Rethinking Career Loyalty: Does your company deserve your hard work?

Poured your heart into your job with nothing to show? Maybe it’s not you—maybe it’s them.

It’s time to question whether your company deserves your efforts.

So, you’re working hard at your company, trying to grow both personally and professionally.

But it’s tough. There will be times when you don’t get that promotion, when clients are scarce, and opportunities seem nonexistent.

Despite the struggle, you try really hard, you push yourself, you try and make the opportunities for yourself.

At this point it’s crucial to actually zoom out and consider the bigger picture - look at your company’s objectives.

What are they aiming for?

Take an honest look at your company

So, what’s going on with the company you’ve committed yourself to? Do they even know where they’re heading? If you can’t get a straight answer about the company’s mission, you’re already losing.

The first red flag is often a lack of clarity about these goals throughout the business. If the goals aren’t clear, how can you or your team make decisions aligned with the company’s best interests?

Without a clear direction, you’re essentially rowing a boat with no oars. You are moving, but is it forward?

Think Twice About Loyalty

Loyalty in business is rare.

You can’t afford to give your all to a company that won’t reciprocate. If you got hit by a bus tomorrow, you’d likely be replaced within a month.

So, before you commit your efforts and ambitions, consider if this company will truly provide the opportunities you need, or if you’ll quickly hit a ceiling.

It’s brutal but true. It’s not about being cynical; it’s about being smart with where you invest your energies.

I’ve been there - my experience when working in small to medium-sized businesses, I often reached a level of seniority where the only higher positions were held by the company owners. Without a chance to become a part owner (a rare opportunity) you hit a dead end. If the owners are comfortable with how things are (sometimes it’s a lifestyle business for them), the business won’t grow, and neither will your career or your compensation.

In many cases, especially with smaller companies, they reach a certain level and then end up being sold. Often, the first change in such acquisitions is that they get rid of the upper management to replace them with their own team, so there’s no real loyalty there.

Comfort zones are where dreams go to die.

If you’re ambitious and eager to advance, think about whether this business is right for you.

Is this a company where you can see yourself growing?

Not every company aims to be a giant like Apple or Google, or as disruptive as Tesla or Uber. Many are happy enough just keeping things running, focused more on immediate financial comfort for the owners rather than ambitious growth.

Jumping ship isn’t a bad idea

In industries like tech, it’s common for people to switch companies every few years to progress their careers. This might be a strategy to consider - growing your career independently of any single business.

You could progress from company to company based on their annual revenue - a good indicator of how they opporate and what your level of responsibility will be. Eventually, with the right skills and connections, you might even start your own venture or collaborate with someone who complements your abilities.

Whether you’re a visionary like Steve Jobs or an operator like Tim Cook - or perhaps a mix of both - remember, not everyone needs to be a visionary.

Personally, I’m not the big visionary with big ideas.

I’m an operator.

I’m more than happy to be the guy behind the scenes who just makes things happen. I can’t always come up with “the thing”, but once it’s defined I can make it happen.

Are You Just Going with the Flow?

Time to take ownership..

Don’t settle.

Don’t stay loyal when it’s not reciprocated.

Here’s what you can actually do about it:

• Network like a boss: Get your name out there. Talk to people who are where you want to be. LinkedIn, forums, industry meet-ups—make your face a familiar one.
• Skills pay the bills: Up your game. Learn the latest digital tools, take on courses that fill your gaps. Make yourself too good to ignore.
• Side projects: Dabble on the side. Play with stuff. Freelance projects can boost your profile and your skills.
• Why not do your own thing?: Ever thought of running the show? If your current job is boring af, maybe it’s time to start your own thing. Small steps can lead to big things.

Take ownership of Your Career

In summary, zoom out and look at what you’re trying to achieve.

Then look at what the company you’re working for is trying to achieve.

Are your goals bigger than theirs in the medium to long term?

If so, that’ll give you a perspective you need to make your decisions of what you’re doing next. Don’t waste your talent.

— Fancy a chat about how you can be more intentional with your progression? With over a decade of turning digital agencies around and mentoring the pros, I got you.

Drop me a line. Let’s work on moving you from going with the flow to taking control.