Here is a story I recently read on the interwebs. (There was no author’s name given).

A father said to his daughter, “You graduated with honors, here is a car I acquired many years ago. It is several years old. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them you want to sell it and see how much they offer you.

The daughter went to the used car lot, returned to her father and said, “They offered me $1,000 because it looks very worn out.”

The father said, ”Take it to the pawn shop.”

The daughter went to the pawn shop, returned to her father and said, ”The pawn shop offered $100 because it is a very old car.”

The father asked his daughter to go to a car club and show them the car.

The daughter took the car to the club, returned and told her father, “Some people in the club offered $100,000 for it since it’s a Nissan Skyline R34, an iconic car and sought after by many.”

The father said to his daughter, “The right place values you the right way.”

What Does it Mean to Feel Valued?

This is a very important question.

It is worth asking because often we do not even realize how much undervaluing we have been putting up with day in and day out at our job.

Consider these questions:

• Do you feel appreciated and respected?
• Is your good work praised and acknowledged?
• Do the company’s actions align with their words?
• Does your boss, your team, your partners say thank you?
• Are you paid a fair market wage?
• If you have an idea, does someone listen to it and help you act on it?
• When you are having a tough day, does someone notice?
• Are you being told the truth even if it’s hard to hear?
• Does your opinion matter even if it is not agreed with?
• Do you have a clear understanding of what is needed to be successful?
• Is the company interested in you as a person?
• Does your company invest in your career development?
• Do you know what to do and have the tools and support to do it?
• Are you able to use your gifts and strengths and develop your future skills?

Uh…Should I be Looking for a New Job?

Based on your answers, it will be very apparent if you are or are not being valued.

If you are, great! Enjoy the goodness and pay it forward.

But, if you are now seeing in the light of day what you had suspected in your gut for some time, then it is time to Make Your Exit Plan.

It’s like being in a bad relationship. It sucks to have to start again but believe me, it sucks far worse to stay where you are not valued.

There is a place where your skills, abilities, gifts, sense of humor etc., are needed and will be valued.

Imagine that place and do whatever it takes to get there!

A compilation of sound and views of a Nissan Skyline R34