If the wind will not serve, take to the oars – Latin Proverb

Are you expecting an external force to boost your career and steer it to great heights? If so, you may be in for a rude awakening.

You cannot expect the wind to be behind your sails always. The wind could be still or blowing in the opposite direction causing headwinds. So, since times immemorial, sailors took both sails and oars to navigate the waters.  You can call it a Plan B or be prepared just in case.  It shows planning, thinking of alternative approaches and being ready when the inevitable hurdle comes up.

How “If the wind will not serve, take to the oars” strategy is relevant to your career?

Similarly, if your career strategy is depending on your bosses’ good graces alone, you can kiss your career aspirations goodbye.

For example, you pick up slack for others and do a great job on a project, do you assume that your superiors know your accomplishments?

The bubble in your industry burst and the gravy train stopped and layoffs galore. Do you know what’s next and how to get there?

Or for that matter, the job that you counted on and planned on working forever is now outsourced. Are you prepared with alternative courses of action?

In each of the scenarios, what are the equivalent of your oars? The support mechanism. The Plan B and possibly Plan C.

Of course, it is not just about preparing for the worst case scenario. Let us assume the wind is there but not enough. A combination of wind and oars may get you to your destination quicker.  Similarly, in addition to relying on your growing company for a comfortable career, aggressively saving a nest egg and inculcating a profitable hobby may stand you in good stead.

Take charge of your career and life.  Pick up the necessary tools and forge your path and blaze a trail.

Onwards and upwards.