I once heard a call centre manager saying it was tolerable
to have a high staff-turnover in his industry because “it’s the nature of the
industry”....
...This is b#@`S*^t! As long as workers get a sense that they are
contributing to something positive, that their daily tasks in some way create
something of value, then they’re going to extract a sense of job satisfaction, maybe even real joy.
As more and more firms pinch the purse strings in order to
turn a profit it is harder and harder for workers to feel as if their
contribution is tangible and that their efforts are worth a dime. Their dilemma
is made much worse if they don’t get any recognition other than a meagre pay packet.
This is why, increasingly, I get the sense that the makers
of things are happiest. You know, those artisans who bake wonderful traditional
bread recipes, the dry-stone wall builders, the farriers who work iron into
works-of-art, the thatchers who construct timeless roofs on medieval houses and
clay potters and wood turners making bowls of perfection.
Sustained psycho-social and economic wellbeing is dependent
upon contributing positively to your community for the individual to thrive and
prosper in the broadest and most widely rewarding sense. The world is in such a
mess because Capitalism removed the individual’s ability to hone their technique
and proper through a progressive mastery of skill.
Self-preservation in the 21st
Century labour market is about being resilient to change and being able to do
nothing in particular averagely well. There is no reward in this short-sightedness
for either employer or employee. Hence, market volatility robs society of its
meaning in the medium to long term with no sight of let-up.
Self-preservation technique, happiness-building and holistic
wellbeing rely upon your ability to make, grow and sustain; to move forward and
develop. Relearning from scratch every few months erodes resolve as everyone
loses sight of growth indicators.
Set your sights on making something of value. Invent something
that will make other peoples’ lives happier, more fulfilling and / or
efficient. Give joy by building, shaping, designing, sculpting, crafting,
tailoring, constructing, drawing, harvesting, divining, staining, whittling,
plumbing, decorating, growing, dyeing, turning, potting, hammering, fastening,
weaving, joining, smithing, sawing and stitching. Doing words help things grow. Be guided by your actions.
Be the modern Artisan. Nurture your ability to work, invest
effort, form and then step back on experience the meaning borne-out of making
some thing tangible. Above, make and take joy in your being your own master.
[And for those who can find no option other than 'serve', try sincerely to smile authentically. Your rewards are the smiles reflected back.]
Experience joy - Seek that your product live. See others shine. See society sustain. Create, generate, grow, thrive. It is infectious.