the employee and their contribution is valued. Personally, I might work at a card table for a week, but if a simple desk was not forthcoming I would begin to have serious doubts about my employer. In fact, if I noticed the card tables during the interview process I would ask about them and possibly even look elsewhere. Bad office workspaces are like the old Erma Bombeck jokes; don't go to a doctor whose waiting room plants are all dead. Card tables for desks are not a good sign in any company -- no matter how small, large or profitable.

During this economic slowdown companies may try and convince you that they are the best choice or that you have no options to go elsewhere. They will play off your fear and confidence levels to convince you to stay in mind-numbing or abusive jobs. Don't believe them. Trust in your own talents and energies and know that there is always another possibility. You are not trapped. You have choices. Watch for these red flags and heed their warnings. The only one in control of your high-tech career is you.

 

about this column.

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Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant in Van Nuys, California. Readers can discuss career issues with other readers by joining the Career Opportunities Discussion on Douglas' web page at: http://www.welchwrite.com/dewelch/ce/

He can reached via email at douglas@welchwrite.com

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