I once talked to a few fellow trainers about education and the current ‘landscape’ of training opportunities. One of the things that they brought up resonated deeply with me.
They said that training companies that they work with/for aren’t very open to sharing resources, collaborating with one another, or sharing freelance trainer databases.
I asked them if they, as trainers, are open to these things and they responded with a resounding yes!
As a long-time trainer myself, I cannot help but agree with their assessment.
It felt strange that there was such a disconnection between the attitudes of the trainers and that of the training companies.
But I get it.
The prevailing concern is that of intellectual property "theft". And at least one of the companies I've worked with seems to have a crippling fear of this.
Even after working for so many years with them, readily sharing material I come up with on my own, it still feels as if they don't trust me.
The truth is, in the post-information age, information is so readily available that it's impossible to completely protect your lesson plans and curriculum, unless you ban all recording devices and recording methods, including webinars and online classes.
Further, even if someone else knows what you train, can they deliver it the way you can?
If they can do so easily, maybe your material isn't that good or original to begin with.
In which case, is it really as valuable as you think it is?
Even in Terrible Situations, There Are Some Who Shine Brightly
When a market unfairly stacks the deck against sellers, you're certain to end up with sub-standard products and services, all to compete in a race to the bottom.
When the sellers actually play along and, in turn, plays the same game with their contractors / sub-contractors, you know you have a really problematic industry.
And then you take a step back and realise that this is tried in almost every industry, but there are sellers and providers out there who fight back.
These are the ones to learn and take inspiration from.
Thank you for showing us that we don't have to take unfair treatment, even if they are policies, and even if they seem like unsurmountable obstacles.
Crisis in the Middle of Your Career? There Are Ways Out!
Mid-career crises are particularly tumultuous.
There is the apprehension of what is to come, along with worrying that you won't have the time, agility, or support to transition into a different industry.
There is also the backwards-gazing of what once was, along with the dying hope that things will go back to the way they were.
And it's very easy to get caught between the two, nostalgia and uncertainty, resulting in a stagnant but sinking situation.
As with getting caught in quicksand, the first thing to do is to calm yourself. The more you struggle, the faster you sink.
The next thing to do is to slowly change your position. For quicksand, it's recommended that you try to get into a supine (facing up) position. In your situation, it may be breaking your silence and exploring options.
Then, finally, try to drift towards a safe spot.
If you have the benefit of supportive people around you, and you likely will if you break your silence, they can help you.
Ask them for for thoughts, ideas, even referrals if they can provide them.
You can face a crisis alone, but that's a choice you make.
You don't have to.