Picture this:
Me, slumped on the couch, bloodshot eyes framed by ten-gallon blackened bags, chocolate ice cream dribbled down my shirt, trying to type the word "dribbled" for the 7th time in a row to no avail.
Well, that's reality kids.
I came home from the retail part-time job today and got right to work on a sloppy joe, chocolate ice cream, and the job hunt. Unfortunately, my ice cream hasn't been the only "rocky road" of the night. I'm still not qualified for anything. There are still no jobs in the area we are hoping to move. I'm getting a little worried...
So here's my game plan (which can be adapted to fit most crappy circumstances and generally stinky days):
1. Junk out on some internet silliness. For me this means watching the new uploads of some select YouTubers, reading spoilers for my favorite shows on wetpaint.com, and doing some good old fashioned Facebook stalking.
2. Take a shower. A long one. Shave the legs and everything (which is a feat for me between the months of November and May). Ahhhhhhh.
3. Get a hug. For me, the hubby works.
4. Laugh a little and go to bed with at least 8 hours of sleepy time ahead of me. For me, it's hard to wake up with the "it's a new day" mentality all the time. I find that this last step ensures that my my-job-search-is-not-moving-forward-at-all moodiness does not spill into tomorrow as well.
Mmmmmm. Ima go do that. You all have a great night :-)
Comment? Share? Yes, please.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
10 life lessons I've learned in retail
Retail really is an experience all its own. Thankfully, I've boiled that experience down to 10 life lessons everyone who has ever worked retail knows:
1. The way your kid acts in my store has a lot to do with the way you act in my store.
One of the things I really like about retail is being a creeper. Seriously. I especially like to creep on parents and the quality of their child-rearing efforts. I know it sounds kinda weird, but I just like to observe how parent A, who calmly reminds the child of his/her spending limit and asks politely for the child not to touch anything breakable seems to have a much better shopping experience than parent B, who screams things like "Get down from there!" and "Of course you can't spend $20 in here!". You get the idea.
2. Being nice when you're grouchy can actually change your mood.
There are so many days when I come to work and want to...well...create my own brand of customer service, if you will. But somehow after being fake-nice to the first few people who come into the store, I feel a lot better. Go figure.
3. A watched pot (or clock) never boils (or ticks).
Actually it does tick. Once a second. But covering up the clock on the computer or working in an area facing away from the wall clock definitely does me some good.
4. Some things are just mundane. And need to be repeated all the time.
I once folded the same shirt 7 times in one hour. 'Nuff said.
5. If you treated your family as nicely as the person behind the counter you'd be having a better vacation.
Seriously. Tourists will come in all the time screaming at their spouses, children, friends, jeez their acquaintances for all I know, and then when they come up to the register they're happy as clams. Sounds like a good way to ruin your own day.
6. No one is just a sales associate.
Or just a waiter, customer service rep, what have you. You know how you can always tell if someone has worked in retail (or food service, customer service, etc.) by how they're always super nice to others who fit that job description? That's because they know first hand that if you're mean to any of these people, you've sucked a little more life out of what could very well be an already pretty lifeless job. Be nice.
7. Don't sweat the small stuff.
This is another lesson learned from creepily eavesdropping on customers while they're in the store. I've heard so many arguments between couples about how Uncle Jim would absolutely not like a coffee mug. I've seen parents verbally run up one side of their kids and down the other because a stuffed animal is the most idiotic souvenir they could have chosen! Relax. Everybody uses mugs and little kids like stuffed animals. Roll with it.
8. Most radio stations need a wider selection of songs.
If I hear any more Three Dog Night I'm going to vomit on the customers. Nobody wants that to happen.
9. Most men really do hate shopping.
Nine times out of ten the husband/boyfriend reeks of "I don't give a (insert nasty word of choice)" when the wife/girlfriend asks which color souvenir sticker would look better on Cousin Lisa's bumper.
10. I can't afford diamonds. Daydreams are a girl's best friend.
Sometimes the mugs talk to each other while I'm cleaning them. Other times the Windexed paper towel I'm using to clean glass shelves is a Zamboni. Don't knock it 'till you try it.
So yes, I have grown wise in my hours at the cash register. I hope you feel enlightened ;-)
Comment with thoughts, and share with links, but most of all have a great night!
