This is my last post as a job seeker in this post-2008 presidential casmpaign. I am honored to be a Legislative Counsel in the United States Congress, working for Dr. Michael Burgess of the 26th District of Texas (my home district). With this opportunity, I will have been able to work in all three branches of the Federal Government (judicial, executive and legislative) as well as having been able to work on staff with a Presidential Campaign and various lower-level campaign jobs in my short-time on this earth.
It's something not very many people can say they did with their careers, and when you enjoy the SERVICE of public service ... there was just no way I could turn down this chance to be apart of what was going on in our Nation's Capitol.
Four months went by much both slower and quicker than I ever would have thought. To get here, I ultimately went on about 36 job interviews, wrote more than a 100 thank-you cards, composed countless emails, made even more countless phone calls and engaged in numerous trips to the dry cleaners. My own level of pickiness made time seemingly drag on yet, at the end-of-the-day, I wanted to be apart of something special and make a difference. Money ... well, there will always be a chance to make money. There will not always be a chance to be in politics.
I think in any job search there is always a cost-benefit analysis, and I made mine in the time it took me to agree to an offer. I had my first interview less than twelve hours after Governor Huckabee conceeded the presidential race, and a tenative offer a few short hours later.
I have no special words of wisdom to anyone, no parting words of encouragement. The only thing I have to say is this: we all have one shot to do something with your life. One shot to make a difference. One shot to change the world. One shot to help a friend in need. One shot. Because, at the end of the day, you never know when you are going to get another chance ... when a missed opportunity will again become a great opportunity.
I thankfully didn't miss my opportunity. Maybe it was because I actually HAD a choice. I truly did have a world of choices NOT because I was someone special -- or even that I was particularly smart, connected, talented, etc. -- but because I happened to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right friends to support me in this journey.
So I would just like to say thank you to my family in Texas, my surrogate family here in Northern Virginia, to "my girls" (especially the girls of the 315), to "my guys" (J.O., J. Slatts, T. Wear and O'Breezy), to everyone who sent me a job posting, provided me a reference, bought me a meal or coffee, and helped me stay normal and sane ... my life is what it is because of you.
And I would especially like to say to The University of Texas community how thankful I am for you allowing me to come study at UT. I can not imagine my life without my family and friends, but I also can not imagine my life without the UT community.
I hope I made you proud in this next chapter of my life.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tony Snow
On Saturday, I received numerous calls telling me that Tony Snow had passed away. I was shocked and deeply saddened by his passing.
Contrary to popular belief, I did not know Tony that well. Sure we interacted, but mostly he was someone I deeply respected and admired from afar. I just marveled at him because there was something about his passion and zeal for his job as White House Press Secretary which compelled me. I would watch his briefings almost daily -- if not live, then on the web after I got off of work -- and gap at his effortless charm with the press corp. I mean ... the man would make fun (!) of the press corp to their face (!!), and they just laughed (!!!).
Tony was, I think, the best Press Secretary President Bush ever had ... maybe the best Press Secretary ever. He is the only one I remember being famous enough, and popular enough, that he could go out on the road and raise a ton of money for the Republican Party. (I liked to joke he was so popular because he was so "hot," but that's neither-here-nor-there!)
At the end of the day, he was amazing because he simply, totally and absolutely loved his job. He was passionate about it. He was enlivened by it. He L-O-V-E-D it. Loved it.
And we loved him. Not only because he was a gifted communicator, but because he could say when he had made a mistake. He was just flat out honest when he was wrong. In politics, that's like being a white unicorn. Not really in existence ...
He really wasn't afraid to call it like it was -- even if it was on himself -- since he wanted to be the man of integrity professinally as well as personally. He lived to be consistent through-and-through.
I think in my job search I have tried to find the job which would ignite in me the same passion and intensity. I really TRULY want to believe in what I am doing. I want to make a difference. I want my life to mean something.
I'm not alone either. At the end of the day, we ALL search for passion in our lives. If we are really lucky we can find passion not only in love but in our professional life.
Tony Snow found it. So many other have too. And I think I just found my next one.
So this is me giving you one more post before I give you my last post. Stay tuned!! (And thanks Tony for all the memories. My prayers are with you and your family!)
Contrary to popular belief, I did not know Tony that well. Sure we interacted, but mostly he was someone I deeply respected and admired from afar. I just marveled at him because there was something about his passion and zeal for his job as White House Press Secretary which compelled me. I would watch his briefings almost daily -- if not live, then on the web after I got off of work -- and gap at his effortless charm with the press corp. I mean ... the man would make fun (!) of the press corp to their face (!!), and they just laughed (!!!).
