The worst thing we can do to ourselves is to take our jobs for granted. We spend more than 9 hours at work every weekday, more than 12 hours per day if you include getting ready and the commute to work. Jobs provide stability and security, confidence and reassurance.

While we may put our best foot forward at work, sometimes, we forget that behind every worker is an individual that plays many different roles. At home we may be a sister, mother, daughter, brother, father, son, aunt or uncle, cousin, nephew, niece. At work we are a colleague, a supervisor, an assistant, a manager, a leader. It is the many things of an individual – their hopes, ambitions, personality, skills and experience – that make a person what they are. How well we perform in each role is important and we should pay attention to every role.

To be gainfully employed is a wonderful security blanket – you clock in and clock out, and your salary comes in on the same day every month. But you should find the time to develop yourself personally so that you have clarity on your needs, pursue your ambitions, achieve your goals so that you don’t feel lost, burnt out and take your employment for granted.

If you think you may have the grit to go out on your own, check out our article ‘Employee or Entrepreneur’ and see which side you are leaning towards. If you are happy with your current job but you are feeling a bit lost, check out our article ‘Personal Development – Is it important?’