The Ups and Downs of Being an Employee

Typically, an office worker spends one-third of their day at work or at least 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. Isn’t it tiring? Well, it depends on how you perceive your job. For example, some people enjoy doing their job as the company ensures their wellbeing and gives them a sense of fulfilment for both personal and professional life. On the other hand, some other people choose to build their own business and quit their job because they are not happy and satisfied with their current situation in the workplace.

So, what about you? Are you enjoying being in your 9-5 job or do you want to achieve something bigger? 

See also: How Your Personal Finance Affects Your Future Job & the Solution

If you have doubts about what being an employee really looks like, we have wrapped up for you some of the ups and downs of being an employee.

The Ups

1.  Guaranteed income – Being an employee means you will receive monthly income or other designated time depends on the firms you are working at. You don’t have to worry about not having money as your monthly income is guaranteed and as long as you can manage your money well.

2.  Work arrangement – As an employee, you are given a set of work schedule. You will be assigned to certain tasks and told what to do. You need to show up at a specific time and do your tasks, then go home at a specific time too. Additionally, if you need guidance during the day, you can consult with your coworkers or boss. The fact is, working in an industry, you will not be alone. You will be surrounded by people who are ready to help you.

3.  Perks and benefits – Many companies offer benefits and perks for their employees which is quite seducing to not be taken. Your wellbeing is guaranteed with medical leave and compensation from your employer. In some companies, there are also vacation and retirement programs, as well as profit sharing.

4.  Comfort and responsibility – There is no doubt that working in an office as an employee does look comfortable. You can sit and finish your task well conveniently in an air-conditioned room. You will also have less responsibility as an employee. For example, if you are a boss, you need to take care of both employees and business. Meanwhile, being an employee requires you to only focus on your tasks and you don’t need to interfere with other people's job. 

However, if you aim to climb the leadership promotion, you need to ask for more responsibility and tasks. 

5.  Overall wellbeing – All the above perks and benefits, thusly, ensure wellbeing. Fixed payment to pay rent or purchase stuff you want. A fixed working arrangement that can guide you all day. Perks and benefits that ensure your work-life balance as well as happiness.

The downs

1.  Security – Security is a delusion in most cases in our lives. In this regard, as an employee, your security is not guaranteed 100 percent. You can be terminated or laid off whenever business does not go well. Perks and benefits can be cut out if needed by the company.

2.  Little freedom – As mentioned earlier, you have fixed working hours and responsibility. Not to mention, you might find that your boss limits you from voicing out your own initiative and ideas. Even if your ideas are good, if the manager says no, then you have to follow what he says or risking your job to do what your intuition told you.

3.  Politics – Politics between employees or managers might happen in an industry. You could be a victim of backstabbing even from your trusted coworkers. For example, as cited by Management Study Guide, if you continue working in an unhealthy environment, your emotions will be unstable which will not only decrease your performance but also overall wellbeing. Additionally, only a few people can manage to keep in check and under control but most of the employees, sometimes, gets consumed by politics. What about you?

4.  Limited development – Doing the same job or being in the same role for quite a long time can limit your chance of self-development. Oftentimes, employees are offered fewer choices for career progression and can only advance in a very specific industry or role. Unless you take the first step by asking for development or career progression, you will be stuck in your current position. 

5.  Pressure and dependency – You become dependent on your monthly income for a living. But when your family grows bigger, you might need to work more hours and even do a gig. As a result, staying in your position now will add pressure to your own wellbeing in the future.

Next read: Can You be Friend with Your Boss? Pros and Cons