Yesterday I was talking with a young colleague from India. She felt that her work is not seen and her role seems undervalued in the organisation. She’s putting a lot of effort into her role and tries to deliver at every task thrown at her. But she started to question the benefit for her and her career.

I shared my personal experience and perspective with her. Mainly that one should consider the employee/employer relationship as that what it is: a commercial contract.

Your employer is not your friend. They will at best fulfil your contract, but not go beyond that. So everything you put in beyond what’s in the contract if a free gift to the company.

That might sounds harsh, but thats the reality in my experience. All the hard work and over hours you might put in are not guaranteed to pay out. They depend on individuals like your direct line manager to be recognised and respected. That person however can change at any time at the will of the company. And the next line manager will have no knowledge about your efforts.

Think of your employment contract like of any other commercial contract you enter. When you buy a TV set, the seller will usually not give you something else for free in addition. And you would not consider to pay 10 or 20% more just because you enjoy the deal. So why would you give free labor to your employer? In hope of a promotion?

That might be a reason. But ask yourself what’s the risk here. Does your employer have a document career progression framework? Have you talked to your line manager what is that you need to do to get promoted? Or are you just hoping that your effort will eventually be recognised for a promotion? That means you’re banking on the memory of your line manager and her goodwill to promote you. It’s not a surefire thing to get.

So whenever you commit effort beyond what’s in your contract, make sure you understand what’s in it for you.

I did a lot of over hours throughout my career. And I did so voluntarily, knowing that often times I’m not compensated by the company with money or free time in return. But most of the time it was a conscious decision of mine because I knew that I would learn and gain experience. That was, what I took out for me of those over hours. One might argue whether that was worth it, sure. But I think it was.