poundin the "pavement"

why is looking for a job such a crazy game? it would make more sense if people were just up front in the job ad so you knew exactly what you were getting into.

we need a designer who can create great printed pieces in not a lot of time, who can juggle way too many jobs than anyone should be asked to juggle, who won't get upset and run away crying if her design isn't chosen, who likes to laugh and looks forward to coming to work every day. we may also need you to do some web design even though it may not be your specialty. it would be great if you were a fast learner. we'll pay a fair market salary and provide any benefits were able to provide. so write to us and let us know what you're looking for.

instead, you see secretly coded ads asking for salary requirements which you know is just a ploy to get you to walk into their trap of "oh, she's looking for way too much money - toss this resume in the garbage. next..." when the salary question is out there, it's anyone's game. once you jump off that bridge, you either hit water or cement. here's to enjoying the jump.

i'm looking for employment in portland even though we're still in indy. i've gotten one reply asking to see more samples and possibly schedule an interview. sadly, the salary was way below market value for someone with my experience - 12 years. otherwise, i've gotten "your experience is impressive, but you're not what we're looking for. thank you". i can't help but think one deterent is me being 2500 miles away from said job. alas, i have faith and know the right job will come along at exactly the right time.

i've come across some very clever ads - people who know it's a good thing to allow personality to show through. it helps me believe they truly enjoy working there. which, in turn, gives me hope for all of humanity. after all, it's much better to love what you do for the majority of your days here on earth rather than trudging along counting the days til friday.

it seems so simple - do something you love doing and the money will "follow". i wonder how the rent gets paid in the time when the money is catching up to the doing what you love part. and how exactly do you figure out what you love to do if you've only ever been doing something in order to pay the bills? what am i good at? what do i love doing? i'm good at getting a tan and i love laying on the beach. think the money will follow me there? in the meantime, i'd better get back to looking for work.