The Steel Resolve
Last week marked my 7th year of service in name of my craft - that is being a professional Systems Analyst and Designer in the Information Technology industry. There are probably many who claim that they are, but let me tell you, it takes more than just working in a big company to be really called one (if at all for you to qualify).I'm not exaclty celebrating. In our community eye that's just for formalities. What really matters is how far I've gone and how much I've given up to achieve this level of expertise. Looking back at how we all were back in college as ComSci students, you could see the "potentials", you could also see the "potential wannabes". I saw my vocation, and with it I had realized my vision. And so I sought to reach it.
I have gone far and wide in the development industry. Using my connections and my "quality of service" as my signature, I joined a smaller team of professionals who share the same passion. We are now one of the moving forces who shape to improve this country's infrastructure by providing organizations with services to improve their business.
The question many people ask me is why did I leave my previous company -- perhaps the biggest step towards my career growth. My answer was quite straightforward - It was because the opportunities that I have now, that company could never provide. Why should I wait for 10-20 years for it when I can accomplish them now? I had to take care of myself - it was perhaps the (biggest and last) mistake I made in dealing with the denizens of the corporate world, to think that a company (any company for that matter) - could take care of you.
Believe me - if you have the balls and talent (in whatever industry), you have to do two things - first is to turn your talent into an ability. You can achieve this by solidifying your values on personal discipline. When you have the discipline for your career - the talent becomes an ability. When you have an ability - that is.. being able to do something quicker and better than most people who still look at their skills as a talent, you are miles and miles ahead of people with Talent. And believe me - faster time-to-market sells more than just "being good". Ever wondered why people with good voices take voice lessons? It's for refining your voice talent into a Singing Ability. The analogy is similar in most cases.
After this, next you have to sell yourself. Repeat business offered to you by previous clients is probably the biggest payback you will have. It doesn't matter if you were under a big company and you were servicing them. The point is when you left, they're still looking for you (and not the company). Strive to achieve that level of relationships with the people you do business with. After you have these two, everything else will follow. And you have secured your place in the world.
And then after that, you work to leave your legacy, then retire a legend. It's all good.
and I've got miles and miles to go...
posted by Urban Warrior @ 5:52 AM
4 Comments:
A hearty congrats to you, Kiko! Yes, there may still be more miles for you to go, but at least you know and are firm on where you're headed.
And oh, I'm pretty sure you'd be able to reach that pinnacle point of yours in no time =)
why didn't you approve my comment on your perfume entry? aha! hmmmmm..... ;) anyway, the thing about work, well, it justifies that the term "retirement" only applies to older people. you know what i mean? nevermind... ;)
congratulations, kiko! =)
congrats! ang tanda mo na :P
^_^
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