Mad Skills 02/16/2010
 
Something everyone needs to think about:


Does your job allow/cause you to continuously learn new and important skills that allow you to remain vital to your company's success?

Are you really using your degree? Whatever that even means.

I know I wasn't at my last job. Not that I put any stock in my college education to begin with.

I put together spreadsheets, sent emails and made phone calls to existing customers.  And they paid me very well for it while it lasted.  

The problem here is that none of these activities required any special skill or training. Anyone can send an email. Or put together a spread sheet. Or call and ask some company for money. You don't need a degree to do that. I know plenty of people without degrees who would do a fantastic job in that situation.

I remember a lot of angry co-workers on the day my department got the chop. A lot of people couldn't believe they were let go. Which I think is pretty silly, to this day. Let's be logical.

Ask yourself just how disposable you are. And figure out exactly what you offer your company that few others can. And be honest with yourself with this evaluation.  If you can't think of anything, don't act shocked if and when you get laid off.

Would you employ yourself? Honestly.