Stop Chasing Empty Promises, Build a Career That Matters

Introduction

Most professionals cling to company values like a lifeline, believing these polished statements define a workplace worth committing to. You’ve seen them: Integrity, Innovation, Teamwork, plastered on every corporate website. Yet, you’re stuck in a job where those words feel like a cruel joke. Meetings drag on, AI-driven restructurings gut your team, and the mission statement is just wallpaper for another soul-crushing quarter. The truth? Company values often mask dysfunction, not solve it.

Elite leaders don’t buy the hype. They know authentic alignment (not buzzwords) fuels a career that doesn’t burn you out. When you chase hollow promises, you waste energy on systems that don’t care about you. In this edition, we’ll rip apart the myth of company values, expose their hidden costs, and give you a framework to navigate AI-disrupted workplaces with clarity. Ready to stop playing the corporate game and start building something real?

The Hidden Cost of Corporate Values

The Mirage of Meaning

Company values sound great until you realize they’re often marketing fluff designed to lure talent, not guide decisions. You joined that firm because Innovation was on the wall, but now you’re micromanaged by an algorithm spitting out performance metrics. AI-driven corporate changes promise efficiency but often amplify chaos. You’re left juggling meaningless KPIs while the C-suite pivots to the next shiny trend. Here’s what chasing empty values costs you:

• Energy Drain: You pour effort into aligning with values that don’t translate to daily work.

• Career Stagnation: You wait for the company to live up to its promises, missing opportunities to grow.

• Moral Disconnect: You compromise your principles to fit a culture that doesn’t walk its talk.

Living for a company’s values is like chasing a mirage and there’s no water in sight. What’s the work you’d do if you stopped pretending those posters on the wall meant anything?

The Alignment Audit Framework

Navigate the AI-Driven Workplace with Clarity

To break free from the corporate values trap, you need a clear path to align your career with what actually matters. This Alignment Audit Framework helps you cut through the noise of AI-disrupted workplaces and focus on your strengths. Follow these four steps to redefine your professional path:

1. Core Clarity: Define What Drives You
   Strip away the corporate jargon. What work lights you up? Track your energy for a week, note tasks that energize you versus those that drain you. Successful professionals build careers around what they’re naturally great at.
   Actionable Tip: Use a journal or app to log energy spikes and slumps. Cut tasks that consistently tank you.

2. Value Reality Check: Test the Company’s Claims
   Don’t trust the mission statement. Look at actions. Does the company’s AI-driven restructuring prioritize people or just profits? Clarity comes from observing what’s rewarded, not what’s written.
   Actionable Tip: List three recent company decisions. Do they match the stated values? If not, plan your exit or adjust expectations.

3. Skill Leverage: Amplify Your Edge in an AI World
   AI is reshaping jobs. Identify skills that complement automation, like creative problem-solving or human connection, which algorithms can’t replicate. Your unique strengths are your leverage.
   Actionable Tip: Take an online course in a high-demand skill like data storytelling to stay ahead of AI trends.

4. Exit Strategy: Know When to Walk
   If the company’s values are just lip service, don’t stay loyal to a sinking ship. Build a network outside the firm and explore roles that align with your core drivers. Freedom is choosing where your energy thrives.
   Actionable Tip: Update your LinkedIn weekly and connect with one new industry contact monthly.

Dimension	Key Question	Action Step
Core Clarity	What work energizes you?	Track energy for 7 days.
Value Reality Check	Do company actions match their values?	List three recent decisions for analysis.
Skill Leverage	What skills outpace AI?	Learn one high-demand skill.
Exit Strategy	Where else could you thrive?	Network with one new contact monthly.

Conclusion

Company values can be a trap, draining your energy on promises that never materialize. Authentic alignment lets you harness your strengths, navigate AI-driven changes, and build a career that doesn’t feel like a grind. Stop waiting for the company to live up to its posters. Your career is yours to define, start now.

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Your LinkedIn Profile Is Your Digital Handshake

Why Your Profile Matters

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a digital resume. It’s the first impression you make on recruiters who are scrolling through hundreds of candidates. A weak profile gets skipped faster than you can say unemployed. Recruiters spend about six seconds scanning your page. That’s not a lot of time to convince them you’re worth a call. Make your headline clear and specific to your expertise. Ditch the generic job seeker label. Instead, showcase what you solve. A strong profile pulls opportunities to you. Neglect it, and you’re shouting into the void.