1. The way your kid acts in my store has a lot to do with the way you act in my store.
One of the things I really like about retail is being a creeper. Seriously. I especially like to creep on parents and the quality of their child-rearing efforts. I know it sounds kinda weird, but I just like to observe how parent A, who calmly reminds the child of his/her spending limit and asks politely for the child not to touch anything breakable seems to have a much better shopping experience than parent B, who screams things like "Get down from there!" and "Of course you can't spend $20 in here!". You get the idea.
2. Being nice when you're grouchy can actually change your mood.
There are so many days when I come to work and want to...well...create my own brand of customer service, if you will. But somehow after being fake-nice to the first few people who come into the store, I feel a lot better. Go figure.
3. A watched pot (or clock) never boils (or ticks).
Actually it does tick. Once a second. But covering up the clock on the computer or working in an area facing away from the wall clock definitely does me some good.
4. Some things are just mundane. And need to be repeated all the time.
I once folded the same shirt 7 times in one hour. 'Nuff said.
5. If you treated your family as nicely as the person behind the counter you'd be having a better vacation.
Seriously. Tourists will come in all the time screaming at their spouses, children, friends, jeez their acquaintances for all I know, and then when they come up to the register they're happy as clams. Sounds like a good way to ruin your own day.
6. No one is just a sales associate.
Or just a waiter, customer service rep, what have you. You know how you can always tell if someone has worked in retail (or food service, customer service, etc.) by how they're always super nice to others who fit that job description? That's because they know first hand that if you're mean to any of these people, you've sucked a little more life out of what could very well be an already pretty lifeless job. Be nice.
7. Don't sweat the small stuff.
This is another lesson learned from creepily eavesdropping on customers while they're in the store. I've heard so many arguments between couples about how Uncle Jim would absolutely not like a coffee mug. I've seen parents verbally run up one side of their kids and down the other because a stuffed animal is the most idiotic souvenir they could have chosen! Relax. Everybody uses mugs and little kids like stuffed animals. Roll with it.
8. Most radio stations need a wider selection of songs.
If I hear any more Three Dog Night I'm going to vomit on the customers. Nobody wants that to happen.
9. Most men really do hate shopping.
Nine times out of ten the husband/boyfriend reeks of "I don't give a (insert nasty word of choice)" when the wife/girlfriend asks which color souvenir sticker would look better on Cousin Lisa's bumper.
10. I can't afford diamonds. Daydreams are a girl's best friend.
Sometimes the mugs talk to each other while I'm cleaning them. Other times the Windexed paper towel I'm using to clean glass shelves is a Zamboni. Don't knock it 'till you try it.
So yes, I have grown wise in my hours at the cash register. I hope you feel enlightened ;-)
Comment with thoughts, and share with links, but most of all have a great night!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Job search update: When one just isn't enough
When I'm in the midst of my typical job-website-browsing-routine, I can get pretty frustrated, depending on the day. Some days it seems like the only jobs in the area to which we are trying to relocate are either:
1. Very low-paying...and we're frugal people. It doesn't take all that much to pay our bills.
2. Out of my league...like being in charge of a herd of cattle, or acting as an experienced railroad track builder. I don't know about you, but my college didn't offer those classes.
3. Nonexistent...when the only jobs your search produces contain the phrases "Start Mystery Shopping Now for a Small Fee" or "Get Your Own Vending Machine Route (Commission Only)," you really know you're in trouble.
The past few days have been filled with all three of the above job categories, and it's days like this that make me think "Ya know what? Screw you, traditional workplace! I'm a perfectly acceptable worker/human being and I'm going to do this my own way! I'm going to be self-employed!"
Yeah! Take that, The Man.
Ahem.
But first, would you mind telling me how to do that?
And you know what? It turns out that when you ask The Man the above question via the internet, he has a very large variety of resources out there. I guess I'm not the only crazy on the block; there are A LOT of us, searching the internet for information on the topic often. I mean, check out this list of links found on one single website. Other similar websites boast comparable lists.
Maybe the answer for me is going to be a little more complicated than "having a job." It might be one or two formal part-time dealios, plus (in an awesome world where I am able to attract clients) some self-generated work. We'll see.
However, when it's all said and done, I'm comforted to find out that I'm not the only person who fantasizes about some degree of self-employment. Apparently all of you do too. Google told me so.
1. Very low-paying...and we're frugal people. It doesn't take all that much to pay our bills.
2. Out of my league...like being in charge of a herd of cattle, or acting as an experienced railroad track builder. I don't know about you, but my college didn't offer those classes.