Tony was, I think, the best Press Secretary President Bush ever had ... maybe the best Press Secretary ever. He is the only one I remember being famous enough, and popular enough, that he could go out on the road and raise a ton of money for the Republican Party. (I liked to joke he was so popular because he was so "hot," but that's neither-here-nor-there!)
At the end of the day, he was amazing because he simply, totally and absolutely loved his job. He was passionate about it. He was enlivened by it. He L-O-V-E-D it. Loved it.
And we loved him. Not only because he was a gifted communicator, but because he could say when he had made a mistake. He was just flat out honest when he was wrong. In politics, that's like being a white unicorn. Not really in existence ...
He really wasn't afraid to call it like it was -- even if it was on himself -- since he wanted to be the man of integrity professinally as well as personally. He lived to be consistent through-and-through.
I think in my job search I have tried to find the job which would ignite in me the same passion and intensity. I really TRULY want to believe in what I am doing. I want to make a difference. I want my life to mean something.
I'm not alone either. At the end of the day, we ALL search for passion in our lives. If we are really lucky we can find passion not only in love but in our professional life.
Tony Snow found it. So many other have too. And I think I just found my next one.
So this is me giving you one more post before I give you my last post. Stay tuned!! (And thanks Tony for all the memories. My prayers are with you and your family!)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Isn't it all temporary??
The other day someone emailed me for advice to see whether it was worthwhile (or not) to work as a temp in Washington, D.C. while they searched for a job. "Sure! You should do it. It's a great way to make some money while you get your foot in the door."
It's true. I did some temp work when I got done with school, and I had LOADS of fun! There were two particularly memorable temp assignments.
On one of the jobs, I was placed at this company for a week. I didn't have a clue as to what the company did -- or who these people were. When the phone rang and the recruiter called I just said, "Absolutely!! I'm TOTALLY free and would be happy to do it."
Well, when I got to the company, it turns out the guy owned like fifteen magazines. (swooning) Oh my goodness! I absolutely love magazines! I totally have a magazine fetish and would/could/should have been the next Anna Wintour (editor of Vogue, nee the magazine editor that Meryl Streep played in the funny movie The Devil Wears Prada) or Bonnie Fuller except my attention span is like THIS short. I spend waaaay too much time at Barnes and Noble!
I digress.
So I got to the company. Penthouse suite, natch. The executive assistant greeted me at the door. She had a big smile on her face and kindly said to me, "You came very highly recommended." I blushed -- which I don't often do because I don't tend to be very shy. "Thank you very much. They are very nice to have said that."
Then, much to my utter shock and complete surprise, she proceeded to do the most remarkable thing! "Here are the keys to the office." Horrors! What do I say to that? I came up with the brillant, "Um ... thank you." Very loqacious of me.
I just had never had that happen to me before! No one had ever given me, as the temp, the keys to the office.
But the surprises weren't over yet. Once I took the keys from her, she replied, "Okay, well I'm off now."
(mouth dropped) I stammered out, "Excuse me? I'm sorry, will you be back?"
She looked at me bemusedly as if I was the crazy one to be wondering why I was questioning being offered the key to the house and she said to me, "No. I'm going on vacation, and the CEO is out for the week too. He bought a new yacht (!) and is giving it a test run."
Oh. Right. The CEO is taking out his yacht. Duh. Why didn't I think of that?
My.
God.
(laughing) I think about that now, and I'm absolutely horrified. I mean ... I guess it's really cool that I came THAT highly recommended. Seriously. They gave me the keys to the office, the building code, emergency phone numbers and basically free reign over the joint. I was just to answer the phone whenever it rang -- "I'm sorry sir. Mr. Big-deal-so-and-so is not in the office because he is out testing his yacht!" (Well ... I didn't say anything about the yacht part.)
I also did a temp job, actually many MANY a temp job, where the people wanted me to stay with them. The best one was with Clear Channel Entertainment in Nashville. They wanted me to work in their country music department. Free concerts, etc.
Some people would have killed for that opportunity. Not me. I wanted to go work in a law firm. Crazy huh? Yeah.
Even now, I guess I'm doing temp work. I am just helping a friend until I get the call with the offer of my dreams -- seriously, will Facebook or Google or you-know who ever call?!? But, at the end of the day, isn't it all rather temporary?
Think about this presidential race. At the end of the day being President of The United States is being a temp -- albeit the most glorified, the most high-profile, the most powerful temp job ever. It's four years if your lucky, eight years if you are really lucky (or not, depending upon the time and circumstances).
Oh wait. Did I just called the President a temp?????!!!!! ha!
