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Jumping Off the Cliff and Landing in the Free World

Is Your Boss a Used Car Salesman?

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Is your boss a used car salesman? At least if you go to the caryard, you can spot them from a mile away; cheap suit, slick hair, usually a big stupid grin. They ask you how your day is going, lovely weather outside, anything you’re interested in? “Oh no don’t worry, I just want to chat mate”… Yeah right.

salesman-bmpAt least you KNOW their motive, they are trying to sell you something. Their sole purpose from 9 – 5 is to get you to buy something. The test drive, have a sit inside, see how it feels, the new car smell, it’s all aimed at getting you to buy their car. They have a motive; it’s out there for everyone to see.

Your boss and everyone above you in the corporate world have a motive, but it’s not always clear to you and me. You think they are really interested in how your weekend was, your family and your interests outside of work?

The ideal employee wouldn’t have family, interests or any free thought! Or checking out websites during the day might I add! :)

The motives of the corporate are many and are more often than not sold to you as ‘career opportunities’.

  • Working overtime & extra hours, you’ve just become a lot less of an expense! Your employer is getting way more out of you than they’re paying for.
  • Their promotion & moving up the ranks, you make them look good.
  • Share holder profits, executives have one main driver, profits for the shareholders.

I’ll never forget being told, “You’re never going to be able to have more of an effect on the share price than at this company son!” Big deal, I don’t own any shares!

The Working World of Old

There are a number of common themes that used to be applicable to the working world; loyalty, years served at a company, punctuality, friendly service. These days the working world is all about conversions; how many sales have you made? When will you be finished your current task to start the next? Can you work Saturday to meet the deadline? Push push push.

Too many workplaces are focusing on a big corporate image without having any substance or core business. Sure they’ve got a flash website and glossy brochures, but what are they actually trying to sell you?

Work = Money

This concept hasn’t been explored enough, that not only are customers being sold bullshit, but employees are too! The world needs a good slap around the ear, you’re working for your pay, not to build a company image, not so that your executives will look good in front of a board of directors, not to do work Saturday mornings for free. Plain and simple, work = money. Work is that 8 hour inconvenience in your day that allows to you enjoy your time off & your family.

Next time you’re at work have a good look around, are you being sold a lemon? If you want to tell the world about your used car salesman, leave a comment.

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Written by Andrew

November 5th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Posted in The 9-5 & Corporate Fluff

Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

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  • Ugh, so true. I blew outta corporate America because I got tired of them acting like they were doing me some big favor. I'd never be unappreciative of a paycheck, but I was amazed at how one place in particular browbeat these folks into thinking there was nothing else out there. I have stupidly high pride in my work, so they ALWAYS got more than they were paying me for.

    Love the photo for this entry. Heh.
  • @Andrew - I'm still the best boss that I've ever had! At least when I work more, work = money *in my pocket*
  • This is true. Some companies want to establish a special relationship that usually means working one or two extra hours for free.
  • Andrew
    @Nick & @Dena, I have to agree, they're not all bad! Some are quite genuine. It's refreshing when your boss is authentic.
  • Andrew! This post is fantastic. What a great metaphor you've drawn here - used car salesman. HA!

    I've got to agree with Nick, there are some "good" bosses out there, but I'll tell you what, a lot of them are just as you've painted them here. It's good to at least be aware of the fact.

    -Dena
    Evolution
  • I've had good bosses and bad ones. I used to work in a call centre, which was basically a slave-driving environment run by someone who treated us all like toddlers. In those situations, best to run. But not every company in the world is like that.
  • Historically, torches and pitchforks.
  • Less and less people are working more and more hours... for the same or less pay...

    I was at the grocery store the other day. Huge national chain store. They expected me bag my own groceries.

    I don't think so.

    The unemployment rate is about 18% in California. And they can't afford to hire someone to bag groceries? Screw them.
  • Andrew
    Couldn't agree more Dave. Imagine a 4 day work week, unemployment would drop, everyday jobs would become more competitive, people would be forced by default to increase their skill sets and education! Actually this would make a good post. Noted.

    Australia 'used' to be the lucky country, and only the brits used to work over-time, now every man and his dog are working their backsides off! Where does it end...
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