3. Nonexistent...when the only jobs your search produces contain the phrases "Start Mystery Shopping Now for a Small Fee" or "Get Your Own Vending Machine Route (Commission Only)," you really know you're in trouble.
The past few days have been filled with all three of the above job categories, and it's days like this that make me think "Ya know what? Screw you, traditional workplace! I'm a perfectly acceptable worker/human being and I'm going to do this my own way! I'm going to be self-employed!"
Yeah! Take that, The Man.
Ahem.
But first, would you mind telling me how to do that?
And you know what? It turns out that when you ask The Man the above question via the internet, he has a very large variety of resources out there. I guess I'm not the only crazy on the block; there are A LOT of us, searching the internet for information on the topic often. I mean, check out this list of links found on one single website. Other similar websites boast comparable lists.
Maybe the answer for me is going to be a little more complicated than "having a job." It might be one or two formal part-time dealios, plus (in an awesome world where I am able to attract clients) some self-generated work. We'll see.
However, when it's all said and done, I'm comforted to find out that I'm not the only person who fantasizes about some degree of self-employment. Apparently all of you do too. Google told me so.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The ultimate job search solution: Sell yourself! ;-)
This week I read a few articles along the lines of "how the hell are you Millenials ever going to find meaningful jobs given this recession and your crappy attitudes about the modern workplace?" They didn't say it in so many words...but you get the idea.
The answer was similar in each of the three articles I read. Sell it sista'. Each of these articles talked about branding yourself, the principles of which are:
The answer was similar in each of the three articles I read. Sell it sista'. Each of these articles talked about branding yourself, the principles of which are:
- Centering any materials you produce for your job search (resume, cover letter, portfolio, even follow-up phone calls) around a "brand" that you create for yourself. Everything, even personal and professional references, should reinforce the "brand."
- The "brand" should be something the company you're applying with wants to buy. This means that the "brand" doesn't actually have to be 100% who you actually are. It should be something you can deliver, but doesn't have to completely reflect your natural disposition.
- The "brand" should also be evident in how you apply. For example, if your brand is about being tech-savvy, perhaps a resume posted on YouTube is appropriate, or you could use one of those fancy smart phone barcode squares as a link to your professional website. You get the idea.
Okay. I can see how this is important. Yes, you want to center what you can offer a company around their needs, and yes, you want to be consistent and creative with your application materials. However, in each article these suggestions were given after a list of incompetencies that Millenials struggle with. This list always includes:
- Millenials can't accept criticism from higher ups gracefully.
- Millenials can't communicate as effectively as their older counterparts.
- Millenials are "job jumpers."
- Millenials have a hard time conforming to established processes without becoming frustrated.
Well geez. Aren't we just little disagreeable balls of frustration and dissatisfaction. Overall, I think this "branding" idea is a fancy new way to talk about something that everyone does when applying for a job. You make yourself look awesome. You do essentially make a sales pitch where you are the best fit for the company and convince them to invest in you. However, each of these articles seemed to imply that Millenials need to create a brand that's going to cover up all of the above problems that don't conform so well to the modern workplace. Kind of like McDonald's did after the whole Supersize Me fiasco. Go to their website. Their brand is all about social responsibility, nutrition and creating a better world. Well done, McDonald's.
I guess I'm a little bit of a punk. I don't think that all of us twenty-somethings really need to conform. I see the problems listed above as symptoms of a working world that's becoming less relevant to today's young adults, and will be even more less relevant to tomorrow's workers if it doesn't change. This might just be my typical Millenial sense of entitlement coming out, but I don't see us settling for a work environment that seems like a silly thing of the past. I see us, as we become more present and involved in the working world, transforming how things are run. We'll see how that turns out with a bunch of arrogant, entitled "job jumpers" who can't communicate or get anything done according to protocol, at the helm. I jest, of course.
Hey! You made it all the way down here! That comment box is just a little further...
...and you could always post this link somewhere, or tell a friend while you're at it. Happy Sunday!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Personal Experience: How to decide when to leave a job you hate
Okay, so I think it's time for a little background. I have vaguely referenced this 'previous job' of mine that I left for my jigsaw puzzle of part-time experiences these past few months. Let me elaborate a little bit.
