Is Your Integrity at Risk? It May Be Time to Quit Your Job
By Karen Schwartz, for Revive Your Life
Photo by Digiart2001
My position as a dance instructor was detoured by “real life” as a corporate manager, wife and mother. I returned to my first love of ballet at an age when most professional dancers retire. The first year was fulfilling, with a group of teenage ballerinas and my own curriculum. But, the following semester I was asked to teach disciplines in which I was inexperienced. It was the first indication that the school was not operating in the best interest of the children. Also irksome were responsibilities of running chores, assisting photographers, and writing student documentation on my own time- for 50% of the standard pay.
By November, rehearsals for the June recital were underway. Most teachers did a quick warm-up and spent the remaining time practicing. However, my method consisted of exposing students to one or two new ideas and rehearsing for only a limited time. It annoyed me that other students were spending so much time in rehearsals, and that glitzy costumes and creative choreography distracted from potentially dangerous technical mistakes. Filling in as a substitute teacher at other studios validated my suspicions that our students lagged behind others of their age. The third year made it clear that even advanced students could be hurt from lack of adequate technical training, and would probably be embarrassed if they took class elsewhere.
Voicing these concerns to the owner, I was told, “They’re not going anywhere.” The final straw came when my offer to provide extra classes by skill level was shot down. I gave my notice and have not wished to work at any dance studio since then. My only regret is that my skills, experience, and love of dance could have helped more students, but who knows what next year will bring?
Even though my incident is connected to an educational institution, the concept of resigning for integrity can affect everyone. It does not matter how much “future” anyone appears to possess; what matters is that the employer provides encouragement and tools for growth. The assumption that people won’t or can’t “do” much shows disrespect of the highest caliber, and contradicts the goal of helping others to reach their highest capabilities. When an employer refuses to acknowledge potential, an employee’s enthusiasm quickly diminishes. Apathy has no place in an environment where motivation makes the difference between success and failure-which is just about everyplace. Anyone who works for a company that possesses such a cavalier attitude will find it extremely difficult to stay for any length of time.
People often stay with an employer because of current or anticipated income. With seniority providing extra vacation and benefits, it’s difficult to leave and start at the bottom elsewhere, even if one can find a similar position in a convenient location. So, most people tell themselves that a company’s values aren’t that important. But, at some point, it becomes uncomfortable to witness certain activities or treatment of individuals. Eventually, the employee may find himself loathing their employer, and that’s no way to spend the majority of one’s waking hours. The idea that they are associated with a business that may be operating in complete contradiction to their moral views can become the basis for a full-blown personal dilemma. This is clearly evident if the person had, at one time, in their chosen field, felt a passion that has since dissipated.
To regain the passion, or to simply feel that you can put skills and resources to use, it never hurts to attempt change in your own circle of influence. Believing that you can make a difference in your own way through output and interpersonal dealings is a very positive mindset. However, if the overall atmosphere continues to be non-responsive, or becomes a greater source of anxiety, it may be time to consider other options. It’s normal to want to use your skills and experience in an environment that is line with your own priorities and recognizes your abilities and possibilities.
If you’re in a job where your values constantly debate those of the company, it’s probably a case of your integrity versus their business decisions. No one can fully comprehend your circumstances or discomfort as well as you, so the decision will be yours alone. But ask yourself: If you can’t have integrity for something you love, when can you have it?
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