So yes. While you are waiting for a perfect job, temping is good. Besides, ultimately, it's all about getting your foot in the door and meeting the right person to forward your resume to the right person. And corporations sometimes will think they just need a temp, seeing your work ethic/charming personality, and decide they want to make you an offer. It happens more than you know!
Here in Washington, D.C., there are lots of agencies so don't limit yourself to just one. Register at as many will give you an interview. And, for goodness sake, remember the cardinal rule of temping: never EVER turn down the chance to interview for a real job (a full-time, standard job) because you are temping. That is absolutely dumb.
Hope that helps!
It's true. I did some temp work when I got done with school, and I had LOADS of fun! There were two particularly memorable temp assignments.
On one of the jobs, I was placed at this company for a week. I didn't have a clue as to what the company did -- or who these people were. When the phone rang and the recruiter called I just said, "Absolutely!! I'm TOTALLY free and would be happy to do it."
Well, when I got to the company, it turns out the guy owned like fifteen magazines. (swooning) Oh my goodness! I absolutely love magazines! I totally have a magazine fetish and would/could/should have been the next Anna Wintour (editor of Vogue, nee the magazine editor that Meryl Streep played in the funny movie The Devil Wears Prada) or Bonnie Fuller except my attention span is like THIS short. I spend waaaay too much time at Barnes and Noble!
I digress.
So I got to the company. Penthouse suite, natch. The executive assistant greeted me at the door. She had a big smile on her face and kindly said to me, "You came very highly recommended." I blushed -- which I don't often do because I don't tend to be very shy. "Thank you very much. They are very nice to have said that."
Then, much to my utter shock and complete surprise, she proceeded to do the most remarkable thing! "Here are the keys to the office." Horrors! What do I say to that? I came up with the brillant, "Um ... thank you." Very loqacious of me.
I just had never had that happen to me before! No one had ever given me, as the temp, the keys to the office.
But the surprises weren't over yet. Once I took the keys from her, she replied, "Okay, well I'm off now."
(mouth dropped) I stammered out, "Excuse me? I'm sorry, will you be back?"
She looked at me bemusedly as if I was the crazy one to be wondering why I was questioning being offered the key to the house and she said to me, "No. I'm going on vacation, and the CEO is out for the week too. He bought a new yacht (!) and is giving it a test run."
Oh. Right. The CEO is taking out his yacht. Duh. Why didn't I think of that?
My.
God.
(laughing) I think about that now, and I'm absolutely horrified. I mean ... I guess it's really cool that I came THAT highly recommended. Seriously. They gave me the keys to the office, the building code, emergency phone numbers and basically free reign over the joint. I was just to answer the phone whenever it rang -- "I'm sorry sir. Mr. Big-deal-so-and-so is not in the office because he is out testing his yacht!" (Well ... I didn't say anything about the yacht part.)
I also did a temp job, actually many MANY a temp job, where the people wanted me to stay with them. The best one was with Clear Channel Entertainment in Nashville. They wanted me to work in their country music department. Free concerts, etc.
Some people would have killed for that opportunity. Not me. I wanted to go work in a law firm. Crazy huh? Yeah.
Even now, I guess I'm doing temp work. I am just helping a friend until I get the call with the offer of my dreams -- seriously, will Facebook or Google or you-know who ever call?!? But, at the end of the day, isn't it all rather temporary?
Think about this presidential race. At the end of the day being President of The United States is being a temp -- albeit the most glorified, the most high-profile, the most powerful temp job ever. It's four years if your lucky, eight years if you are really lucky (or not, depending upon the time and circumstances).
Oh wait. Did I just called the President a temp?????!!!!! ha!
So yes. While you are waiting for a perfect job, temping is good. Besides, ultimately, it's all about getting your foot in the door and meeting the right person to forward your resume to the right person. And corporations sometimes will think they just need a temp, seeing your work ethic/charming personality, and decide they want to make you an offer. It happens more than you know!
Here in Washington, D.C., there are lots of agencies so don't limit yourself to just one. Register at as many will give you an interview. And, for goodness sake, remember the cardinal rule of temping: never EVER turn down the chance to interview for a real job (a full-time, standard job) because you are temping. That is absolutely dumb.
Hope that helps!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Brief Update
Well, I think I made a vow over a week ago to attempt to blog every single day. *rolling my eyes at myself* Obviously THAT worked out well. Yeah. I'm right back at my pace of once-a-week. I think I should just DO IT and not speak about what I am going to do (or what I should/could/would do).
