We have a job-seeker at our house -- a 23-year-old, engaged-to-be-married guy who's a good dresser with lots of ambition, is easy on the eye, has a bachelor's degree in business communication, reliable transportation, a little job experience in radio and remodeling and washing cars. Take my son, please ...
It's a tough row to hoe for these newly minted college graduates. I remember looking for that first job, writing cover letter after cover letter, blanketing the world with my resumes and trying to act all mature and confident when I actually got to beg a real person to hire me. When I finally succeeded, I think I was making all of $5 an hour, a living wage in 1977. I was thrilled to have the job even though I basically hated it because I'm really not an extrovert and had had to be with people ALL DAY LONG. I didn't like the job much, but it sounded good on paper. My first child was my little excuse for a graceful exit since I am not a quitter and didn't want anyone to call me a job-jumper.
Now job jumping is normal behavior and a sign of ambition. Go figure. I've been in the same job 20 years. Does that mean I'm not ambitious? I don't think so. I'm just lucky and content and have good health insurance. Why mess with a good thing? I know some corporate types who would gladly trade places with me. Besides, right now I am wearing flip-flops and a pair of bermuda shorts and have had one tiny phone call all day long. I get paid for reading, writing, editing, advising, planning. All the things that one nearsighted, wardrobe-challenged, introverted grammarian can do. And lately, I get paid for being the devil's advocate, the "common scold." Everyone needs at least one.
Monday, June 9, 2008
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3 comments:
Just surfing around this morning and stumbled on your blog. I also remember looking for my first real job at 22. What pressure! What a thrill to land the big one. In my case it was to be an English teacher when there was an over-supply of applicants. Salary in 1977? $10,400. I still remember thinking how much money that was. (It wasn't. I started moonlighting by Christmas.) I also have a 23 year old. Sounds like you've done a great job. I enjoy your writing.
Why thank you, DIY! Visit again soon! :)
The job hunt can be so disheartening, it's true.
Love your self description:
"one nearsighted, wardrobe-challenged, introverted grammarian" -- imagine that on a resume!
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