A note before we get into today's topic:
Another week into the job search and we (you are now all part of my job search whether you like it or not) have FINALLY struck some progress. My definition of progress has largely changed since graduation, hell; it's changed since only a few weeks ago. I've learned that the definition of the word tends to correlate with the amount of patience you have while performing the task at hand. As I was forewarned by many people who had been in this situation before me, I knew it was going to be a relatively lengthy and trying process, so my expectations have been tempered. Progress used to mean getting from point A to point B, quickly and efficiently. Usually there was one way of getting there and the route was pretty straightforward. Now it seems, the road from point A to B has several stops, a few forks in the road, and the GPS that I'm using to find my way was bought when Ace of Base was still big. I have to say it's refreshing to get somewhere. Even though I knew this was going to a tough process, it's still important to move forward, if for nothing but to stay motivated. I think it's important for anyone who is currently or about to job hunt, to understand that the road is long, and sometimes a small victory is hard to come by, but to keep pushing, and treasuring whenever the wins come along. I'll hopefully touch on this a little more throughout the next few posts.
I also wanted to clear up another quick thing. This blog is not about getting a random job simply for income. I'm looking for a job that emphasizes intellectual stimulation, creativity, professional growth and invokes an interest in work in me, that I didn't know was there. A job that I am excited to go to every day, where I can contribute to something real and meaningful. I'm reminded of one of Karl Marx's theories (trying to not sound too pretentious, but it seems impossible when bringing up Marx in a blog). The predicament of working to live or living to work is a battle that many still have trouble solving. Many people are now combining the two into one, where work and personal life are intertwined and indistinguishable from one another. I think the reason for this is that more and more people, similar to me, are trying to find work they can be passionate about. Work in which people can carry over interests, and elements from their life outside of work. The reason I bring all of this up (other than to try to bring the level of intellectuality in this blog up) is to let the readers know that I am on a specific job hunt. There are many things, as I mentioned in the last blog, I am not interested in. I truly believe that anyone can find a job. It's a lot harder to find a job you actually want.
Now, finally we get to the actual point of this post. As you'll see, I get most of my ideas for posts in conversations that I have with people. This one is an argument I had with a friend who will actually be contributing to this blog one of these days. We had this conversation a few weeks ago, at the beginning of my job search. I've since changed my opinion on the matter. We were reminiscing about our childhoods, and the adolescent, juvenile fun we had. I found it intriguing that he referred to the younger version of himself, as the "old me". I found this interesting, as I saw many similarities between his self-declared 'old self' and the guy I was talking to. Of course, he was referring to the distinction between his professional life and personal life. Even though I argued that you can still be the same person that your friends and family know and love, in a professional setting (work, interviews, meetings etc.), I have to say I am slowly reneging on my opinion. Everyone has gone through the same transition. It doesn't need to be a full lifestyle change (which I think he was arguing for), but everyone changes into their professional self when it is called for (at least those who have no trouble holding on to jobs).
I remember one of my good friends coming into my last place of employment and saying that he didn't even recognize me. I honestly didn't know what to think, I was confused, slightly offended, and even little embarrassed, even though I continued to act that way. To think that you have to completely change who you are in a work environment (or in my case, phone conversations, emails and interviews) is pretty troublesome. But similar to my friend, I understand that you need to establish yourself as dependable, professional, serious, and an intellectual when working. The only thing I'm having trouble understanding is why we think we need to put on a facade to translate that to employers, customers, co-workers, etc. Why do we need to change our vocabulary, demeanor and attitude when trying to communicate these characteristics? It's even scarier to think that the monotone, white bread, tone-downed version of me may start to edge itself into my everyday life. I haven't encountered this complete change yet, but every time I'm on the phone trying to get a job, I know I'm being someone I'm not. I also know that if I try to be my genuine self, my chances of getting the job are largely diminished. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with confidence, or if that's just the way it's done. It is the way we were taught in school to treat interviews, and jobs, so maybe that's just the way it is. Ideally, I'd like to change that. I applaud anyone (if there really is anyone) who stays true to themselves, and removes this cover.
As a final note, (as this post is way too long for people to maintain interest), I am not saying that you should go into an interview in sweats, and start discussing your weekend indiscretions with your potential employer, but really find a compromise between the two extremes. Somewhere in between the person you expect your boss wants to hire, and the person you see in the mirror every morning, because at the end of the day, the only person you can't lie to is yourself.
Also, comments are very welcome, and encouraged. I really want to know what people are thinking, as well as any ideas for future posts.
Rob Baral
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