Life has been super-busy. I am doing some work for a friend. Thankfully it's a nice paying gig. I think I am going to be working about 90 hours this week. Who knows how long this will last? Maybe it will be forever -- or maybe it's just here to tide me over until my dream job comes calling ("HELLO GOD! Can you get Facebook to call me?" =P)
Actually, the schedule isn't too bad. Sounds fairly psychotic, but I am pretty used to this type of schedule. I mean, at the end of the day, who needs sleep?!? As the famous philosopher Jennifer Lopez - ha! - once said, "I'll sleep when I'm dead."
One thing has been lessened on my time pressures. I have given over the reigns of the DC Texas Exes to the new President. I will still be serving on the Board as "President-Elect," which basically means I will run the March 2nd fundraiser and most of the social activities. I am so happy to be involved with anything Texas has me do so we'll see what that turns into. (Hey ... if Texas asks, then I will probably never say no!)
I also am getting really interested in the Trust for the National Mall organization. www.nationalmall.org. I love going on the National Mall for all sorts of great activities: picnics, flying kites, intramural sports, the famous "Screen on the Green" (first one for this summer starts next Monday) as well as midnight strolls with a special someone -- that one is MY favorite! =) This organization is committed to raising the $350 million dollars it will take to upkeep/maintain our Nation's treasures.
It's a wonderful thing.
I have been reading about it and can't get enough so I will, somehow, manage to fit it all into my current work/social/business obligations. I will. I must!
You know ... life is really random sometimes. I just wanted to say that. Seven years ago, I helped a friend with some work. That work led to me helping on a tour, and on that tour I met this girl who is now really famous. Katy Perry, i.e. of the hit song "I kissed a girl."
Wow huh?!? It's funny how life has so many twists and turns. I thought Katy was talented -- and was saddened, a few years ago, to hear that she wasn't doing as well as I thought her talent would take her -- but it's wonderful to see that fame has found her talent.
I always say to people, "Be nice to people because you just never know where they will end up and what they will do." I think others refer to it as "Don't burn bridges." Just a word to the wise. You never know ... you just never know ...
Well, that's about all I have for now. I won't say that I am going to post a blog tomorrow - although that is the goal - but you never know. The to-do-list is growing shorter by the hour so why not add to it??
P.S. If you ever need a job, just email me. I have enough referral sources that I would be happy to make the connection! They didn't interest me, but maybe they will interest you!
Hope you had a great Fourth of July! (Below is a shot of the new Nationals stadium with a bit of Texas flair. Score Nationals 3, Texas 13! HOORAH!)
Life has been super-busy. I am doing some work for a friend. Thankfully it's a nice paying gig. I think I am going to be working about 90 hours this week. Who knows how long this will last? Maybe it will be forever -- or maybe it's just here to tide me over until my dream job comes calling ("HELLO GOD! Can you get Facebook to call me?" =P)
Actually, the schedule isn't too bad. Sounds fairly psychotic, but I am pretty used to this type of schedule. I mean, at the end of the day, who needs sleep?!? As the famous philosopher Jennifer Lopez - ha! - once said, "I'll sleep when I'm dead."
One thing has been lessened on my time pressures. I have given over the reigns of the DC Texas Exes to the new President. I will still be serving on the Board as "President-Elect," which basically means I will run the March 2nd fundraiser and most of the social activities. I am so happy to be involved with anything Texas has me do so we'll see what that turns into. (Hey ... if Texas asks, then I will probably never say no!)
I also am getting really interested in the Trust for the National Mall organization. www.nationalmall.org. I love going on the National Mall for all sorts of great activities: picnics, flying kites, intramural sports, the famous "Screen on the Green" (first one for this summer starts next Monday) as well as midnight strolls with a special someone -- that one is MY favorite! =) This organization is committed to raising the $350 million dollars it will take to upkeep/maintain our Nation's treasures.
It's a wonderful thing.
I have been reading about it and can't get enough so I will, somehow, manage to fit it all into my current work/social/business obligations. I will. I must!
You know ... life is really random sometimes. I just wanted to say that. Seven years ago, I helped a friend with some work. That work led to me helping on a tour, and on that tour I met this girl who is now really famous. Katy Perry, i.e. of the hit song "I kissed a girl."
Wow huh?!? It's funny how life has so many twists and turns. I thought Katy was talented -- and was saddened, a few years ago, to hear that she wasn't doing as well as I thought her talent would take her -- but it's wonderful to see that fame has found her talent.
I always say to people, "Be nice to people because you just never know where they will end up and what they will do." I think others refer to it as "Don't burn bridges." Just a word to the wise. You never know ... you just never know ...
Well, that's about all I have for now. I won't say that I am going to post a blog tomorrow - although that is the goal - but you never know. The to-do-list is growing shorter by the hour so why not add to it??
