I came to realise that working for others meant that 'they' were in a position to take decisions about me and my future.

Decisions which would affect me and my family. I was not in control so eventually I decide to take control.

The other evening my wife and myself were out for a stroll and she told me that a young couple living in the village were moving. The couple have two young school age children and he works for a large engineering business with world wide reach.

Imagine my reaction when I was told he was given the choice;

Move to Hong Kong,

Move to Germany.

Or, take redundancy.

How bizarre; he is good enough to work for the business overseas but has to be let go in the UK.

Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with Germany or Hong Kong in fact as part of a planned career move for experience it could be great experience. Learning new practices and gaining experiences of ways of doing business overseas etc.

But, having a decision made over your head and being given the ultimatum; work for us overseas (you are good enough), but we can't keep you here in the UK is not my idea of good business practice for the individual or the business.

I never had something quite so extreme other than being told that a business I was managing 'no longer formed part of group plans' and I was to shut it or sell it.

We had turned it round from huge losses to profit and the Group Chairman had visited one month before the announcement and complimented me on the turn round and the strength of the management team I had created.

I did neither we bought it and three years later sold it on.

So you see why I would recommend anyone who is able to take control away from your employers and look after yourself. It's just as secure and a darned more fun and you will make more money.

Be your own boss!

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

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