You Justify Your Own Existence

Many people envy what I do, running a business of my own. During the bad years in my business, I used to envy those who had proper jobs. I used to think the working in the company as an employee is always the wisest and safest choice, just like what old folks like to say: "Study hard and you find a good job". Recently, I read an article from the papers of what an expat's view of Singaporeans. She said, Singaporeans are like tropcal fishes in a nice aquarium. The job of the fishes is to look good and survive well in the tank. As long as the owner takes care of maintaining the tank and feed the fishes well, the fishes will lead a good life. Comparing the fishes in the wild lakes and oceans, they are exposed to the countless of dangers and enviroment change. They have to learn to survive and only the fittest survive.

Thinking of this analogy really makes me feel the same way about typical Singaporeans, even as a Singaporean. Some Singaporeans who are in their job, gripe about their jobs, about the unfair benefits their employers provide and about the environment they are in. They do their jobs well and think the rest will take care of itself. I do not envy employees anymore as I feel each person justifies his own existence.

A company evolves from its own nature and the market they are in. It justifies its own existence and positon in the market. If it doesn't justify itself, it would be closed down after all.

When you work for a company, you justify your own existence. You should treat your job as a monthly business transaction with the company. Your salary and benefits are returns of your service to the company. The company is not a charitable organisation and does not owe you a living. If you don't like your job and do not contribute, sales or productivity will drop. You will lose your job eventually. It is an organic cycle.