Staff Crunch

Tis the season again; good and bad. The economy is looking good and it seems that it's an employees' market. Is it? Well, I am not an expert in the matter. I do know however that I am kind of losing 4 people: 2 transfers and 2 resignation. Of the 2 resignations, one is personal in nature and the other one, well, unknown, though the staff actually has not found another job yet (which to me is not very smart especially when I doubt there's much pressure at work.. but then again, maybe I'm blind).

Contrary to what I thought would happen, I did get a reasonable number of resumes, considering we advertised only once and on the web (Jobstreet and the like). Interestingly though, I mostly got applicants who are trying to switch job; and asking of higher pay. Well, there are 2 categories: those in about the same line and asking for higher pay, and those who want to switch to a different line, the majority of which still asked for higher pay.

I do not know what is in store but I have a feeling that some people are in for a big surprise; getting a pay rise is good only for the long term only if you can ensure that in 10 year's time, someone 15 years your junior can't do about the same thing you are doing at a mere fraction of your salary! The worry is for those above 40, in 10-15 years time!

Then again, maybe that's me only.

So, what should it be then? Well, go for something you like and where you can see yourself for the rest of your career. Sounds "old" I know but hey, many in their 20-30 forget that they most likely will work for another 30 years! As much as we all want, there is only one Bill Gates. Forget all the books you read on "how to be rich etc"; that only makes the author rich.

My motto: enjoy what you are doing, try to have a work-life balance acceptable to you and your family, and well, do your best and know that if you boss is not treating your well, he's answerable to God.

Comparing with others is the worst thing you could ever do, especially comparing riches.