Or tomorrow…
“Document, document, document — if we all get hit by a bus tomorrow, a person coming off the street needs to be able to step right in ”
This metaphor is management’s mantra. I’ve heard it so often, it creeps into personal areas of my life.
What if one person or an entire team with all the tribal knowledge one day disappears? Those left behind most likely would scramble to figure out how to do their job. It happens all too often.
So yeah, documentation is kind of important.
It also reminds you, you’re replaceable.
What are the odds?
According to the NSC, the odds of dying from a pedestrian-related accident (i.e. getting hit by a bus) is 1 in 543.
So no, you most likely will not get hit by a bus today or tomorrow.
But your employer doesn’t take any chances.
Pre-covid, they host regular celebrations complete with food and prizes. Now, you get zoom parties, memes, and the occasional mailed gift. They know your family, your struggles, and maybe even your worst fears (thanks to team-building exercises).
You spend 10–12 hours a day, 261 days out of 365 days a year, with these people who have now become your work family. Your work/life balance is almost non-existent.
You take less and less time off to spend with your actual family. You probably even feel guilty taking time off. You’ve become too invested in this family now.
They tell you that they value your independent thinking while reminding you you’re part of a bigger picture. They couldn’t imagine what their team would be like without you. In fact, you have a promotion being factored in next year’s budget.
That is until a reorganization or reimplementation unexpectedly happens. Business isn’t what it used to be, they’re trying to figure out their budget for next year, it’s nothing personal.
Instead of a zoom party with your team, you’re now attending a zoom party with HR and your manager.
They tell you, it’s not you, it’s us. They’re prepared to provide you with all the resources you’ll need to land your next gig along with a generous severance.
They tell you, we understand the impact this has on you. You stop listening as your heart palpitates furiously, a cold sweat forming, eyes glazing over. They tell you to sign off for the day — don’t worry about work.
The odds of you dying from a heart-related issue? 1 in 6.
Forget the bus
Job security is an illusion; a white lie.
It doesn’t matter how much value you bring, how hard you work, or what your role is, your job is never guaranteed. Not even CEOs are safe.
Don’t work so hard to prepare for a bus that may never come.
Be intentional with your time and energy. Focus on your 9–5 during 9–5. Clock out when it’s time to go even if your task isn’t complete.
Start focusing on self-development; build on existing skills or pick up new ones. Don’t be job dependent, be work optional.
Take all of your allotted time off each year. Go on that vacation you’ve always wanted to go on. Spend more time with people who will still be there when your job is long gone.
Take care of your health — you’re more likely to die from a heart attack than that bus.
In the end, will you wish you had worked more? Or will you wish you had lived more?
