Is There Any More Loyalty in this Business?

I've worked at some places for years through thick and thin and turned down other job offers to stay there for longer than I probably should have, out of loyalty; and I've also left places after a few months. My principle is this: Loyalty is earned, not freely given. The "I gave you your shot" argument is BS. Hiring someone doesn't earn you loyalty. A comapny doesn't go seek out people and hire them because it feels inclined to help them get their career started. It hires people because they can fit the company's needs. It's what you do after you hire someone that earns their loyalty, and if a company has no qualms about laying off someone a few months after it hired them, or treats them like crap once they start their jobs, then it shouldn't expect nor deserve any greater level of reciprocation.

 

Loyalty is for suckers.

Inertia is 10 times more effective.

 

Not in the Maritimes, there is no loyalty. Especially thanks to the Aspers:

http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=68623&sc=89

Many of my friends and professors are affected by this. They want to broadcast the news from Vancouver. What a farce

 

People who are loyal end up getting fucked over much more than those who think about themselves first in this business.

It reminds me of some advice I got early in my career...

Don't love your paper because it won't love you back.

 

Be loyal to yourself. No one else will be.

 

I'm loyal to Ben Franklin. This business is full of cynics and backstabbers. You have to look out for number one. Get the best deal that you can get. I think we've all see people here today and gone tomorrow at the office. You could easily be in that situation. Don't EVER think think that you are not replaceable.

 

The graveyards are full of indispensible men.

 

Check this out. Look in your newsroom and count the number of men over 55. Chances are there aren't many. Why? Because journalism eats its young.

 

Sometimes loyalty can hinder a shop, when a boss holds onto a worker who very clearly has lost his fastball and has no desire to recover it.

I think there should be loyalty. If a place makes a commitment to me, I'll do my best to return the favor . . . at least as long as I can.

But no, there is no loyalty. The corporate honchos would throw you out without hesitation. It's unfortunate, because I think there can be loyalty within the newsroom, but ultimately individuals need to cover themesleves and do what is best for them.

 

Was it more money? Was it a better job? Was it what you really wanted?
Better is of course subjective, but it sounds like the answer would be yes to all three and, if accurate, you made a mistake.
The paper you work at now took advantage of you. Sorry.
And karma isn't real. Just something used as an excuse to make you feel better.

 

I disagree. Kind of.

Go out of your way to be a decent person. I left one shop in a huff, because my boss decided to be a tool once I gave my notice. It's come back to bite me in the behind.

 

That's not karma. You made a bad decision.