How Smoking Helped My Career | What to do Instead of Smoking
For the record, I am not a smoker anymore. I have quit smoking for at least 15 years. When I first started my career as an IT support. I do not know anyone in the organisation. It was like starting school again where I do not know anyone and everyone else seems so mature and experience than me.
During office hours, I noticed a group of people smoking outside of the building. Everyone knows everyone and they were friendly with each other. That's when I decided to join them and start smoking. Everyone welcomed me and I quickly got to know colleagues who are outside of my department. I quickly learned about the "hidden rules" of the organisation, the latest gossips and how my work fits into the bigger picture. The network has helped me to stay out of trouble and learn about news before it is being announced.
Since then, I always carry a packet of cigarettes. Wherever I go, if I need to break into the group, joining the smoking group is my shortcut into the scene.
Last few years, I have not touched any cigarettes. The perception of smoking is less cool now and people are more health cautious. I also learned that my reputation is my asset. Before we walk into the room, our reputation will first enter the room. This is why; I always honour my words and commit to my work. I let my work and reputation be my name card. This has helped to open some doors, but not all doors. At least, it is better than smoking outside of a building and pretend to be enjoying it.
If you have no network. Do this:
- Commit yourself to the highest standard of work
- Join a charitable organisation and volunteer for the worst job
- Join a professional certification course, get to know your classmates
- Publish your work on social media such as LinkedIn or start a personal blog