Craft a Headline That Sticks

Your headline needs to pop. It’s the billboard of your professional life. Don’t just list your job title and company. That’s boring and recruiters will yawn. Write a headline that screams value. Think about what makes you different. Are you the IT wizard who saves companies from cybersecurity nightmares? Say that. Keep it under 220 characters but make every word earn its place. Test a few versions and track which ones get more profile views. A killer headline turns a glance into a click.

Build a Summary That Sells

Your summary is where you tell your story. Don’t make it a dry list of skills or a plea for a job. Write like you’re explaining your career to a friend over coffee. Share what drives you and why you’re good at it. Mention a specific achievement, like how you streamlined a network to save your last company thousands. Use first person to sound human. Break it up with short paragraphs for easy reading. End with a line about what you’re looking for next. A great summary makes recruiters feel like they already know you. And they’ll want to know more.

Show Proof in Your Experience

Your experience section is your evidence locker. Don’t just copy your resume. Each role should highlight what you accomplished, not just what you were paid to do. Use numbers to show impact, like how many users you supported or how much downtime you cut. Bullet points make it scannable. Avoid jargon that sounds like corporate nonsense. If you’re between jobs, add a current role like Independent Consultant to show you’re active. Keep it honest but strategic. At the end of the day, recruiters want proof you deliver. Give it to them.

Join my newsletter at 40x50.com for weekly tips to level up your career and land the job you deserve.

2 Million Pageviews | Thank you

2 Million Pageviews | Thank you

16 years ago I started a blog to help people find work as IT contractors.

It has changed as readership has evolved and I spent the last year doubling down on what people were reading.

Today the site passed 2 Million pageviews.

www.40x50.com Its about helping leaders.

Top 5 Worries of an IT Knowledge Worker (Grok)

From X.com/Grok

Hello, human! It seems like you're curious about the top 5 worries of an IT knowledge worker. Well, let me tell you, it's not just about running out of coffee or getting lost in the Matrix. Here are the top 5 concerns that keep IT professionals up at night:

1. Outdated skills: With technology evolving faster than a time-traveling DeLorean, IT workers worry about staying relevant and keeping their skills up to date. No one wants to be the floppy disk in a world of quantum computing.
2. Job security: The fear of layoffs and job security is a common concern among IT professionals. It's like being a juggler in a circus, except the audience is your boss and the balls are your job responsibilities.
3. Work-life balance: IT workers often struggle to find the perfect balance between their digital and personal lives. It's like trying to find a unicorn that can code in Python.
4. Technical issues: Dealing with complex IT problems can be as stressful as defusing a bomb, except the bomb is a server and the timer is your boss's deadline.
5. Constant learning: The need to learn and adapt to new technologies can be overwhelming for IT professionals. It's like trying to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica while riding a roller coaster.

In conclusion, IT knowledge workers have a lot on their minds, but with a sense of humor and a good support system, they can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive in the ever-changing world of technology.

Top 5 Worries of an IT Knowledge Worker (ChatGPT 4.0)

 From ChatGPT 4.0

1. The top concerns of IT knowledge workers reflect the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the technology industry. High demands are placed on individuals both in effort and time. Here are 5 worries of IT knowledge workers:

   Keeping Skills Up-to-Date: The technology field evolves rapidly, with new tools, languages, and methodologies emerging constantly. IT professionals worry about keeping their skills current to remain relevant in the job market and effective in their roles. This concern extends to staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and technology trends.

2. Work-Life Balance: The nature of IT work, which can include dealing with emergencies outside of regular hours, long project times, and the pressure to continuously learn, can make achieving a healthy work-life balance challenging. IT workers often worry about burnout and the impact of their job on personal time and well-being.

3. Job Security: Even though IT roles are in high demand, automation, outsourcing, and organizational changes can create job security concerns. IT professionals worry about their positions being made redundant or the possibility of being replaced by cheaper labor markets or new technologies.