I had a fantastic college experience studying Adolescence Education and English. I adored my first student teaching placement, enjoyed my second (although the initial excitement was gone), and began a job search with full confidence that teaching was IT. You can imagine how thrilled I was to get a job teaching 9th grade English and a couple of electives in August of the summer after my graduation.
Then this happened...
First 3 weeks: For this time I was kind of in shock. I couldn't believe I was actually doing it! I was starting my career! Other staff were extremely supportive and the students were so much fun to get to know. And there were no disasters. Phew.
Week 4: This was the first week I cried everyday. I would cry a little bit before school and a little bit more when I got home. I felt overwhelmed, but not in that I'm-so-stressed-out-right-now kind of way, it was more of a this-is-surprisingly-unfulfilling kind of way.
Week 5: I think this was when I actually started talking about my feelings to my husband. I confessed that the tears were more than stress. I told him how hard it was getting to put so much time and energy into something that didn't fulfill me, or even feel like the right career for me. My exhaustion was beginning to cut deep.
The month of November: I started to talk to other people about my feelings. One particular conversation stands out when the hubby and I traveled to a friend's wedding and stopped to visit one of my best friends on our way home. I remember I was SO excited to see her, but I couldn't keep a smile on my face. I spent the entire afternoon in tears. She was shocked. Our conversation was the first time someone had told me that if I was that dissatisfied and upset all the time, that maybe exploring resignation wasn't a bad idea. I told my staff mentor about my feelings before Thanksgiving break.
December 1st-ish: I finally resolved to resign. The most natural time to leave seemed to be after Christmas break, so I put in my resignation on 12/1, effective 12/31, giving 30 days notice. This sounds dramatic, but it felt like chains had been lifted off of my body. I felt so empowered and almost even happy for the first time in three months.
My last few weeks: I told the board of education, my students, family and friends who I hadn't already talked to, parents of students, etc...about my decision. I think this was the hardest part. You wouldn't believe the judgment that many people felt entitled to, but you also wouldn't believe the amount of support and understanding I got from so many others. All of my friends were especially fantastic when they heard the news. However, there were many people less close to me who didn't understand why I chose to leave half way through the year, others who spread rumors that I was pregnant, and still others who were convinced I got a better job offer elsewhere and was moving. Wowsers.
That said, let me elaborate on what this post claims to be about: how to decide when to leave a job you hate. I think this boundary is going to be different for everybody. I had countless people advise me to "give it a year" when I decided to resign. However, I knew that the results of "giving it a year" would be increased dissatisfaction with a job that demanded 12 hours of my day, progressively crappier lessons for my students, and possible depression on my part. Let me elaborate once again....
Job Dissatisfaction
For me, job dissatisfaction didn't mean that I simply didn't like going to work. It didn't mean that my school district was difficult to work in or that I didn't like my students and coworkers (the opposite of that was true--I loved the people I worked with!). The job dissatisfaction I'm talking about wasn't something that wouldn't be present under different circumstances. It came from me and my inability to find real fulfillment in teaching. It's a dark type of dissatisfaction that's hard to shake--especially in a job that requires as much "off the clock" work as teaching does.
Crappier Lessons
Geez is it hard to find motivation and energy to create well-researched, creative and interesting curriculum when the end result is always a deficit of energy and time in exchange for no personal fulfillment. 'Nuff said.
Health Stuff
All of that energy-sapping dissatisfaction was making me sick in a lot of ways! In my short four months of teaching, I think I used close to 10 sick days for odd ailments. I would wake up feeling nauseated from stress and actually...well...do what people do to not feel nauseous anymore. I would experience weird blood pressure changes and dizziness. I would be teary at random times of day for no identifiable reason. I went to the doctor twice and both times he attributed my symptoms to stress. I would agree with that, and would also go so far to say that it was the beginnings of depression. I've had maybe two bouts of depression in my lifetime, which is pretty lucky because it runs in my immediate and extended family, and recognized the early symptoms. About a week after my last day I felt remarkably better physically and psychologically. Go figure :-)
For me, leaving my teaching job became necessary when I felt I could no longer do the job with sincere joy and the appropriate amount of effort, when it became clear that I did not want the job to turn into a career, and when the job began to effect my personal life and personal health.
Inside my own head it was a simple decision. There was no question that I wanted to leave my job. However, I have dealt with some guilt and frustration due to the reactions of others. ...And then there's that whole problem of being at square one with the "what do you want to be when you grow up?" question. Hmmm.