P.S. If you ever need a job, just email me. I have enough referral sources that I would be happy to make the connection! They didn't interest me, but maybe they will interest you!
Hope you had a great Fourth of July! (Below is a shot of the new Nationals stadium with a bit of Texas flair. Score Nationals 3, Texas 13! HOORAH!)
Monday, June 23, 2008
References
So I’ve been a real slacker at posting on this blog. For the three of you who read this – thanks family for the support (haha!) – I haven’t been avoiding posting for any specific reason. Sure, there have been moments where I think to myself, “Do I have anything interesting to contribute to the job searchers of the universe?!?,” convince myself that I don’t and then just leave “no post behind.”
Then, there are the moments where I am slightly embarrassed at having to undergo this job search so, the lack of posts, can be attributed to my wanting to ignore my present reality (heightened only by posting) and pretend I’m on an extended vacation.
Well, I just need to snap-out-of-it and be more pro-active with this blog just as much as I have been pro-active in the job search. Ultimately, it is supposed to be a journal of my DAILY experiences and while I journal everyday in my personal life – about my personal life – there is absolutely nothing consistent about my posting on this blog so, I’m going to rectify it right now. A post a day … we’ll see how well that turns out!!
So on to today’s post.
For me, this job hunt has been a very personal and one of the few moments in my life where I have let myself be seen as remotely vulnerable. I’m not really good at letting people see the “needy” side of me. I like to be the take-charge, get things done girl. I like to make things happen, and this job search has definitely not been about me being self-sufficient.
This job search has been about me needing something. I need a job. I need a purpose. I need a goal. I need, I need, I need!
But you know what I really “need?” I realize I really need people.
And when I say, “I really need people,” I mean it both in the literal scene that I need people in my everyday life to keep me sane, i.e. having fun and enjoying life, as well as I need people to be references for me.
References are an interesting thing.
Most people pick references with awesomely intimidating titles. It's like we think if we find someone impressive enough, the fact that they (with their fabulous title) picked you to be friends with says you are equally amazing, or on the pathway to the same intimidatingness that the reference currently owns.
As for me, I don’t think I’ve ever made friends with somebody because their title was super-impressive. I like to think of myself as making friends with people because they have a cool life story; are generally great company; have a good reputation for fun; wear stylish clothes so they would be good shopping companions; or have hot friends I want to date (just kidding!).
Seriously though, I would like to think I treat the mailman the same as I would treat the President of The United States. I like to think I look at a person and just enjoy them for who they are.
So, because I am clearly so shy (!), I have met many a people in my life. (Honestly, I have the most random rolodex of all time!) Yet references aren’t about the random person you meet at a party. Sure, personal references may be that way. You want people in your social circle to say, “She’s cool!” Or you want them to say, “She’s so much fun!” Or, as my friends like to say, “Sery’s so C-R-A-Z-Y!”
With work references, you want a mix of the impressive title as well as someone you are honestly good friends with. You want to make sure they can attest to both your work attributes and make you seem like good company because, at the end of the day, you spend more time with your work colleagues than you do your friends and family.
I think of the recent passing of Tim Russert. I watched his son on The Today Show and instantly developed a respect for Luke Russert – and admired Tim even more. His son was the penultimate reference for the life that Tim Russert led: honorable, respectful, caring, fun and, despite his immense fame and power, normal. At the end of the day, Tim Russert was just your normal guy.
Tim also had a swath of really famous people attest for him. Presidents (current, former and potential), Senators, Congressman, celebrities, and even former teachers. He had people from every single chapter of his all-together too short a life and that says a lot for a person.
Your references for a job should be like that. You should be able to pick people from various chapters of your life who can attest for you because, at the end of the day, employers want to see consistency in your character. Sure, they want to know you are a ball-buster and can get things done, but they also want to know when you are put in a tough situation will you bail because it’s tough or will you stick with it – with charm, with grace, with conviction and with joy – because that’s what you have ALWAYS done.
So think about it. Think about who you want your references to be. Who do you want to attest for you and, more importantly, WOULD people attest for you because life is not about how you want it to be. Life is what you are living everyday. And everyday, the people you interact with are references for you. What would they say about you?
What would they say?
Then, there are the moments where I am slightly embarrassed at having to undergo this job search so, the lack of posts, can be attributed to my wanting to ignore my present reality (heightened only by posting) and pretend I’m on an extended vacation.
Well, I just need to snap-out-of-it and be more pro-active with this blog just as much as I have been pro-active in the job search. Ultimately, it is supposed to be a journal of my DAILY experiences and while I journal everyday in my personal life – about my personal life – there is absolutely nothing consistent about my posting on this blog so, I’m going to rectify it right now. A post a day … we’ll see how well that turns out!!
