fashion attempt: to write.
my new job strategy.
I have read somewhere that the majority of women today will spend at least 25 adult years working, and the choice of their first-job plays a crucial role. Looking back, if I could've done things differently (career wise) I think the first thing to concentrate on after graduation, is getting into a field that interests you. Although this should've been done right before you get into College, but we're too young too stupid to really know (most of us anyway)- I wasn't really thinking of what I wanted to do in life up until this point. For people who grew up getting what they want, spoon-fed and served in a silver platter... the future seemed easy.
Or so I thought.
Now after you have determined what type of jobs you like, what job position you want- It doesn't matter so much whether you're a go-for or a researcher, as long as you get your foot in the door. This will take patience... As I have learned, by spending time and effort researching options and selling yourself (so to speak), you can find a position with potential.
Work for the smartest man or woman you can, but preferably someone you can become. If I work for a doctor, I'll never become that doctor-- unless I go to Medical School. Not. However, If I work for a publicist, a marketing consultant, a banquet manager or a sales-promotion director- I can learn their jobs. Skills rather then education, will be a more useful entree.
A good job will serve these purposes:
1.) You will learn everything you can about a field that interests you.
2.) You will make contacts with people who will be of crucial importance to your career as you move forward.
& 3.) You will develop your strengths-- find out that you can write captions, operate a machine, sell or organize a fund-raiser even!
Another helpful thing to do is to ask yourself (which i often have), "What is my fantasy job? What would I like to be doing ideally in three years? Five years? Ten years?" And don't discount your answers, even if they seem unrealistic... for only then will you discover what you're passionate for. That is key.
So though you may not qualify for your fantasy job today, you can work on building up your expertise so that in a few years you will.
job interviews and a bad hair day.
The goal.
Success, the big house, the big dream, the idyllic marriage… the good life- We have been raised in a value system that emphasizes achievement (well most of us I’d like to think). Peer pressure keeps the goal always before us, the media, society, and… well, in my case- my family emphasizes and re-emphasizes it. Work hard to “make it” as they often say. Aspirations of being financially independent rise, to seek freedom and live our own lives… and when we can't achieve them right away- anxiety sets in.
I'm only 22 and already I feel like I’m running out of time. Why is that? I was told that I shouldn’t feel like any career decision I make is irrevocable; that I have the time (although I may not feel like I do) to experiment and make mistakes. However, it seems like waiting around to fill out my options and taking time to find out what field interests me, makes me feel like somehow I am wasting it. This shift in career path had not been easy at all. I have been so picky with these job opportunities now; it’s ridiculous when I think of other people who wouldn’t pass up a chance.
The interviews.
I lost count on how many job interviews I’ve had, and to sum up the five months that had gone by since I quit my first job, I’d say around 8 to 10. I think my nerves retired on the 3rd. I have perfected what to say and what not, how and when to say it, when to ask, what to wear... I have three versions of my resume all depending on the job industry and qualifications. I am job interview savvy, I can probably be hired to coach people! As much as I want to just take the easy route, jump on the bandwagon and earn money fast, I have vowed not to. Instead I find myself struggling to get into the industry where my lack of experience & education is often questioned. I’m starting from scratch, as a gumshoe for all I care. All I know is I want to start somewhere… where I’ll love what I do. It hasn't been easy... not easy at all.
Anxiety it is. You know…waiting for the call, wanting the call, anticipating… finally when you do and you get yourself out there… you don’t get a call back. Then you ask yourself (and your girlfriends) Why? Was it something I said? What I wore? My hair? When you thought everything went so well… it was perfect! So what went wrong?
Whoa… this totally reminds me of dating… *snide*
Darn. I really thought I had found the perfect job. I was so damn close.
The mistakes.
Speaking of which (waste and all), I had a haircut last week (an attempt to make myself feel better) and I was so not happy with it. I don’t know if I was just too frustrated and I took it out on my hair… I guess I was coz I ended up chopping off my bangs! Argh. Mr. fab queer eye who did my hair will go ballistic when he sees what I’ve done with his work. I look funny retarded.
so retarded.
The lesson.
Where are you heading? How are you getting there? What do you really want most out of life? Before you rush to answer these questions… think about yourself and what you want. Now try to accept the fact that it often takes a lot of time, work and patience to become the person you want to be...
I have time and again had this conversation with myself… with my father’s voice resounding in my head. I learned that we cannot come to terms with ourselves by seeking instant gratification- I most certainly grew up this way; or by daydreaming and scrambling for shortcuts. We must learn, sometimes painfully, that happiness is a by-product of a useful disciplined life, of solid achievement, and of carefully nurtured, and enduring personal relationships.
I'll keep that in mind.
