Sawan Jasoliya

This is a classic challenge faced by me and many professionals in technical and operational roles. As a mechanical manager, the nature of your job often means that the better you perform, the less visible your work becomes to others, because everything is running smoothly. Here are some strategies to balance doing your job well while ensuring that others appreciate and understand the importance of your role: 1. Document and Communicate Your Achievements Regularly document the maintenance tasks, preventive measures, and improvements you undertake in the plant. Create reports or monthly summaries that highlight completed projects, resolved issues, and maintenance schedules. Share these reports with your supervisors and colleagues in a way that shows how your actions directly contribute to the plant’s smooth functioning. 2. Educate Your Team and Stakeholders Educate your colleagues, team members, and supervisors on the importance of preventive maintenance, predictive analysis, and how you...

It seems my inbox is overflowing these days. Ever since I joined a cement company in Africa, my phone has turned into a hotline for job inquiries. "Bro, any vacancies in Africa?" "Sir, how can I get a job in a cement plant there?" "I heard the pay is double!" Ah, the dream! The illusion of working abroad, basking in a higher salary while effortlessly sipping cocktails by the beach after a "hard day’s work." I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s time to get real. Let’s talk about the real expat life in Africa: First off, let’s tackle the big myth: "You're not getting paid more. You're getting paid for overtime you never asked for." Yes, you might see a nice salary figure, but let me translate that into the expat currency – work till your eyeballs fall out . Got your attention? Good. Here's the reality, dear friends: 1. Expats Are the Last Resort Let’s be clear: companies don’t wake up thinking, “Oh wow, let’s hire a foreign...

Navigating Mid-Career: Preparing for the Challenges Ahead Mid-career can indeed be a dangerous place – a point where you might become too expensive for the roles you can perform and unwilling to take the roles you can get. This tricky situation often arises because aging is mandatory, but upskilling is optional. As we grow older and attain 'senior' status in our careers, promotions and salary hikes may come by default – at least for a while. As long as your skills and capabilities continue to rise at a comparable pace, there's no problem. However, if your ability to deliver value starts lagging behind your salary, it should set off alarm bells. What if your company eliminates your role or asks you to justify your position or salary? So, what's the way out? Here are some strategies to prepare yourself and overcome the mid-career crisis: The Freelancer Test : Every year, ask yourself, "If I were a freelancer, could I earn as much as my current salary (or more)?"...