For many of us, our job is our primary source of income. For some, it is the only source of income. We all invest time and effort and in return we receive a paycheck. That paycheck (in theory) allows us to take care of our families. It helps us buy food, clothing and shelter. If we work hard and control our spending, we may be able to save some of the money we bring home. This savings provides us with a sense of security. All of these basic needs food, clothing, shelter and security are linked to our job because work provides us with the means to satisfy them.

It is not surprising that we bond emotionally with our jobs. We are attached to them because of their important role in meeting lifes basic needs. When we think about being fired, images of our children on a street corner begging for change flash through our minds. We tend to be guarded around people who have the power to take our jobs away from us. We often react emotionally when they critique our performance because that is a not-so-subtle reminder of the power they have over our lives.

The emotions associated with work influence our career choices. Every career decision we make has an impact on our ability to meet our basic needs. Making good career choices requires that we shift our perception of work. We need to take a business-like approach to our careers.

Well-run businesses follow a logical decision-making process. Contrast the emotional decision-making associated with fulfilling the basic needs of life with the aggressive growth-oriented decisions made by a well-run business. Each business decision is examined logically. Rational thought is given to the possible consequences of each alternative. Contingencies plans are discussed and then a choice is made. If the decision has negative consequences, the business adjusts.

There are a few decisions associated with business that we can apply directly to our career.

It makes sense to diversify income streams. Businesses that focus on one target market are vulnerable to the demands of that market. We are vulnerable when we depend only upon our jobs for income. Investing savings in a passive source of income helps reduce the power our employer has over us. This can be as simple as investing in a growth mutual fund or as complicated as getting a part-time job. People who have significant savings may want to consider real estate as a source of passive income. Rental properties require significant effort but they can also provide some healthy income if managed correctly.

We should always prospect for new opportunities. Good businesses are never satisfied with the amount or the quality of customers in their portfolio. They are always marketing themselves. We should do the same with our careers. It is our responsibility to get out and network with influential people as often as possible. We must make sure we are known in our industry and in our local community. There are a number of ways to do this without raising red flags with a current employer. Volunteering with a high-profile non profit organization is a great way to make contacts and be seen.

Keep growing and improving. A one product company is limited in the ways it can serve its customers. Businesses are constantly changing and evolving to meet the needs of the environment. We must keep our skills and knowledge up to date as the business environment evolves. This is a minimum requirement for ensuring continued employment. People who lead the pack set the standards by which others are judged. They become the benchmark that others strive to meet. This comes from immersing themselves in the details of their business. We must do the same. Strive to become a thought leader in the company. Set the standard that others must follow just as the market leader in an industry sets the standard that the other companies follow.

Taking the emotional power away from your employer is not an easy thing to do. It requires effort and dedication. Being aggressive and pro-active is the best way to control our destiny. When we view our careers as if they were businesses, we level the emotional playing field and we take back the power to shape our future.