Q. I keep hearing about the Mayan prophecies, reading about increasing global issues, and hearing prophecies of economic and worldwide doom.
Should we even be trying to get ahead in a world that may be ending?
A. Yes, since most of us are seriously missing a crystal ball from our list of workplace tools, the only reasonable plan for 2012 and beyond is to plan for what you can know.
If the prophecies are right and something dramatic like a flip of the Earth’s gravitational poles occurs on 12/21/12, then we at least can go out with a proud feeling that we took advantage of our time on the planet.
If you decide to hide under your desk until the dreaded 12/21/12 date is over, consider all the opportunities, learning experiences and career projects you’ll miss out on waiting for disaster to strike.
As I often say in this column, having a Plan B is never a bad idea. No one will consider you silly for having or getting basic disaster supplies in and out of the workplace – because you are an intelligent, prepared human being, not because you are sure Armageddon is headed your way. As you walk around your workplace and hear prophecies of doom, separate the concerns you can prepare for from the fears that you can’t influence.
Example: More economic downturns? Polish up your résumé! Asteroid hitting the earth? Not much you can do!
You might be comforted to know that among the prophecies of doom, there are also prophets who believe strongly that 2012 is just the end of an era and the beginning of a new better era – not the physical end of the world.
What you know today is that you woke up in a warm bed, had some coffee, and either have a job to go to or have the opportunity to find a job.
You know that for today ... no asteroid is hitting your neighborhood, no pole flip is creating global disaster, and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse seem to be otherwise engaged.
If tomorrow finds you facing a different workplace scenario, you can trust yourself to use the same good judgment, intuition and planning skills that have gotten you this far in your workplace.
Until then … 2012 is just a year and not a destiny.
The last word(s)
Q. I’m tired of being controlled on my job. Everyone has an opinion about what and how I should operate. Is there any way to make money in the work world and not be controlled?
A. No, making money involves eventually having to deal with people, and that means you’ll sometimes feel controlled.
What you can address is why you find it so upsetting to allow others to influence you.
