Most people are loath to suck up. Call it what you like-apple shine, kissing up, carrying the boss… all these mean the same thing.

In good times, people have more chance to stick to their guns. Now, in such economic turbulence, it’s a question of sticking to your guns or sticking to your job. You have little fire-power. The bosses have more power to fire.

Why do people kiss up? Because it is sometimes politic to do so. In a tough situation, the bosses and their cohorts or favourites have more reason to build fences around themselves so that they can be safe.

Anyone who works with them would be considered an outsider if he or she does not tow the line. So many people go along albeit unwillingly. I have seen this happen – sometimes I also became a “yes” man.

The question of whether we should do this is often unnecessary because most people are in jobs they dislike. They are only doing them to earn some money. It is not the best of situations but who said that life is fair?

I know some wealthy executives who confess that they “have sold their souls in order to feed their families” Once they can get out of the rut, they leave with no regrets.

Should they feel diminished? No, because we do not live in an idealistic world.

What is most important is to make tracks and spare no effort to build your own work so that you can be free of all these hassles.

Here you should realize how much of an ally the computer and the internet are.