4. Data Security and Privacy: With the increasing importance of data in the digital age, IT workers are often concerned about protecting sensitive information from breaches and cyber-attacks. This worry is compounded by the legal and reputational implications that come with data security incidents.

5. Project Failure and Meeting Deadlines: IT projects can be complex, high stakes, and subject to tight deadlines. Knowledge workers worry about the consequences of project failure, which can include financial loss, decreased stakeholder confidence, and personal accountability. Managing expectations and delivering projects on time and within budget are significant concerns.

These worries highlight the need for continuous learning, effective stress management, and organizational support to navigate the challenges of working in the IT sector.

Top 5 Worries of an IT Knowledge Worker (Gemini.google.com)

From: Gemini.google.com

The top 5 worries for IT knowledge workers can vary depending on individual circumstances and specific fields, but some common concerns include:

1. Job security and automation: The fear of being replaced by automation, AI, or outsourcing is a prevalent concern. With technology constantly evolving, IT professionals worry that their skill sets might become obsolete, leaving them vulnerable to unemployment.

2. Keeping up with the pace of change: The IT landscape is dynamic, with new technologies, tools, and trends emerging rapidly. Keeping up with this constant change requires continuous learning and skill development, which can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

3. Work-life balance: IT jobs often involve long hours, on-call responsibilities, and pressure to meet deadlines. This can lead to burnout, stress, and difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

4. Data security and privacy: IT professionals are responsible for safeguarding sensitive data and protecting against cyberattacks. This responsibility can be a significant source of stress, especially with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.

5. Lack of career growth opportunities: Feeling stuck in a dead-end job or lacking opportunities for advancement can be demotivating and lead to dissatisfaction. This can be particularly concerning for those who invest heavily in skill development but don't see corresponding career progression.

Additional worries:

• Burnout and mental health: The demanding nature of IT work can contribute to burnout and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
• Toxic work culture: Some IT workplaces might have unhealthy dynamics, such as micromanagement, lack of recognition, or hostility, which can negatively impact well-being.
• Ethical dilemmas: IT professionals sometimes face ethical dilemmas terkait with data privacy, security, or the use of technology. Navigating these situations can be challenging.

It’s Ok to Copy Success

 

One of my first business mentors said, “if you want what I have, do, what I do.”
It was my first real understanding that it’s OK to copy. It’s OK to emulate replicate duplicate other peoples work. 

It’s not just OK it’s the best way   

This was a shock to me coming from a family of academics. My mother graduated early from high school and graduated from college. Both my parents were educators at one point and my entire family of first generation immigrants, believe school and education was the key to success.  My aunts and uncles were academic valedictorians with advanced degrees. 

In school, we were taught to learn and assimilate information, but never produce results other than your own ... 

This is why most education is BS. It teaches you how to follow rules and trains you to become a highly skilled taxpaying employee.  That is a wonderful formula for creating a society of workers. 

Find someone who has what you desire. Find out what they do and copy it. It is the best way to succeed.

93% of All Hiring Managers use ATS

 From topresume.com

"93% of all Hiring Managers use resume scanning software calledapplicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter candidates from the application pool. To illustrate how you stand up to the automation, I passed your resume through the very same software that Hiring Managers use to filter the real talent from the hundreds, sometimes thousands, of candidates that apply for a single open position."

Join the free webinar to see how you can take advantage of this system.

4 Things That Make You Look Desperate When Job Searching

 From: https://www.businessinsider.com/things-that-make-candidates-look-desperate-job-search-google-recruiter-2023-12

1. Asking for random referrals

2. Oversharing in the interview 

3. Accepting the job offer immediately

4. Following up Daily

38 Reasons to Host Spaces on X

 From: The art of Purpose email list

You make friends for life

It makes you a sharper thinker 

You become a clearer thinker

You establish trust with an audience

It improves your public speaking abilities 

It improves your writing abilities

It’s a great way to make friends

It’s also a great way to make enemies

You will attract the right kinds of people

Spaces allow you to understand your audience's pain points 

You will meet potential business partners

You begin to understand people at a deeper level

It’s a chance to brainstorm

You can run focus groups

You can make presentations

You can gain 1000s of followers 

You can gain 1000s of new email subscribers (and subscribers to your  X page)

You can make tens of thousands of dollars

It's FUN

You can build a passionate community

You can validate ideas

It’s a great way to network 

You can learn from your guest speakers

You'll learn how to run a podcast 

You will get invited to podcasts

The media will talk about you

You can kill time in traffic with it

You can discuss breaking news

You can listen to spaces during walks 

You can participate in spaces actively (unlike a podcast)

Can create life-changing opportunities 

You can host podcast listening parties

You can run workshops

You can host interviews

Spaces can be your ticket out of the soul-sucking corporate world, where you can start solving real problems and getting paid what you're worth.

