We all can’t help but wonder whether the recession is easing. Some of us rely on reports from the news media to tell us whether it is or isn’t.  Others recite analysts’ interpretations of empirical data and studies. There are even a few of us that say our gut is what tells them whether the recession is easing or why it will linger like a bad cold.

Many of my peers and colleagues don’t know what to believe. We do know, however, that our professional equilibrium will never recalibrate to the level of comfort it was a few years ago. Never again will we sit back and believe that our jobs are safe, that our financial futures are on track for early retirement, or that the good ol’ U.S. economy is infallible.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to commit to a few core beliefs and tenets about how we plan to approach our work ethic in the future.

Recently, I had the privilege of talking with Qwest’s Executive Vice President of Network Operations, Bob Tregemba, about these very issues. He shared three simple nuggets of wisdom that will be forever engrained in my professional core:

1. Your peers make or break your career. Don’t think it’s your boss who will promote you. He may give the final buy-in, but your peers are the ones who will set you up for the rise or a fall. Watch their backs as you would want them to watch yours.

2. Look for and be excited about the prospect of getting work assigned to you. Take it as a gift; a reason for your being needed. Take pride in the fact that someone knows you can take on a little more and get it done well. Never turn work away.  The only time you do may be the last time you are asked to help out in a pinch. And when you’re not needed – well, you’re not needed.

3. Innovation is born in economic downturns. Ever heard of Google? So attend OSP EXPO and soak up all the FREE education to prepare yourself for the next era of innovation. (Okay, so maybe those weren’t his exact words. But, he’s going to be there and what better endorsement is that!)

Sure, you may have heard these simple but potent words of advice from others you’ve encountered along your professional journey. But, don’t you think there’s a reason for that as well?

Sage wisdom should be heeded in good economic times and internalized even more so during periods of unpredictability. So, forget about knowing whether the recession is coming or going. You can’t control that. The only thing you can control right here and right now is YOU.