On the other hand, I had a great time at my new part-time job today for the third day in a row. Maybe I'm on to something...
Hey You! You made it this far...you might as well comment :-) and don't forget to share with a potentially-interested friend!
I had a fantastic college experience studying Adolescence Education and English. I adored my first student teaching placement, enjoyed my second (although the initial excitement was gone), and began a job search with full confidence that teaching was IT. You can imagine how thrilled I was to get a job teaching 9th grade English and a couple of electives in August of the summer after my graduation.
Then this happened...
First 3 weeks: For this time I was kind of in shock. I couldn't believe I was actually doing it! I was starting my career! Other staff were extremely supportive and the students were so much fun to get to know. And there were no disasters. Phew.
Week 4: This was the first week I cried everyday. I would cry a little bit before school and a little bit more when I got home. I felt overwhelmed, but not in that I'm-so-stressed-out-right-now kind of way, it was more of a this-is-surprisingly-unfulfilling kind of way.
Week 5: I think this was when I actually started talking about my feelings to my husband. I confessed that the tears were more than stress. I told him how hard it was getting to put so much time and energy into something that didn't fulfill me, or even feel like the right career for me. My exhaustion was beginning to cut deep.
The month of November: I started to talk to other people about my feelings. One particular conversation stands out when the hubby and I traveled to a friend's wedding and stopped to visit one of my best friends on our way home. I remember I was SO excited to see her, but I couldn't keep a smile on my face. I spent the entire afternoon in tears. She was shocked. Our conversation was the first time someone had told me that if I was that dissatisfied and upset all the time, that maybe exploring resignation wasn't a bad idea. I told my staff mentor about my feelings before Thanksgiving break.
December 1st-ish: I finally resolved to resign. The most natural time to leave seemed to be after Christmas break, so I put in my resignation on 12/1, effective 12/31, giving 30 days notice. This sounds dramatic, but it felt like chains had been lifted off of my body. I felt so empowered and almost even happy for the first time in three months.
My last few weeks: I told the board of education, my students, family and friends who I hadn't already talked to, parents of students, etc...about my decision. I think this was the hardest part. You wouldn't believe the judgment that many people felt entitled to, but you also wouldn't believe the amount of support and understanding I got from so many others. All of my friends were especially fantastic when they heard the news. However, there were many people less close to me who didn't understand why I chose to leave half way through the year, others who spread rumors that I was pregnant, and still others who were convinced I got a better job offer elsewhere and was moving. Wowsers.
That said, let me elaborate on what this post claims to be about: how to decide when to leave a job you hate. I think this boundary is going to be different for everybody. I had countless people advise me to "give it a year" when I decided to resign. However, I knew that the results of "giving it a year" would be increased dissatisfaction with a job that demanded 12 hours of my day, progressively crappier lessons for my students, and possible depression on my part. Let me elaborate once again....
Job Dissatisfaction
For me, job dissatisfaction didn't mean that I simply didn't like going to work. It didn't mean that my school district was difficult to work in or that I didn't like my students and coworkers (the opposite of that was true--I loved the people I worked with!). The job dissatisfaction I'm talking about wasn't something that wouldn't be present under different circumstances. It came from me and my inability to find real fulfillment in teaching. It's a dark type of dissatisfaction that's hard to shake--especially in a job that requires as much "off the clock" work as teaching does.
Crappier Lessons
Geez is it hard to find motivation and energy to create well-researched, creative and interesting curriculum when the end result is always a deficit of energy and time in exchange for no personal fulfillment. 'Nuff said.
Health Stuff
All of that energy-sapping dissatisfaction was making me sick in a lot of ways! In my short four months of teaching, I think I used close to 10 sick days for odd ailments. I would wake up feeling nauseated from stress and actually...well...do what people do to not feel nauseous anymore. I would experience weird blood pressure changes and dizziness. I would be teary at random times of day for no identifiable reason. I went to the doctor twice and both times he attributed my symptoms to stress. I would agree with that, and would also go so far to say that it was the beginnings of depression. I've had maybe two bouts of depression in my lifetime, which is pretty lucky because it runs in my immediate and extended family, and recognized the early symptoms. About a week after my last day I felt remarkably better physically and psychologically. Go figure :-)
For me, leaving my teaching job became necessary when I felt I could no longer do the job with sincere joy and the appropriate amount of effort, when it became clear that I did not want the job to turn into a career, and when the job began to effect my personal life and personal health.
