I’d like to challenge you to think in a way that may require a subtle, yet pivotal shift from your current perspective. Think of yourself as a unique, autonomous agent who has the ability to clearly define your ideal work situation, and the confidence to make it happen.
Why? Because you must believe that you have the power to choose your work experiences before you’ll be able to take control of your work life. If you don’t believe that you have some control, you are unlikely to make a change, even if you desire it. Being an agent of your career means taking personal responsibility for those choices. Instead of passively accepting your circumstances, use your autonomy to actively seek the changes you desire.
If you have the mindset of an autonomous agent, you are in a position to create your ideal career. Whether you are an employee or a business owner, perceiving yourself this way will give you the power to control how you offer your services, charge for them, and grow your value as an individual worker.
Fortunately, changes in information technology are making it easier for us as individual workers to take more control of our careers. Work can be done at any time, in any location. A graphic designer can work on a project for a client in London. An American exchange student in China can make sales calls for his Uncle in Los Angeles. We’re returning to a more entrepreneurial, pre-Industrial mindset. Most of us aren’t farmers or trades people, but we can think and act like them. We can treat our work lives as they did.
I had a friend name Jason that was having a hard time finding a job. He resolved to take the initiative and make a change. He decided to walk into a software company and ask whether they might have programming jobs available, even though he wasn’t a programmer. He was told by the hiring manager that an opening for a Java Programmer would be open in about a month, but it wasn’t confirmed.
Despite his lack of programming experience and formal education, Jason took some risk upon himself and offered to do the job without pay until a final decision on the opening was made. They agreed. He learned enough Java in that month to keep the job and successfully launched a career that today allows him to consistently earn a six-figure income, while doing work that is challenging and enjoyable.
Jason believed in himself and confidently approached the company. He took a calculated risk and creatively closed the deal. Even if your escape from the captive mindset isn’t exactly like Jason’s, don’t be afraid to be creative and move forward.
I had a similar experience when I decided to start my own Sales Consulting practice. Though I had enjoyed my sales jobs, there were a few things over which I wanted more control. I wanted to travel less and have more time to spend with my family. I also wanted to create several sources of income by working with multiple companies.
Using my sales expertise, I focused primarily on generating revenue and improving sales performance for technology companies. I made a few phone calls and soon I had my first client. Today I continue to maintain contracts with several clients. My independent business has allowed me to more fully achieve my personal and professional goals.
As you think like an autonomous agent and identify your work life preferences, you’ll be better able to negotiate those objectives into your work situation. The more clearly you define them, as specifically as you can, and preferably in writing, the easier it will be to achieve them.
Autonomous Agent