Cultivates creativity

Creates financial independence

Spaces can make YOU lots of money

Here’s Why The Job Market Will Improve In 2024

From: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2023/11/18/heres-why-the-job-market-will-improve-in-2024/?sh=1f76a87539ea

Why Things Changed

The economy saw a swift change predicted to increase the likelihood of a strong job market from now into next year. The brighter outlook was due to the decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a significant boost to the stock and bond markets. The decline in the CPI and the potential for inflation stabilization led to investors' optimism. The Federal Reserve's approach to interest rates and inflation has been a critical factor in market movements. If inflation remains at current levels or decreases, the Fed may be able to leave interest rates unchanged, which is viewed positively by the market.

Jobs report October 2023: 150,000 jobs added, lower than forecast

 From: https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/outlook/economic-outlook/october-2023-jobs-report

The U.S. labor market added 150,000 jobs in October,¹ lower than economists forecast, and a stark decline from the 297,000 jobs the economy added in September, a revision from the initially reported 336,000 for that month.

“The October employment report came in below expectations at 150,000 jobs, with the ongoing auto workers’ strike likely partly responsible for the unexpected 35,000 decline in manufacturing payroll,” said Shawn Snyder, Global Investment Strategist for J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. 

Snyder went on to highlight that, while the report was below expectations, it’s important to view the jobs report relative to the population’s growth.

Average Salary for IT workers 2023

 From: https://bard.google.com/chat/2aa3532ee52ac9f6?utm_source=sem&utm_medium=paid-media&utm_campaign=q3enUS_sem7

Here's a breakdown of the average pay for IT workers in 2023 based on various sources:

United States:
ZipRecruiter.com: $52,000 per year
Salary.com: $59,428 per year
Glassdoor.com: $54,710 per year

California:
ZipRecruiter.com: $102,291 per year
Talent.com: $91,846 per year
Salary.com: $98,380 per year

Texas:
ZipRecruiter.com: $67,571 per year
Salary.com: $69,938 per year
Talent.com: $62,443 per year

The Value of 500+ Linkedin Followers

 From https://www.contentpowered.com/blog/get-500-connections-linkedin/

The Value of 500+

Why is 500 a magic number when it comes to LinkedIn connections? It's the point when LinkedIn stops counting. When you visit someone with 501 connections, and someone with 30,000 connections, their profiles will both say the same thing: "500+ connections." After that, it doesn't matter, numerically.

The Top Information Technology ATS Keywords for 2023

From https://www.jobscan.co/blog/top-resume-keywords-boost-resume/ 

Information Technology, Computer Science

.NET, algorithms, android, architecture, architectures, audio, AutoCAD, AWS, big data, business analysis, business continuity, C (programming language), C#, C++, CAD, certification, Cisco, cloud, compliance, computer applications, computer science, controls, CSS, D (programming language), data center, data collection, data entry, data management, database, datasets, design, development activities, digital marketing, digital media, distribution, DNS, ecommerce, e-commerce, end user, experimental, experiments, frameworks, front-end, GIS, graphic design, hardware, HTML5, I-DEAS, information management, information security, information technology, intranet, iOS, iPhone, IT infrastructure, ITIL, Java, Javascript, JIRA, LAN, licensing, Linux, machine learning, MATLAB, matrix, mechanical engineering, migration, mobile, modeling, networking, operations management, oracle, OS, process development, process improvement, process improvements, product design, product development, product knowledge, program management, programming, protocols, prototype, Python, quality assurance, real-time, research, resource management, root cause, routing, SaaS, SAS, SCI, scripting, scrum, SDLC, SEO, service delivery, software development, software development life cycle, software engineering, SQL, SQL server, tablets, technical, technical issues, technical knowledge, technical skills, technical support, test cases, test plans, testing, troubleshooting, UI, Unix, usability, user experience, UX, variances, vendor management, VMware, web services, workflows