Inside my own head it was a simple decision. There was no question that I wanted to leave my job. However, I have dealt with some guilt and frustration due to the reactions of others. ...And then there's that whole problem of being at square one with the "what do you want to be when you grow up?" question. Hmmm.
On the other hand, I had a great time at my new part-time job today for the third day in a row. Maybe I'm on to something...
Hey You! You made it this far...you might as well comment :-) and don't forget to share with a potentially-interested friend!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Ah, Dr. Seuss. I just discovered that there are quite a few children's books, with pictures, posted to YouTube and created by Audible.com. I love "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" especially the part about the "waiting place" where everyone just...well...waits. I feel like I'm in the waiting place right now. I'm waiting to move, I'm waiting to be able to afford grad school, I'm waiting for the right in-between job that actually adds to my resume, and most of all I'm waiting for some sort of "calling" that very well might so-not-be-the-point. Dr. Seuss tells me that I'll get out of the "waiting place" sometime, and for that I thank him. He's right. And for now, I think the waiting place actually has quite a bit to offer me. I need to learn more about trust and have less worry in my life. I don't always need to be planning my life at least six months ahead of time. I just need the next step in time to take it. Phew. That's hard for me.
And finally, if you're like me and benefit from occasional pessimism, sarcasm or satire, check out this video as well. It's a self-proclaimed "whimsical tale of mediocrity."
Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! And, as always, overachievers can share this blog with a friend. Happy Friday Eve :-)
And finally, if you're like me and benefit from occasional pessimism, sarcasm or satire, check out this video as well. It's a self-proclaimed "whimsical tale of mediocrity."
Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! And, as always, overachievers can share this blog with a friend. Happy Friday Eve :-)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
People with lots of slashes: Generation Y
I started a new part-time job today.
I stumbled upon a book called One Person/Multiple Careers by Marci Alboher.
Just a few days ago I was talking to a friend and she told me that she thinks a few part-time jobs might be the only way she can stay engaged in her job(s).
Do you detect a theme? Books are being published on the subject, being bought by Generation Y members, and a general discontent with the modern workplace is the norm for my peers that I'm in contact with regularly. Is this a real phenomenon? Are Generation Y members (currently age 20ish-30ish) bored with the modern workplace? Maybe.
Think about it. My generation grew up in a world of stimulation. We are the first real internet generation, TV shows, movies, books and other forms of internet entertainment or otherwise have been available to us on small mobile devices and a large repertoire of in-home devices from very early in our adulthood. We are used to having lots of choices in what we use to engage our free time. We are used to being able to contribute content to the world around us (case in point, blogging!). Information is so readily accessible that we can explore a wide variety of interests almost simultaneously. What career can keep up with all of that?
The answer might be many careers, either at once or throughout one's working years. From what I gather from the information online about One Person/Multiple Careers, people who are surgeons/playwrights, freelance editors/lawyers, or even bloggers/LotsOfOtherRandomThings ;-) are becoming more and more common. The question, "What do you do?" seems to be getting harder to definitively answer, and more and more dreaded by a new generation of workers.
I know that I really enjoyed the experience of working a new job today, but also look forward to the change of pace my other part-time job will offer on Saturday. Maybe the "daily grind" isn't that "daily" anymore....
Thoughts? Comment below and share with a friend!
P.S.- More about my personal job search and some of my job history is coming soon!
I stumbled upon a book called One Person/Multiple Careers by Marci Alboher.
Just a few days ago I was talking to a friend and she told me that she thinks a few part-time jobs might be the only way she can stay engaged in her job(s).
Do you detect a theme? Books are being published on the subject, being bought by Generation Y members, and a general discontent with the modern workplace is the norm for my peers that I'm in contact with regularly. Is this a real phenomenon? Are Generation Y members (currently age 20ish-30ish) bored with the modern workplace? Maybe.
Think about it. My generation grew up in a world of stimulation. We are the first real internet generation, TV shows, movies, books and other forms of internet entertainment or otherwise have been available to us on small mobile devices and a large repertoire of in-home devices from very early in our adulthood. We are used to having lots of choices in what we use to engage our free time. We are used to being able to contribute content to the world around us (case in point, blogging!). Information is so readily accessible that we can explore a wide variety of interests almost simultaneously. What career can keep up with all of that?
