The Tribune

By Ian Ferguson

A large percentage of our working population consists of young people aged between 17 and 25 years-old. Many are ill-equipped for the world of work, not just because we fail to prepare them educationally and socially, or because they do not possess the competencies required for job success. Rather, we have failed to give them an opportunity to find their individual niche.

Economics has long taught us that frictional unemployment is the healthiest form of unemployment. It is, by definition, the unemployment that arises due to the transition of individuals from one job or career to another.

Economists the world over encourage it, and find it incredibly useful to the economy at large. They argue that people are more efficient and productive doing what they have been purposed, destined and love to do. If it requires six job moves to find that area that best suits them, then they are encouraged to ‘just do it’.

While this trend of thought goes completely against the grain, and many in the traditional and baby-boomer generations cringe at the thought of their children and grand-children leaving good jobs in search of something else, such moves have proven beneficial to most and the economy as a whole.

Finding your corporate niche, though, must not be done randomly. It must done strategically by the individual, and supported by others around them.

I am not encouraging young people to spontaneously or sporadically leave their jobs because they are dissatisfied. In fact, I often encourage persons to flourish in whatever garden they happen to be planted. I strongly believe an individual should make the most out of whatever situation they find themselves in.

I am suggesting, instead, that when a person surveys their current circumstance and job situation, and still finds a purpose, void or destiny itch that lingers, then they must explore all avenues for pursuing what that most suits them.

For some this requires additional training. For others it involves moving into entrepreneurship and, again, for some it might require a complete start over. Persons must be careful to not allow a change in career or job to be motivated by the wrong relations.

Bad relations with senior management, more money, improved social status and standing, should not be the key inducements for a change. Instead, the drivers should be contentment and purpose, and the pursuit of passion that will allow an individual to celebrate going to work every day. It was Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, who said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.