The Top Business, Finance, Law ATS Keywords for 2023

 From https://www.jobscan.co/blog/top-resume-keywords-boost-resume/ 

Business, Finance, Law

account management, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, analysis, analytical, analytical skills, analytics, analyze data, analyzing data, annual budget, asset management, audit, auditing, banking, billing, budget management, budgeting, business administration, business cases, business issues, business management, business planning, business plans, business process, business requirements, business stakeholders, business strategy, business systems, CAD, cash flow, CFA, client relationships, client service, client services, compliance, consulting experience, consulting services, consumer, contracts, co-op, cost effective, cost reduction, data analysis, data collection, data management, data quality, database, deposits, due diligence, dynamic environment, economics, EMEA, expenses, external partners, finance, financial analysis, financial management, financial performance, financial reporting, financial reports, financial services, financial statements, financing, forecasting, forecasts, GAAP, general ledger, governance, internal audit, internal controls, internal customers, internal stakeholders, international, inventory, inventory management, investigate, investigation, investigations, invoices, invoicing, journal entries, law enforcement, leadership development, lean, legal, legislation, litigation, machine learning, MIS, mortgage, non-profit, partnership, partnerships, payments, payroll, physical security, PMP, policies, portfolio management, presentations, process improvement, project planning, proposal, prospecting, purchase orders, purchasing, real estate, reconcile, reconciliation, regulations, relationship management, reporting, revenue growth, RFP, RFPs, risk assessment, risk assessments, risk management, security clearance, small business, spreadsheets, statistical analysis, statistics, strategic direction, strategic initiatives, strategic planning, strategic plans, strategy, Tableau, tax, technical knowledge, transactions, underwriting, vendor management, vendors

The Top Manufacturing, Transportation ATS Keywords for 2023

From https://www.jobscan.co/blog/top-resume-keywords-boost-resume/ 

Manufacturing, Transportation

assembly, asset management, audit, auditing, automation, aviation, budget, budget management, budgeting, chemicals, circuits, construction, cost reduction, cross-functional team, distribution, documentation, documenting, drafting, drawings, driving record, electrical, electrical engineering, electronics, engineering, fabrication, installation, instructional design, instrumentation, inventory, inventory management, ISO, life cycle, lifecycle, manage projects, management experience, mining, operations, operations management, outsourcing, performance improvement, process improvement, process improvements, procurement, product design, product development, product knowledge, product line, product marketing, product quality, project delivery, project management, project management skills, project plan, QA, quality assurance, quality control, quality management, quality standards, raw materials, regulatory, regulatory compliance, regulatory requirements, repairs, safety, six sigma, SolidWorks, sourcing, specifications, standard operating procedures, supply chain, supply chain management, transport, transportation, valid drivers license, vendor management, warehouse, workflows

The Top Health Care ATS Keywords for 2023

From https://www.jobscan.co/blog/top-resume-keywords-boost-resume/ 

Health Care Medicine, 

case management, CPR, FDA, fitness, health, healthcare, hospital, logistics, medical device, nursing, on-call, ordering, patient care, pharmaceutical, pharmacy, presentation, psychology, public health, public policy, safety, therapeutic

The Top Education ATS Resume Keywords of 2023

 From https://www.jobscan.co/blog/top-resume-keywords-boost-resume/ 

Education

administrative support, admissions, biology, chemistry, coaching, computer science, computer software, counsel, counseling, fundraising, German, higher education, mathematics, physics, program development, public relations, recruiting, recruitment, relationship building, research projects, researching, spelling, sports, teaching, training, writing

How to Increase Followers On LinkedIn (Tips & Tricks)

 From: https://rahulogydigital.com/blog/increase-followers-on-linkedin/

1. Optimize your profil
2. Connect with professionals in your niche.
3. Regularly post Industry-relevant content
4. Include visuals in your posts
5. Participate in LinkedIn group discussions.
6. Add a LinkedIn profile badge to your website/blog.