So on to today’s post.
For me, this job hunt has been a very personal and one of the few moments in my life where I have let myself be seen as remotely vulnerable. I’m not really good at letting people see the “needy” side of me. I like to be the take-charge, get things done girl. I like to make things happen, and this job search has definitely not been about me being self-sufficient.
This job search has been about me needing something. I need a job. I need a purpose. I need a goal. I need, I need, I need!
But you know what I really “need?” I realize I really need people.
And when I say, “I really need people,” I mean it both in the literal scene that I need people in my everyday life to keep me sane, i.e. having fun and enjoying life, as well as I need people to be references for me.
References are an interesting thing.
Most people pick references with awesomely intimidating titles. It's like we think if we find someone impressive enough, the fact that they (with their fabulous title) picked you to be friends with says you are equally amazing, or on the pathway to the same intimidatingness that the reference currently owns.
As for me, I don’t think I’ve ever made friends with somebody because their title was super-impressive. I like to think of myself as making friends with people because they have a cool life story; are generally great company; have a good reputation for fun; wear stylish clothes so they would be good shopping companions; or have hot friends I want to date (just kidding!).
Seriously though, I would like to think I treat the mailman the same as I would treat the President of The United States. I like to think I look at a person and just enjoy them for who they are.
So, because I am clearly so shy (!), I have met many a people in my life. (Honestly, I have the most random rolodex of all time!) Yet references aren’t about the random person you meet at a party. Sure, personal references may be that way. You want people in your social circle to say, “She’s cool!” Or you want them to say, “She’s so much fun!” Or, as my friends like to say, “Sery’s so C-R-A-Z-Y!”
With work references, you want a mix of the impressive title as well as someone you are honestly good friends with. You want to make sure they can attest to both your work attributes and make you seem like good company because, at the end of the day, you spend more time with your work colleagues than you do your friends and family.
I think of the recent passing of Tim Russert. I watched his son on The Today Show and instantly developed a respect for Luke Russert – and admired Tim even more. His son was the penultimate reference for the life that Tim Russert led: honorable, respectful, caring, fun and, despite his immense fame and power, normal. At the end of the day, Tim Russert was just your normal guy.
Tim also had a swath of really famous people attest for him. Presidents (current, former and potential), Senators, Congressman, celebrities, and even former teachers. He had people from every single chapter of his all-together too short a life and that says a lot for a person.
Your references for a job should be like that. You should be able to pick people from various chapters of your life who can attest for you because, at the end of the day, employers want to see consistency in your character. Sure, they want to know you are a ball-buster and can get things done, but they also want to know when you are put in a tough situation will you bail because it’s tough or will you stick with it – with charm, with grace, with conviction and with joy – because that’s what you have ALWAYS done.
So think about it. Think about who you want your references to be. Who do you want to attest for you and, more importantly, WOULD people attest for you because life is not about how you want it to be. Life is what you are living everyday. And everyday, the people you interact with are references for you. What would they say about you?
What would they say?
Friday, June 6, 2008
CEO-style
The other day, a good friend of mine sent me a job listing for a CEO job. My eyes widened. "Me?? A CEO?? Right now?? CRAZY!!" I was surprised to be thought of so highly at this point-in-my-life, but then, as always, I thought to myself, "I could do that!"
The job listing got me thinking about how CEOs got to be where they are. Everyone starts somewhere right? CEOs aren't just born CEOs are they? (No nature vs. nuture argument right now please.) The road there can not be easy -- and you know what? Even those people lose their jobs. In fact, here is a good article I read today in Fortune Magazine entitled "Lessons of the Fall: Ex-CEOs from JetBlue, Starbucks and Motorola discuss what they learned when they lost their jobs" by Patricia Sellars. http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/27/magazines/fortune/lessons_fall_sellers.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008052911.
Another CEO article was in USA Today today about how "CEOs value lessons from teen jobs" by Del Jones. http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-06-05-summer-jobs-ceos_N.htm.
If neither of these articles are helpful, the best article I read in today's wires was in the "Opinion" section of my favorite paper The New York Times by David Brooks entitled "The Art of Growing Up." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/opinion/06brooks.html?ref=opinion.
Sometimes, it's very easy to think the grass is greener on the other side. Yet, we should never forget that no one has a perfect life. Not even our presidents have charmed lives even legendary ones like Abraham Lincoln. It's in our struggles in which we truly find ourselves and define ourselves. I hope Brooks' article encourages you. Lincoln's life always encourages me!
