KAUTILYA’S ADVICE ON CHANGING JOBS

[Guest guest]

KAUTILYA'S ADVICE ON CHANGING JOBS

 

- Radhakrishnan Pillai

 

Let's face it: There comes a point in each and every person's career when he

feels like running away from his current routine, almost mundane work. He feels

like taking up a higher responsibility and earning more money than what he is

currently getting.

 

For such people Kautilya advices,

 

" One, conversant with the ways of the world, should seek service with a king,

endowed with personal excellences and the excellences of material constituents,

through such as dear and beneficial (to the king) " (5.4.1)

 

Such experienced people, who are equipped with the know-how of their work,

should definitely seek higher responsibility. If this is not done, he will feel

depressed, stressed and under-utilised.

 

He should approach the king (leaders of organisations) and, showing him his

experience and results achieved in the past, should ask for a better job. Now,

changing jobs does not mean changing organisaitons. You can change jobs even

within one organisation itself.

 

However, while doing so, one should keep in mind the benefits that he can bring

to the owner not just to himself. It is very important to remember that, while

one is being interviewed for higher positions / responsibilities, the

interviewer will always consider the benefits the recruiting firm can get.

Hence, keep that foremost in mind.

 

Steps that will help you take up higher responsibility:

 

1. GATHER EXPERIENCE

 

Experience counts a lot in going up in life. Learn from everyone and everything

possible. Update your knowledge and gather some good skills. The more

experienced you are the better your chances of going up in life.

 

2. PREPARE A DOCUMENT

 

While approaching the people who could promote you or give you new

responsibilities, always carry documents which show success in your past

endeavors. CVs, portfolios, certificates, press cuttings, reports of the

projects you have handled: All these could be helpful.

 

3. TALK ABOUT `THEIR' BENEFITS

 

During the interview, it is very important to discuss about the benefits that

you can give to the organisation you are going to work for. Talk in terms of

definite numbers. Do a little bit of research and study as you prepare for the

interview.

 

Not to forget that whatever new assignment you are going to take up – you have

to leave your mark.

 

Bob Dole, a former American leader and who ran for US Presidency too, once said,

" When it's all over, it's not who you were. It's whether you made a difference "