It's not hard to picture yourself as a slave or at least an indentured servant when you work for someone else. Sure, you earn a wage but your boss tells you what to do and how to do it. It can be difficult to maintain your independence and individuality under such pressures in the workplace but it's crucial that you do.

Even when you work for someone else always remember that the person you really work for is yourself. Your boss may have the power to control your actions at work but you are always the boss of your own career. You have the power to negotiate raises, change your position within the company, or even switch to another company. You may not be top dog in your company but you can be the leader of your own life.

When you realize that you're in charge then you become equal to any entrepreneur. It's time to captain your own ship. To set a course, ask yourself the same questions any business leader would ask about their company, only answer them from a personal career point of view:

1. Vision: What is my dream?
   
2. Mission: How do I realize my dream?
   
3. Values: Who am I or what do I stand for?

When you have clearly answered these three questions, then your career choices are less about the job market or company pressures and more about who you are and what you want. If you're tired of working for someone else then give your career a boost and promote yourself-to CEO of Your Career, Inc.!