We are trained by the corporate machine to pay homage to the needs of our employer.

We stand on our left foot, jump up and down, and pat the top of our heads in order to stay in good graces and not get the pink slip.

But the reality is that we are giving our innate power away through this lopsided deal.

It is our duty to ourselves to seek out an employment or business arrangement that actually suits our needs.

This is the key to sustainability on the job – when we are a perfect match, then the money and satisfaction flows more easily.

The path to profitability is to challenge the pervasive “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers” mindset.

Critically ask yourself “What do I need from work…”

Financially

Emotionally/Spiritually

Intellectually

Physically

This description of your needs becomes your list of “deal breakers” for a new role.

If you need to make $80,000 per year to make the mortgage and send your child to college then you know your lower financial limit.

If you absolutely dread driving more than 1 hour to work each way every day, then perhaps you need a closer location or at least reasonable options for public transportation.

You are not being a prima donna or an unrealistic fool in demanding specific returns for your time and talent.

It is actually unwise and risky for you to not have any requirements from the job.

Why is it a bad move to put up and shut up in your selection process?

Because it sends a very specific signal to your employer, colleagues, and clients that they “own” you and they have the right to act that way.

It’s the absolute fastest route to misery, misunderstandings, and potential abuse.

That might be hard to hear, but it’s the truth.

For more Career Development and Job Search tips, follow me on LinkedIn.

– Kelley Joyce, MBA, CPC

Kelley is a career development coach who is dedicated to helping people discover their career path and land their dream jobs. She has served hundreds of professionals across the U.S., U.K., and Australia since 2012 to radically change their relationship with work.