The job listing got me thinking about how CEOs got to be where they are. Everyone starts somewhere right? CEOs aren't just born CEOs are they? (No nature vs. nuture argument right now please.) The road there can not be easy -- and you know what? Even those people lose their jobs. In fact, here is a good article I read today in Fortune Magazine entitled "Lessons of the Fall: Ex-CEOs from JetBlue, Starbucks and Motorola discuss what they learned when they lost their jobs" by Patricia Sellars. http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/27/magazines/fortune/lessons_fall_sellers.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008052911.
Another CEO article was in USA Today today about how "CEOs value lessons from teen jobs" by Del Jones. http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-06-05-summer-jobs-ceos_N.htm.
If neither of these articles are helpful, the best article I read in today's wires was in the "Opinion" section of my favorite paper The New York Times by David Brooks entitled "The Art of Growing Up." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/opinion/06brooks.html?ref=opinion.
Sometimes, it's very easy to think the grass is greener on the other side. Yet, we should never forget that no one has a perfect life. Not even our presidents have charmed lives even legendary ones like Abraham Lincoln. It's in our struggles in which we truly find ourselves and define ourselves. I hope Brooks' article encourages you. Lincoln's life always encourages me!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tipping Point
Last night, I gasped as I sat and realized I watched nearly 300 years of America history challenged and changed irrevocably FOR THE BETTER. Irrespective of my personal politics, as a minority operating in the political arena (as a minority living in this world period), I couldn't help but marvel at Barack Obama's courage, tenacity, discipline, grace and the manifestation of hope he gave to countless people not just in the United States but around the world.
His campaign was almost akin to a litmus test, a tipping point if you will, for those in our electorate who voted for him. It was a vote, as they say, "for change." It was as though for them, in the moment they chose to vote, they voted as much with their hearts as they did their heads thus tipping our country into this life-changing moment.
Truly, his story is only possible in this wonderful country of ours, and I just want to say "Simply amazing."
As for me, I also feel as though I am on the verge of something. I also feel as though I am operating in a tipping point of my own.
I am three months into this journey, and everyday is a new life lesson. I am no Barack Obama. I dare not even make the comparison with his life story (or Senator McCain or my wonderful former boss Governor Huckabee) or even with anyone. I don't want to. I am my own person, with my own story, and my own desires for the future.
And those desires have me looking for jobs every single day. Everyday is a chance for me to tip myself towards where I want to be -- or to stay where I have always been.
It's incredibly hard to be disciplined. It's really just not easy to tip myself forward.
It's not easy to constantly network and keep hunting for new jobs and great opportunities. It's not easy to write. It's not easy to wonder if you should ask the one person who could really really REALLY help you for help, when you just don't want to do it because you don't want to bother him in his own crazy-hectic life.
It's not easy to feel hope: to give hope to yourself and to those who love you.
Yes. It's not easy, but it's my choice. Ultimately, it's my decision.
It was my decision to turn down those early job offers, and it's remained my decision to turn down ones that have come along the way.
It's my decision to apply for certain jobs, and it's remained my decision not to apply for other jobs.
It's my decision to stay in D.C. and try and work in law/lobbying/politics, and its remained my decision not to move to some other location to find another job and do something different.
It's my choice. It's my vote. It's my life.
So, I guess, all this to say, I'm not sure what this blog does for anyone who reads it except I hope it says that you always have a choice in the matter. Just like in politics, you always have a choice in the job process ... you always have your vote.
Everyday you have a choice whether you will find a job in the interim (maybe at Starbucks or at the mall) or whether you will sit around and watch tv (do you need a vacation? do you need a break?) or whether you will just pound the pavement because in your heart you know that what you dream is possible because, quite frankly, anything in America is possible.
Just look at me. My entire life is based upon choices. It was my parent's choice to come to America to pursue the American dream. It was my choice to study when I was in school -- or the lack thereof! It was my choice to go and make great friends; my choice to work great jobs in politics; and now it's my choice I get to be a pop-up on my alma maters web-site!
Where are your choices taking you?
Once, before I got this blog -- and probably before he even knew how involved I had been with the alumni association -- I joked with President Powers that "I'm probably that student you (the university) doesn't want to claim." He laughed in appreciation at the joke and then, with all seriousness, he looked at me with confident encouragement and said firmly, "We are always proud of every graduate."
I'm not sure why it made a difference to me to hear President Powers say that. I didn't know him at all, and honestly he didn't know me at all. But he was a symbol. To me, he represented the full weight of the university, and I was so encouraged to hear him say those words. I was speechless because it did matter to me whether the university was proud of me.
