Do NOT Work for an Employer

It's been a while since I have written to you. Do not be vexed. I am away for my growth and yours. But while I was away, I hope you didn't give people who claim that working for someone is slavery your precious attention. Please don't. They are either ignorant or wastefully cocky. You are a tool, and a resource, for solving problems, creating change, and making things happen. So your services will be required by companies and individuals who consider your inputs valuable to what they are doing at a cost. Tools must be engaged for them to earn their relevance. That is what small-minded people call ‘Being used’ Being used exists only when you give and you gain nothing in return. That is not what working for an employer is. When you work with an employer, you're trading your ignorance for knowledge and trading your dullness for sharpness. You're investing in yourself and increasing your value and marketability. You’re learning discipline, structure and organization.

Over many years. I have discovered a trend with people who say they are being used. They pay no attention to what they can pick up from their jobs. They leave their employment the same way they joined. That should never be you. Your accomplishment from your job is not just the role you perform but the result you deliver, and that result doesn't belong to your employer, it belongs to you and on the slip you show to your next employer. Working for an employer is a win-win situation. Your employer wins and you win.

You are a catalyst. A catalyst is not used up in the reaction. Therefore you cannot be used.

Working for an employer is not the same thing as trading your life for a monthly pittance. It is getting a reward for the value you bring to the table of your workplace. However, it is your duty to increase the value to increase your worth. Do not mind the naysayers who try to discourage you from exerting yourself.

Being creative doesn't always mean working for yourself or having a business. It means using your resources and skills to solve a problem and adding value to others.

Finally, working for an employer doesn't interfere with value creation. It doesn't interfere with using your gifts, engaging your platform, doing investments, writing your books, producing your songs, etc It is more demanding but it's not impossible. They are not mutually exclusive.

Finally, Be strategic about those you give your time to, be intentional about deploying your gifts and you will be fine.

I’d love to read from you. Have a blessed week and breakthrough from within.

Abiola Iyiola

Creative Director,

AI Leadership Consult