In my early teens, one of my first jobs was a runner on a milk run. (Yes, there was a time when people had their milk delivered each evening). It was a hard gig for a skinny kid. There would be two runners standing on the back of the truck, tucked under the canopy, reaching into the bulk crates of milk, each grabbing their requirements for the next stretch of the run. You would peel off the back of the moving truck while carrying a hand held crate full of milk bottles. Off you would run delivering milk at houses along the streets, up hill and down dale. Saturday was a double delivery as there were no deliveries on a Sunday. That meant a crate in each hand – 18 bottles of milk in each crate while trying to keep up with the truck.

The other guys were all a few years older than me. It was really very tough at the start. I remember the bruising on the side of my knees as the steel crates constantly banged into them as I ran along. But I kept turning up, I didn’t give in. Over two years I became very fit and could keep up with the physical demands and I knew my run and the other guys’ runs like the back of my hand. I never missed a run – rain, hail or shine. I was a valued, loyal and extremely reliable employee.

I never let the milk run owner down, I was proud of my job !

Then the Milk run was sold to a family with three sons. I was told I was no longer required. I tried to explain to the new owner that I needed my job! “Sorry mate, that’s life” was his answer.

At fourteen year’s of age, I learnt a very important lesson.  Don’t ever think your income or job is guaranteed. This first experience was not to be the last. Several times in my future years I would find myself in a similar situation. But I was always prepared to take a job that I could do – I wasn’t selective, I needed work. I always found work.

Years later, I had two trucks contracting to a building supply company. We also had a mortgage and a young family. I was told it was a change of direction by the company. They no longer required our services. Once again, with very little notice, we were out of work with the bills still coming in.

From my past lessons learned, I had always put some time aside in developing other relationships with other companies. I was constantly looking for opportunities to grow and it was a type of Insurance policy. When these “other companies” were in a difficult situation or caught short with transport needs, we would help out if we could. From having two trucks with no work, we went on to have eight trucks.

Ironically the company that made “the change of direction” ended up closing its doors leaving many staff out of work. Some having little, if any, new employment options. We went on to sell our small transport company and make another change in direction – this time on our terms.

No matter what age you are or what you do for a living, never take your job for granted – a job for life is a thing of the past . We live in a very dynamic and quick paced world where business conditions and requirements can and do change overnight. In today’s environment you have to be seen as offering value to any potential employer. You have to be someone that a company feels is worth investing in, rather than being just another member of the herd of mediocrity. These people are “a dime a dozen”, are easily replaced and bring little value to their employer.

You have to shock proof your employment as best as you possibly can so when your workplace goes through change, you’re in the best possible shape you can be.

Whatever stage you are at in your career, here’s a few tips I’ve learnt over my working life.

In the workplace:

1. Always be up skilling – never stop learning

2. Always be looking for your next opportunity – don’t allow yourself to become stagnant or sedentary in your role.

3. Be dynamic – have your say, don’t be a “yes” man. You might pick up something your boss or colleague missed. He will be thankful for your input.

4. Have plenty of energy – you need to be able to go the distance. Don’t waste time being non productive in your workplace.

5. Under promise and over deliver – don’t be the loud mouth who tells everyone how good he is but never seems to achieve anything.

6. Maintain your attitude – be prepared to step up and take on responsibility. Some one has to do it. Be the one.

7. Have a sense of humour – There’s nothing worse than someone who takes themselves to seriously.

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   Your integrity and cred is everything – don’t sell your soul. A Leaders credibility and integrity is their number one priority. By the way, you can’t have one without the other.

9. Keep in touch with past colleagues that had a positive influence in the business – they’re probably doing similar else where and also know other influencers.

Out side of the workplace:

1. Keep bad debt at bay – credit card debt is a killer, expensive cars won’t get you anywhere that an affordable car won’t.

2. Don’t concern yourself with “Keeping up with the Jones’s” Be yourself – everyone else is taken (Oskar Wilde)

3. Reduce and minimise all debt – mortgages included.

4. Have additional passive revenue streams if possible – maybe an online business or investments that you can sell for profit if cash is needed.

5. Read as much as possible to feed yourself with knowledge and positive insights into others success and challenges – keep it real.

6. Keep fit – You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete, just regular walks will have a huge benefit mentally and physically.

7. Get plenty of rest – People that tell you they only need four hours sleep a night are kidding themselves. Invest in a good mattress.

When you’re a great value proposition and you’re in control, doors will open, quite often to a greater opportunity  – RD.

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