Ok, so you only speak to people that are prepared to be advised/assisted, yet they are still categorized as just wanting a “woe is me” session? Is there ever a scenario where an individual’s concerns are not categorized as a function of their shortcomings, and actually are related to a real tangible problem in the company? Even if there was though, it’s not really something that HR is given the authority to change and perhaps this is what causes your frustration?

It is known in my organization that I will advise/try to assist anyone who is prepared to be advised/assisted. Those who are not prepared to be advised/assisted are not allowed to sit in my office. That is not a function of me, it is a function of them.

Well that is a very kind, generous and provoking offer. At the very least, perhaps we can co-author a book about my experiences that will perhaps become a best seller. I shall write to Suzanne now.

Squeaky Wheel… It’s not only about efficiency, it’s about being an exceptionally effective employee. There’s a difference.

High Achievers… No, we don’t work overtime for free. We are making an investment in our professional futures.

No Good Deed… Keeping one’s head below the parapet certainly provides short-term security. In general, though, “nothing ventured, nothing gained” is apt.

Dare To Be… If you ask her, I authorize Suzanne Lucas to give you my e-mail address. I’d be very happy to provide you with considerable coaching at no cost. I’m experienced at this. From what and how you write, you are worth the investment of my time to see if by working together we can help you leap to new professional levels, if you are motivated to do that. What’s in it for me? Only the satisfaction of doing this, which is enough.

Let me introduce you to the harsh illogical reality that perspicacious employees have had to resort to demonstrate their mettle in 2015 that didn’t start working in the early 80s (I estimated this from your high inflation and unemployment statement) and who also recognize the sarcasm of the meme that many folks on here appear to have missed. It is not telling people to embrace their own mediocrity, but rather the mindset required to survive in certain company cultures that have since developed.

THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS OUTSOURCED
Hooray for computers and the internet so that jobs can now be outsourced to individuals willing to work for $1 an hour. Want to suggest improvements to your boss to increase the efficiency of your department? Better to stay quiet and not highlight that there’s anything inefficient going on because the better solution may just be to outsource it to New Dehli.

HIGH ACHIEVERS END UP WORKING UNPAID OVERTIME
In 1975, more than 65 percent of salaried American workers were paid overtime and now it is just 11%. The best and the brightest carry the departments, get the most workloads, and they get to do it all for FREE. Google the historical stagnation of wages to see that any reward of large promotions and bonuses just isn’t there to give.

NO GOOD DEAD GOES UNPUNISHED
You ever find yourself in a situation where you know it is wise to “mind your own business”? This usually applies to places like bad neighborhoods or prison, but it can also occur when something big is about to go down in a company—mass layoffs, acquisitions, etc. Your goal here is to be anonymous and not draw attention to yourself because when it comes time for the sh*t show it’s the ones that act like they care about the future of their jobs that are often the first to go. Ironically, if you can put on an air of being brain dead, it gives the appearance that you will not react to the insanity of upcoming said sh*t show and buy you some additional time to find alternative employment while you work through the transition and train your replacement…remotely from their location in New Dehli.

DARE TO BE ADEQUATE
I worked at a company once that was acquired. My colleague completed his transition tasks as quickly as possible hoping to get hired by the new company by showing his worth. He was promptly laid off—the goal simply was to phase out any old staff regardless of their skill set. I, on the other hand, recognized this early on and dragged out my work. I reveled in all the mediocrity I could muster and wrapped myself in a blanket of adequacy…and was able to squeak out another two months of employment.

We are in Wonderland now, where up is down and left is right. Are you familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Sometimes before advancement, the corporate culture is one that relocates one’s focus towards survival. What you have described is a rare event in the course of human history and it’s called the American Dream—upward social mobility achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. Despite our own efforts, many of these opportunities were GIVEN to us. But can this last forever? Has any empire ever maintained permanent dominance? Many economists predict that our economy won’t return back to the height of where it previously was within our lifetimes, if ever. When that path to the pursuit of happiness becomes less paved, it is not so simple as just relying on hard work to get you where you need to go. And this is the gist of that meme. It’s not meant to be taken literally, which is ironic given all the effort many people have devoted to this. It is a sarcastic summary of what the reality has become in some organizations (perhaps due to industry and/or size) and the clarity of seeing it for what it is so you can properly navigate it. I would love to see the article rewritten from this perspective.

THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS OUTSOURCED
Hooray for computers and the internet so that jobs can now be outsourced to individuals willing to work for $1 an hour. Want to suggest improvements to your boss to increase the efficiency of your department? Better to stay quiet and not highlight that there’s anything inefficient going on because the better solution may just be to outsource it to New Dehli.

HIGH ACHIEVERS END UP WORKING UNPAID OVERTIME
In 1975, more than 65 percent of salaried American workers were paid overtime and now it is just 11%. The best and the brightest carry the departments, get the most workloads, and they get to do it all for FREE. Google the historical stagnation of wages to see that any reward of large promotions and bonuses just isn’t there to give.

NO GOOD DEAD GOES UNPUNISHED
You ever find yourself in a situation where you know it is wise to “mind your own business”? This usually applies to places like bad neighborhoods or prison, but it can also occur when something big is about to go down in a company—mass layoffs, acquisitions, etc. Your goal here is to be anonymous and not draw attention to yourself because when it comes time for the sh*t show it’s the ones that act like they care about the future of their jobs that are often the first to go. Ironically, if you can put on an air of being brain dead, it gives the appearance that you will not react to the insanity of upcoming said sh*t show and buy you some additional time to find alternative employment while you work through the transition and train your replacement…remotely from their location in New Dehli.

DARE TO BE ADEQUATE
I worked at a company once that was acquired. My colleague completed his transition tasks as quickly as possible hoping to get hired by the new company by showing his worth. He was promptly laid off—the goal simply was to phase out any old staff regardless of their skill set. I, on the other hand, recognized this early on and dragged out my work. I reveled in all the mediocrity I could muster and wrapped myself in a blanket of adequacy…and was able to squeak out another two months of employment.

We are in Wonderland now, where up is down and left is right. Are you familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Sometimes before advancement, the corporate culture is one that relocates one’s focus towards survival. What you have described is a rare event in the course of human history and it’s called the American Dream—upward social mobility achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. Despite our own efforts, many of these opportunities were GIVEN to us. But can this last forever? Has any empire ever maintained permanent dominance? Many economists predict that our economy won’t return back to the height of where it previously was within our lifetimes, if ever. When that path to the pursuit of happiness becomes less paved, it is not so simple as just relying on hard work to get you where you need to go. And this is the gist of that meme. It’s not meant to be taken literally, which is ironic given all the effort many people have devoted to this. It is a sarcastic summary of what the reality has become in some organizations (perhaps due to industry and/or size) and the clarity of seeing it for what it is so you can properly navigate it. I would love to see the article rewritten from this perspective.

Economies go in cycles. Bottoms of cycles are outstanding opportunities for perspicacious employees to demonstrate their mettle. As economies recover, the best earn quick promotions to lead the others who had less foresight.

I hope not, but if you have already surrendered to current reality and accept mediocrity as the objective, the you need to be prepared for decades of cycles of unemployment and under-employment.

I started my career at a time of high unemployment, high inflation, and tremendous migration from high unemployment geographies to relatively low unemployment locations. I am grateful to my bosses who artfully encouraged me to develop additional excellent professional work habits. These sustained me in later times of economic drought.

Many companies have been stifled from giving big raises/bonuses for many years now. Additionally, the high income earners are typically the first to be outsourced. Your experience seems indicative of a time and economy long past. You’re well over 30 years old, correct?