The Workplace.....for some its a sanctuary. A place where your contribution is validated regularly. For others its a place to go everyday that will pay the bills, or almost pay the bills. I am not sure where my career measures us in this vast range. I can only assert that dedication is relative. Being compared to co workers and their ability versus yours is a constant battle. The question becomes, who are we battling against? Is it ourselves, our superiors, our insubordinates? Only what lies inside the mind, body and soul can siphon through the madness.
What is my motivation? Is it the possibility of maintaining a lifestyle, a family or is it just to keep up with the "Jone's? Being an urban sophisticate brings all these questions to the forefront. Does one have to possess all these attributes to feel successful? I ask myself regularly, how do I comprehend getting to work on time everyday, and going above and beyond the call of duty to please others that bring home checks i may never see. Is it that one day I'll bring home a check I can marvel and not spend like a newly signed MC with a cash advance?
I hope to never feel obligated to work somewhere that I feel stifled or confined to a menial job description that only hints on the scope of my ability. I am okay with the way things are, considering where I used to be. I just do not want others to be satisfied with whatever current situation they are in. If you are unhappy, leave and keep you sanity. But also keep your employability. There is a smart way to quit, and a dumb way. Make good contacts, and stay networking. Or if you are unhappy with your current occupation, make the most of it rather than pout ant be the angry minority that feels wronged by the system. Even if that is the case, this is what employers expect of us and to thus lash out at what we do not agree with. The world does not revolve around "angry black man" rants that have no depth or justification. Stay armed with information and document everything that you feel is not right. Someday, that information will provide insight into what you are really committed to. Whether its a time clock at a McDonald's, or a Board of Directors seat at a Fortune 500 company.
I implore readers to think, and rethink about the situation that they are in and if they are happy about the way they are living. If not, change it. No one is going to do that for you. The reverse is also true. If you are happy, then do not let anyone take that away from you. Not a jealous co-worker. A temperamental manager that is only looking out themselves, or a disgruntled "lifer" that has no other option. Just take all situations into account and do not confine yourself to conformity........................
Until Next Time......Stay Informed.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Inaugeration
Ah, the very beginning................so much promise. An abundance of goals to achieve. A variety of choices to make. There is a great deal of growing when it comes to starting a blog. It would seem as if I were referring to starting a career, or a family, but no, just a blog. I shunned the idea of starting one with the excuse to not have the time to keep up with it. So many friends and family members were asking me to start one and after thinking about this for the past six months, I finally caved.
Starting out in a new city, with a new marriage, a new job, a new political climate, and a new environmental climate. There are too many "news" to not document this chapter in my life and beyond. Living and working in the DC Metro Area is not an easy feat for someone born and raised in southern California by way of Oakland. Being able to calibrate all my experiences and give education, music, fashion, and yes even finance tips can hopefully prove to be beneficial to other transplants that are trying to "plant" their feet.
In DC and the surrounding areas I have found that being at the epicenter of all decision making for our country, does not always mean that its inhabitants voice their true opinions on policies that may affect them. Rather, they tend to hide behind which political party they vote for, or their parents voted for in a previous election, many moons ago to say the least.
Ultimately, there is so much responsibility when it comes to blogging and I pledge to honor my own personal cyber-commitment to represent myself and my community in a way that respects all family, friends, political affiliation, ethnic background, orientation and will not tolerate any degradation of what I do not agree with. Just acknowledge the jugular and try to see the other side, whatever that maybe. I also pledge to offer an alternative to the negativity that plagues the African American community in terms of how we communicate, what we are communicating about, and what we can communicate to others in responsible, empowering, and enlightening way.
My professional and personal opinion would suggest that an urban sophisticate is someone who is in control of their own destiny, and not fall prey to the stereotypes and stigmas that infiltrate our existence as minorities at work, home, school, or at the bank.
Some say that the "American Dream" consists of becoming a homeowner. Others might say that even opening a bank account is a dream come true. No one has the same dreams or goals in life but we can all help each other obtain what we feel this lofty "Dream" is and I hope to be the one that can make others realize that they are not so "lofty" after all and are yes, obtainable so stay tuned for more insight, tips, life experiences, and advice from your urban sophisticate.
Starting out in a new city, with a new marriage, a new job, a new political climate, and a new environmental climate. There are too many "news" to not document this chapter in my life and beyond. Living and working in the DC Metro Area is not an easy feat for someone born and raised in southern California by way of Oakland. Being able to calibrate all my experiences and give education, music, fashion, and yes even finance tips can hopefully prove to be beneficial to other transplants that are trying to "plant" their feet.
In DC and the surrounding areas I have found that being at the epicenter of all decision making for our country, does not always mean that its inhabitants voice their true opinions on policies that may affect them. Rather, they tend to hide behind which political party they vote for, or their parents voted for in a previous election, many moons ago to say the least.
Ultimately, there is so much responsibility when it comes to blogging and I pledge to honor my own personal cyber-commitment to represent myself and my community in a way that respects all family, friends, political affiliation, ethnic background, orientation and will not tolerate any degradation of what I do not agree with. Just acknowledge the jugular and try to see the other side, whatever that maybe. I also pledge to offer an alternative to the negativity that plagues the African American community in terms of how we communicate, what we are communicating about, and what we can communicate to others in responsible, empowering, and enlightening way.
My professional and personal opinion would suggest that an urban sophisticate is someone who is in control of their own destiny, and not fall prey to the stereotypes and stigmas that infiltrate our existence as minorities at work, home, school, or at the bank.
Some say that the "American Dream" consists of becoming a homeowner. Others might say that even opening a bank account is a dream come true. No one has the same dreams or goals in life but we can all help each other obtain what we feel this lofty "Dream" is and I hope to be the one that can make others realize that they are not so "lofty" after all and are yes, obtainable so stay tuned for more insight, tips, life experiences, and advice from your urban sophisticate.
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