The answer might be many careers, either at once or throughout one's working years. From what I gather from the information online about One Person/Multiple Careers, people who are surgeons/playwrights, freelance editors/lawyers, or even bloggers/LotsOfOtherRandomThings ;-) are becoming more and more common. The question, "What do you do?" seems to be getting harder to definitively answer, and more and more dreaded by a new generation of workers.
I know that I really enjoyed the experience of working a new job today, but also look forward to the change of pace my other part-time job will offer on Saturday. Maybe the "daily grind" isn't that "daily" anymore....
Thoughts? Comment below and share with a friend!
P.S.- More about my personal job search and some of my job history is coming soon!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Meritocracy Myth: Do we believe in it anymore?
I will eat my foot if each one of us has not been told at one time or another something along these lines:
"You can be whatever you want to be, as long as you work hard and do your best."
I love it when things like that are true. Our culture loves it too! We all cheer when the villain gets what's coming to him and the good guys win out. If life worked this way, life would be fair. Wouldn't that be nice?
Can you imagine what the world would be like if we truly lived in a full-fledged meritocracy, where everyone really deserved everything that happened in his or her life? Won the lottery? Well that's great because you deserve it! Accidentally burned dinner? Well, I don't know what to tell ya because you (and anyone else you were cooking for) deserve that too ;-).
Okay, so I'm exaggerating, but isn't that the idea at the heart of a meritocracy, where you get what you work for? Isn't that what our elementary school teachers very good-naturedly taught us to believe in? I mean after all, ideally, a meritocracy would have this effect on a person:
1. Johnny works hard and therefore excels in school and extracurriculars.
2. Johnny goes to college and studies a societally relevant subject, continuing to work his hardest, which leads to excellent grades.
3. Johnny enters the working world. He doesn't get the career he wants right away, but that doesn't thwart his work ethic! Johnny slowly but surely works his way up the ladder.
4. Johnny eventually reaches his goal. It took time and hard work, but gosh darn it, he did it!
Wouldn't that be nice? The problem I have with this narrative is that believing a true meritocracy is possible could actually have this effect on a person:
1. Johnny works his hardest in school, college and extracurriculars. He pulls off a few As, but for some reason can't get more than a B or a C in some subjects.
2. When Johnny graduates from college, he applies for several jobs, but only gets rejected. He ends up with a job that pays a low hourly wage and seems pretty unrelated to what he studied in college.
3. Johnny tries to increase his skill sets by continuing his education online, and works his hardest on school and creating a new resume.
4. Johnny applies to more entry-level jobs in his desired field, while trying to gain what relevant experience he can at his current job. He keeps getting rejected.
5. Johnny comes down with a really bad case of disillusionment. Is this really what it's supposed to be like? Shouldn't all my hard work pay off?
6. Johnny eventually finds a higher paying job that he kinda likes, but that sense of disillusionment never quite goes away. He knows that he didn't quite "make it" and chalks it up to not trying hard enough.
"Geez, Kelsey, that story got a little cynical..." (that's you talking, by the way). Yeah, yeah, I know. I guess that sometimes a little pessimism helps me be...errm...optimistic. What I mean is this: as much as I would like life to be fair, believing 100% that certain actions (like getting relevant experience, going to college, whatever) will lead to certain outcomes (landing a sweet career), while it is a cheery and optimistic way of looking at life can actually lead to quite a bit of sadness. I mean, obviously people succeed and fail based on actions they've taken all the time. What I'm trying to say is that this isn't always the case...sometimes things just don't work out for a whole host of reasons.
So, here's a healthy dose of pessimism for all you awesome people out there who just can't seem to...well...look quite as awesome on paper. A meritocracy is a myth! There is no way that you have entirely earned any successes or failures in life. Many of my peers are very hard-working, intelligent, caring people who are given very few opportunities to showcase what they are capable of. In fact, just about everyone I know is capable of more than they will probably ever achieve in their lifetime. And that's just fine.
Thoughts? Comment below! And again, for all you overachievers out there, share this blog with a friend!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Moving...and so the job search begins
My husband and I are getting ready for another exciting transition! We've had a lot of those in our relationship lately...
December 2009: He popped the big question
January-May 2010: We plan the wedding, me 336 miles away, finishing college and writing all those super long papers they make you do your last semester ;-)
May 2010: I graduate
July 2010: The wedding and honeymoon!
