Creating Your Own Luck

Losing my job in the last recession of the last century, I discovered first hand the power of creating your own luck. A week later, I decided to locate an interim position while I looked for a "real" one. Accepting a temporary position at minimum wage in an industry I knew little about, I decided the way to enjoy the position was to learn everything I could and contribution all that I could. I poured over manuals in my down time, developed processes to expedite the work, trained new employees, volunteered for additional assignments, and did anything that needed to be done. Four weeks into a ten week job, I was unexpectedly offered my first management position.

If I had listened to my friends cautioning me that taking a minimum wage position was career suicide, if I had been concerned about accepting a job "beneath" my education or experience level, or if I had only done what was expected, I would have missed an opportunity that led to five promotions in the next seven years.

It has been my experience over the years, while climbing the corporate ladder to Vice President of a multi-billion dollar company, that opportunity is everywhere and anywhere. Often, it's in unexpected places for those who differentiate themselves in the workplace. People who do what is expected of them, do it very well, "and then some" have opportunities arise that others never do. And people who set their ego aside, contributing everything they can to the task at hand, often create their own luck. That's because initiative is a powerful commodity in the workplace.

People offering to do extra work only if they get paid for it, or take on extra responsibility only if their salary is increased first, have it backwards in my book. My advice: do the work, do it well, and then do it even better. Higher pay, greater responsibilities and increased opportunities follow individuals who are contributors. Anytime I looked to hire people, offer permanent positions to temporary employees or interns, start up new departments or businesses, or promote individuals, I looked for people doing their job well ..."and then some."

(c) 2004 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Nan's free biweekly eColumn at www.winningatworking.com. Nan Russell has spent over twenty years in management, most recently with QVC as a Vice President. She has held leadership positions in Human Resource Development, Communication, Marketing and line Management. Nan has a B.A. from Stanford University and M.A. from the University of Michigan. Currently working on her first book, Winning at Working: 10 Lessons Shared, Nan is a writer, columnist, small business owner, and on-line instructor. Contact Nan at info@nanrussell.com.

---

Avoid Potential Job Interview Disasters

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid... Read More

Prepare for YOUR Future now --

All Presidential candidates (before and after) make all kinds of... Read More

The Big Mo : Momentum and the Hiring Process

Momentum as defined by Webster's is: strength or force gained... Read More

How To Deal With A Difficult Boss

Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More

Avoid Your CV Always Ending Up in the Bin

Cover Letters must grab the reader's interest so that they... Read More

Career Success Through Self-Marketing

Marketing shouldn't be limited to advertising companies. Finding a job... Read More

Unemployment Blues: Mind Over Mood

Our lives are tranquil and smooth so seldom, it seems.... Read More

Networking Masterclass - Part 2 Practicing Altruism

Practicing Altruism The 'Golden Rule' occurred in the Greek and... Read More

Global Economy Creates Need For International Business Pros

The increasing globalization of business has created a demand for... Read More

Unemployment Survival: Creating a Sense of Security

In a time of economic downturn, international turmoil, company restructuring... Read More

Your Resume is Just One of the Tools in Your Job Search

A resume is a tool. It allows employers to see... Read More

You Are Lucky in Your Career!

You Are Lucky in Being Satisfied in Your CareerJust for... Read More

175 Power Verbs and Phrases for Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews

While you're revamping your resume or cover letter or constructing... Read More

Stop Searching for A Job and Start Attracting Professional Success!

1. Assess ? Evaluate your skills, interests and abilities. Understand... Read More

Resurgence of the Time Sheet: Why You Should Write Down Your Workday Activities

One day I walked into my boss's office and said,... Read More

Job Search: Time Management

There is an old adage that "Looking for a job... Read More

Employment Screening Today ? Are Online Database Searches Enough?

In today's employment environment, HR managers are faced with the... Read More

Ideal Job and Handling Criticism

How many times have you been asked, "What is your... Read More

So Youre Thinking of Changing Careers

"You don't have to take life the way it comes... Read More

10 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Job Fairs

Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs. They can... Read More

The Secrets to Interview Success

Many well qualified and extremely able candidates fail at job... Read More

Ask Me No Questions, Ill Tell You No Lies

If only there were no questions involved in getting a... Read More

Ten Questions For Entrepreneurs To Ask Themselves

Ten Questions For Entrepreneurs To Ask Themselves1.Do I have the... Read More

How to Write Cover Letters That Increase Your Chances of Winning an Interview

Submit a poorly written cover letter and the chances are... Read More

Occupational Health and Safety - Stress and Workaholism at Work

There has been a lot of hullabaloo recently about the... Read More

How To Find Your Dream Job

Here's the bottom line: many people work in jobs that... Read More

?How to Look Your Best in a Down Economy?

As you know too well ~ many jobs have been... Read More

Rev-Up Your Network!

Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or... Read More

Lets Talk About Trust

I agree with Brooker T. Washington, "Few things help an... Read More

Ask the Recruiter

We all have career goals, big or small. Here are... Read More

Reinvent Your Career In Five Simple Steps

The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all... Read More

How To Become A Computer Consultant

Have you ever wanted to become a computer consultant, but... Read More

Do You Need A Mentor? And How Do You Find One?

Whether you're self-employed or you work for someone else, you're... Read More