employee vs. employer

Looking back at those years when I was working a 5 day, 9-6 job - I can't help but to wonder how laid-back and easy life was back then. I never had to worry about the business (cos I don't own it - it's not mine). My job description are in black and white, so quite simply, all I need to do is do what I'm paid to do. I took leave when I want to, without worrying about affecting company's productivity - or quite simply, when I feel lazy or when the "I don't feel like going to work today" feeling creeps in. Even better, when you start to get bored with your job - you start job-hunting while holding on to your current job. You still collect money from your current employer and get paid for job surfing and attend interviews on a working-day ! And you call in one day to request for a "emergency leave" with excuses like period cramp, feeling under the weather or something more severe- family matters to attend to. (cos you know employers can't be unsympathetic about this). I then welcomed each public holiday with elation and loud proclamation of how wonderful it was that its going to be a long weekend ! And there were those days when my bosses came in with sombre expression and called for a meeting that raised issues such as sales etc etc. At that point of time, I seriously don't think I care so much as whether sales is good or bad - because it was quite simply not what I'm paid to do - and once again, it is not my company. As long as they continue to pay me, I'm happy.

As an employer myself, I now see the frustration my employers were going through then. I can even relate to what crossed their mind when I pull in that sickie or sudden application of leave. Employer's need is never aligned with employee's need. The latter serves to work for an employer that can help her reach their life goals (i.e. make money or a stepping stone to something better and greater). The former on the other hand, can help solve employee's problems (by paying them salary and they get money!). But how often it is when employee can see your company objectives and work relentlessly to help you(employer) to reach your goals (i.e. make more money, increase market share, increase sales etc). My point is if employee works for an employer because he/she needs money - shouldn't they realise that without them doing their job properly, the company (i.e. employer) will be unproductive because the employer has to waste time worrying about the employee rather than focusing on the business.

Writing this blog makes me think back of my first job after my graduation. I was attached to the company for a good 3 years before we go our separate ways. Towards the end of my 3rd year, I was head hunted by another company and they offered me a good position with a better income. Obviously, since my objective (as an employee) is to get more pay, I accepted the offer. I was disappointed that my employers didn't took it well. (Duh!) My boss was upset with my decision - as later I found out he has so much trust and hope in me. How was I to know all these when I'm obviously more obsessed with more money - and yes, I thought the grasses were greener over the other side. It took me 5 years down the road to understand why he was upset that I left - his hopes were pinned on me and I disappointed him. No wonder he never wished me well when I packed my stuff and left the building.

And just yesterday, the board of directors were just discussing about promoting an employee (i.e raise of salary) when that particular employee had to do something that revokes his/her right to that promotion. That leads me to believe that it is not always the employer's fault (as employees always rants on that) - it is in fact your (employee) actions and doings that determines it.