August 2010: Moved into a new apartment
September 2010: I start my very first "real job" (what I thought would be a career) and the hubby starts his undergrad at a community college
October 2010: I realize this is NOT the career I want (more on that later)
December 2010: I leave my job
January-present: I work 2-3 jobs at any given time (which is actually kinda fun most of the time) while the hubby goes to school and works close to full time
Two days ago: The hubby gets accepted to music school, and we resolve to make the move!
So many exciting things!
I've been kind of unofficially browsing for jobs in the area where the hubby's music school is for a few weeks now, just getting my feet wet. I'm at a point in my life where there isn't a specific position I'm looking for. I know what I'm good at, and with the help of my former short-lived career, I also know what I really do not want to do. Besides knowing how much money we need to stay afloat, and having a loose concept of what I know I can and can't do, I'm pretty open to anything that comes my way. I've been using a few different job search sites, the town's online newspaper, some craigslist here and there, and the college's website to browse job openings, and have pretty much just been specifying the town name when needed and just looking at all the jobs that come up. So far, there has been one administrative assistant-type job that offered a decent salary, benefits, and the opportunity to work at the college my husband will be attending.
I filled out the online app halfway today...and then exited. I couldn't finish it. Something about it just doesn't seem right. I know I'm in no position to turn my nose up at an opportunity. Right now I have a BA in English to leverage in a very small college town where most of the jobs don't even approach $20,000/year...but we do have until August to get settled, although we would move before then if it worked out.
So, I cooked up a mean tuna noodle casserole tonight, read some food blogs, and watched a Shaytards video on YouTube (my go-to chill pills). We'll see what the morning brings.
Hey you! You made it this far, you might as well comment ;-) ...and for the overachievers out there, share this link with someone who might enjoy it!
December 2009: He popped the big question
January-May 2010: We plan the wedding, me 336 miles away, finishing college and writing all those super long papers they make you do your last semester ;-)
May 2010: I graduate
July 2010: The wedding and honeymoon!
August 2010: Moved into a new apartment
September 2010: I start my very first "real job" (what I thought would be a career) and the hubby starts his undergrad at a community college
October 2010: I realize this is NOT the career I want (more on that later)
December 2010: I leave my job
January-present: I work 2-3 jobs at any given time (which is actually kinda fun most of the time) while the hubby goes to school and works close to full time
Two days ago: The hubby gets accepted to music school, and we resolve to make the move!
So many exciting things!
I've been kind of unofficially browsing for jobs in the area where the hubby's music school is for a few weeks now, just getting my feet wet. I'm at a point in my life where there isn't a specific position I'm looking for. I know what I'm good at, and with the help of my former short-lived career, I also know what I really do not want to do. Besides knowing how much money we need to stay afloat, and having a loose concept of what I know I can and can't do, I'm pretty open to anything that comes my way. I've been using a few different job search sites, the town's online newspaper, some craigslist here and there, and the college's website to browse job openings, and have pretty much just been specifying the town name when needed and just looking at all the jobs that come up. So far, there has been one administrative assistant-type job that offered a decent salary, benefits, and the opportunity to work at the college my husband will be attending.
I filled out the online app halfway today...and then exited. I couldn't finish it. Something about it just doesn't seem right. I know I'm in no position to turn my nose up at an opportunity. Right now I have a BA in English to leverage in a very small college town where most of the jobs don't even approach $20,000/year...but we do have until August to get settled, although we would move before then if it worked out.
So, I cooked up a mean tuna noodle casserole tonight, read some food blogs, and watched a Shaytards video on YouTube (my go-to chill pills). We'll see what the morning brings.
Hey you! You made it this far, you might as well comment ;-) ...and for the overachievers out there, share this link with someone who might enjoy it!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Mission Statement
So, what do you want to be when you grow up? I'm not sure I can answer that question...and I'm already pretty grown-up.
I have a hunch I'm not alone on this sometimes-seemingly-sinking boat. I think that while a lot of people certainly choose a career path, study in a related field, and then enjoy said career, there are also a lot of people who stumble into jobs, and even wander down several career paths during their lifetime.
I am definitely a member of the latter camp. This blog will be about my experiences with my current career change as it develops, will include job search tips, will get personal at times, at other times philosophical, sometimes quite practical, and I might even manage some creativity, humor, and/or wit. At its best, it may even involve some great community-building questions and conversations.
If you're willing to accompany me on what will probably be a bumpy ride on a winding road, I promise to provide you with some daily bumps, twists and turns!
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