I believe President Powers' statement is true not just for me but for every student, every alumnus, and every person who ever felt that they weren't tipping into the next chapter of their lives. If you went to The University of Texas, they are proud of you. No caveats. You did a marvelous thing.
So take that knowledge in this job search. No matter what you are feeling now -- no matter what is going on in your life now -- at one point you made a great choice. You chose The University of Texas. And that choice will forever open doors for you -- and has ALREADY opened doors for you.
What are you doing with that choice?
Each day is a chance for me, for you, to do something. You don't have to wait for someone to give you a job. You are making a difference by just being alive.
I just hope we are tipping ourselves into doing something not just for ourselves, but for the dreams of those who walk alongside us in this journey -- and for the dreams of those yet to come.
Make a choice. I'm going to. Actually, I think I just did.
His campaign was almost akin to a litmus test, a tipping point if you will, for those in our electorate who voted for him. It was a vote, as they say, "for change." It was as though for them, in the moment they chose to vote, they voted as much with their hearts as they did their heads thus tipping our country into this life-changing moment.
Truly, his story is only possible in this wonderful country of ours, and I just want to say "Simply amazing."
As for me, I also feel as though I am on the verge of something. I also feel as though I am operating in a tipping point of my own.
I am three months into this journey, and everyday is a new life lesson. I am no Barack Obama. I dare not even make the comparison with his life story (or Senator McCain or my wonderful former boss Governor Huckabee) or even with anyone. I don't want to. I am my own person, with my own story, and my own desires for the future.
And those desires have me looking for jobs every single day. Everyday is a chance for me to tip myself towards where I want to be -- or to stay where I have always been.
It's incredibly hard to be disciplined. It's really just not easy to tip myself forward.
It's not easy to constantly network and keep hunting for new jobs and great opportunities. It's not easy to write. It's not easy to wonder if you should ask the one person who could really really REALLY help you for help, when you just don't want to do it because you don't want to bother him in his own crazy-hectic life.
It's not easy to feel hope: to give hope to yourself and to those who love you.
Yes. It's not easy, but it's my choice. Ultimately, it's my decision.
It was my decision to turn down those early job offers, and it's remained my decision to turn down ones that have come along the way.
It's my decision to apply for certain jobs, and it's remained my decision not to apply for other jobs.
It's my decision to stay in D.C. and try and work in law/lobbying/politics, and its remained my decision not to move to some other location to find another job and do something different.
It's my choice. It's my vote. It's my life.
So, I guess, all this to say, I'm not sure what this blog does for anyone who reads it except I hope it says that you always have a choice in the matter. Just like in politics, you always have a choice in the job process ... you always have your vote.
Everyday you have a choice whether you will find a job in the interim (maybe at Starbucks or at the mall) or whether you will sit around and watch tv (do you need a vacation? do you need a break?) or whether you will just pound the pavement because in your heart you know that what you dream is possible because, quite frankly, anything in America is possible.
Just look at me. My entire life is based upon choices. It was my parent's choice to come to America to pursue the American dream. It was my choice to study when I was in school -- or the lack thereof! It was my choice to go and make great friends; my choice to work great jobs in politics; and now it's my choice I get to be a pop-up on my alma maters web-site!
Where are your choices taking you?
Once, before I got this blog -- and probably before he even knew how involved I had been with the alumni association -- I joked with President Powers that "I'm probably that student you (the university) doesn't want to claim." He laughed in appreciation at the joke and then, with all seriousness, he looked at me with confident encouragement and said firmly, "We are always proud of every graduate."
I'm not sure why it made a difference to me to hear President Powers say that. I didn't know him at all, and honestly he didn't know me at all. But he was a symbol. To me, he represented the full weight of the university, and I was so encouraged to hear him say those words. I was speechless because it did matter to me whether the university was proud of me.
I believe President Powers' statement is true not just for me but for every student, every alumnus, and every person who ever felt that they weren't tipping into the next chapter of their lives. If you went to The University of Texas, they are proud of you. No caveats. You did a marvelous thing.
So take that knowledge in this job search. No matter what you are feeling now -- no matter what is going on in your life now -- at one point you made a great choice. You chose The University of Texas. And that choice will forever open doors for you -- and has ALREADY opened doors for you.
What are you doing with that choice?
Each day is a chance for me, for you, to do something. You don't have to wait for someone to give you a job. You are making a difference by just being alive.
I just hope we are tipping ourselves into doing something not just for ourselves, but for the dreams of those who walk alongside us in this journey -- and for the dreams of those yet to come.
Make a choice. I'm going to. Actually, I think I just did.
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