“If you are not prepared to resign or be fired for what you believe in, then you are not a worker, let alone a professional.  You are a slave.”

-  Howard Gardner

How many times have you felt like you “have to” oblige with policies or business dealings etc. that go against your own moral grain? I think this quote is interestingly true. Without the freedom within ourselves to hold onto our convictions for dear life, we lose our deepest sense of self. We are not being who we are.

When we rely on our employers for our livelihood it can force us to feel that we must simply do as we are told to keep our own path clear of debris. Standing up for what’s right in most cases, when it goes against what your job asks of you, is a scary thing. You could be fired. You have bills to pay.

I think what it comes down to on a realistic level is choosing our battles carefully. Not every point is worth the fight. Some are. What would make you speak up, incarnating Norma Rae? If you were in that position, would you in fact speak up? Or would you let it slide for fear of your own survival? Do you feel that would make you “a slave” to your job?

My belief is that when we do hold true to our convictions, though there will be some bumps in the road because of it… things will work out better in the end. You might wind up finding a job better suited for you, that makes you happier and feel more fullfilled. Or… you might end up starting your own company: where you can set the tone and be in control of what you represent professionally.

Many of you might feel it’s a lot easier said than done. We are filled with fears and insecurities that oftentimes prevent us from living our lives out loud. Some buy into that and others don’t…

Which type are you?