Ask The Right Question: Rethink What Really Matters
My teammate stepped down, and I disagree with her reason.
I heard a lot of disappointment after saying yes to an organisation which is totally fine, because we can’t find happiness anywhere else unless we define happiness by our own definition. As we mature, we begin to see that fulfilment comes from within, not from external roles. So, don’t say that the job fails you or that the organisation looks boring before we push our limits to crack the question we have. It’s obviously fine to step down from a job or organization, but please, make sure you've answered the questions behind your 'why’.
From the centre of our ego/ambition, our consideration of every decision we make related to a job or an organization would be:
Will it be worth my time?
Is there enough incentive for my contribution?
Is the situation healthy enough for me to grow or even to bloom?
Everything will be for our own profit. Although I know it’s true and relatable, I mean, we’re not idiots who can’t make our own decisions, right?
While it’s natural to assess whether a job or organization benefits us personally, there’s another layer worth exploring—one that shifts our mindset from self-interest to shared impact. What if, instead of asking only what we can gain, we also ask what we can contribute? That shift in focus can change the way we work and the value we bring. In that spirit, here are a few questions to consider when putting the organization or job at the center. For organization:
Will my existence here affect the organization?
How can I contribute to make this organization better?
These questions will shift your attention to make yourself better. Ego or pride can’t be the wheel for our motivation, for it will torture the whole group.
For a job:
Is my wage commensurate with my contribution?
It may sound weird, but the more days go by, the more you’ll get the definition of what is truly best for the employee. And how should the employer value their employee contribution?
Has my existence increased the bare minimum of my role?
Has my work elevated the quality of this company’s outcome? At least at one point.
Some may find these questions overly idealistic, but awareness is the foundation of true contribution. Why should someone ask that before getting a job? I get that point. But the more awareness we have in a job or in a community, the more self-confidence we have to make more contributions.
Appreciate you reading.
