When I was in school, I always thought that studying hard would allow me to get a good job that pays well in the civil service, whose metal rice bowl would make me the envy of everyone.
Now that I’m actually grown up and living my supposed ‘dream’, I realised that that’s a thing of the past.
We used to think that only the elite can qualify for a metal rice bowl but honestly why would someone with skills and ambition need that? If the company doesn’t value them for what they’re worth, with their capabilities, they can easily go to another company for equal if not more pay. The company should be the one worrying over retaining its people and not the other way round.
However, I have since learned that this is not necessarily the case. While it is true that hard work and dedication can open doors, it is not the only factor in determining one’s success. There are many other variables to consider, such as luck, networking, and even one’s personal relationships.
Networking is also an important factor in finding a good job. It is not just about having the right connections, but also about having the right attitude. You need to be able to build relationships with people in your field and be willing to put yourself out there. Being able to present yourself in a professional manner and having the right attitude can go a long way in helping you secure a job.
So actually the only people who truly need a metal rice bowl aren’t those who can do well but rather those who don’t do well and know that they can’t do better if they are ever asked to leave. And what does this imply? If you’re a civil servant, you’re not as capable as your peers who go corporate. When I realised this, it really made me very sad I spent all my teenage years studying instead of having fun and picking up real skills.
Though hard work and dedication can open doors, I have learned that it is not the only factor in finding success. There are many other variables to consider, such as luck, networking, and even one’s personal relationships. It is important to understand that hard work can only take you so far, and that other factors are necessary to achieve career success.