During my undergraduate years at the university, I took on a job as a video editor for a television program. Despite my dedication and utmost commitment, I was not compensated. Despite knowing that the producer billed the sponsor four times my rate, I was given excuses whenever I demanded to be paid. After 7 months of involuntary pro bono work, I made a dramatic exit.
A while later, a prominent CEO recognised the quality of my work and recommended me for all the photography and videography contracts in his company. Occasionally, he would inquire about how well my business was doing and recommend my services to people in his network.
This connection proved to be a lifeline for Visual Lab Media Ltd., the media production company I established during my final year at the university.
This experience taught me these valuable lessons:
Some people admire your gifts and resources with the intention to exploit them. These individuals, whom I call “leeches”, exist everywhere including in our workplaces. They may seem to value you, but you will know their true nature when you stop giving. They may tarnish your reputation, cause disaffection among your core audience, snitch on you and poison the minds of people who appreciate you. Learn to distinguish between those who value you and those who are looking out for the next person to exploit.
Do not linger where you don’t belong. In your career, it is crucial to move on when you feel undervalued or seek opportunities outside when you outgrow your current situation. The feeling of being an option is not an option. The idea is to create value and, you must go where that value is appreciated, not just tolerated or managed. Sometimes, good packages find themselves at the wrong addresses. You may have an excellent product but you may be selling to the wrong audience. It is time to reassess your situation, repackage yourself, find the right audience, and offer your value to them.
Relationships, be it professional or personal or whatever should be established on a foundation of mutual benefit. You deserve to be with someone who understands your importance and recognises your true worth. You must work with companies who genuinely value you and what you bring to the table. Are others reciprocating and investing as much as you are in the relationship, or do they feel entitled to your efforts?
Just like antique items can have varying valuations depending on the appraisal it is a jeweller, pawn shop owner, or museum curator- your worth should not diminish based on someone’s inability to see it. Self-awareness is key here. Understand what you bring to the table and be ready to walk off when the corresponding effort is not proportional.
As a professional, your mission is to deliver value. For your value to be felt you must position yourself strategically, and connect with your tribe. Do not stay in the wrong place and become frustrated if you are not appreciated. The right place will recognise your worth in the right way.
Remember, your worth is determined by your talents, work ethic, and commitment, and you have the power to choose where and with whom to share them.
GO!
Go where your presence is acknowledged;
Contributions accepted.
Views appreciated.
Efforts rewarded.
Your energy is reciprocated.
Just GO!
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