To work hard or not

 In corporate life or in personal life as well, there is one question that I often ponder upon. Is hard-work over-rated or rather is hard-work enough. What plays a more important role in shaping your carrier. Your hard work or the opportunities you got.

I have always been a believer into the fact that most of us can work hard. Sometimes it’s an obligation as your job demands you to work hard. Some jobs are inherently tough than others. But I’m concerned about another scenario. Where you have the option of fooling around as there is nobody to micro-manage you. You can afford to take it easy if you want to. In these kind of cases, Hard work is more of a choice than on obligation. When you are motivated internally rather than by some external factors.

For me opportunity and appreciation are equally important if not more than hard work. As I stated earlier, most of us can work hard. What is sad is that we don’t get appreciation or acknowledgement for working hard especially when the hard work is by choice. Another important aspect is the opportunity to work hard.

I have completed 17 years of working experience this month. Even though I found this concept of total experience being a parameter of your growth, a bit overrated. Sometimes we have just passed the time going through motions rather than evolving. Still, it’s a good time to reflect.

On more than one occasion, I have found myself at crossroad when working hard is concerned. It started by taking initiative, by going above and beyond my standard job description. At first there is appreciation but then it gradually dries up. Either other person (peers, superiors) starts taking me for granted, or become insecure that I want to steal their thunder. But gradually they stopped acknowledging that I’m taking the initiative. Often, I also had a motive behind taking this initiative which is related to transitioning to a different role or overall growth. So, when the other person refused to acknowledge your efforts or conspicuously denies you the opportunity for transition / growth. You are faced with a dilemma and have two options.

One option is to stop taking these initiatives. It’s very easy to do as they are not even acknowledging these initiatives in first place. Plus, you get more free time to fool around. It definitely looks alluring.

Second option is to keep working on the initiatives. To build on the foundation you have made with your hard work. Sometimes you feel down and wronged upon, but you keep pushing yourself.

Here is why I feel second option is the correct thing to go. Firstly, inaction is the worst thing when you are feeling down and out. It adds to your sense of helplessness. It will start eating you out gradually and makes you a bitter person.

On the other hand, if you own this initiative and keeps on working on it regardless of lack of acknowledgement. You will have internal satisfaction. It’s imperative to seek your validation inside not outside. You cannot let go of your hard work just because someone is not appreciating you for it. The main aim should be to get new experiences and insights. With no pressure you can focus on quality of work rather than quantitative part of it.