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Topic: How Do You Handle It?????
| Author | Message |
| lilacdreams | Posted – 3/31/2006 10:03:35 AM | show profile Hey all, For those of you in-between jobs or looking for full-time employment, how do you effectively manage your time? Do you do whatever jobs you can get prior to getting a full-time job? I know many in-between jobs are more on the menial side or out of career interest, such as retail sales, receptionist, data entry, and file clerk. How can you make the menial job work for you when interviewing for a full-time one? Some employers discredit non-work related employment if not in the area for what you are applying to whether you are working or not. Do any of you not work and pursue getting a full-time job in your field?? I feel so torn. Part of me wants to give in and take ''something'' and keep pursuing what I really want. I don't care for agencies since I've never had much luck with them. Any advice? Much appreciated. lilacdreams |
| shudawudacuda | Posted – 3/31/2006 10:32:20 AM | show profile It must be kismet. Dear Lilacdreams, I am going through the same struggle. I want a job as a Fashion Editor, but I work as a Copywriter. I have an interview today for and Editorial position, but it's much more technical than I'd like it to be. I'm torn on what to do. I want to take the Editorial position but only because it pays more. I'm afraid by doing this I'm going to again be in a job that does not support my long term goal of becoming a Fashion Editor. I do write fashion articles (unpaid) and I'm actively pursuing freelance fashion editing but it hasn't ''happened'' yet. I do know this...you can always pull the experiences from a previous job into the one you desire. There has to be some instances where you were a leader, proactive, creative, a ''team player,'' and as long as you try to utilize the things you're doing now you'll find that certain intangible qualities carry over rather specifically. Trust your gut and follow your heart. It's your internal compass that will help navigate you to the right place at the right time. Hope that helps. ------ Don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys! |
| Cyrus | Posted – 3/31/2006 10:49:46 AM | show profile First off, what is your field? I ask because it's easier to stay active and earning at least some money in certain fields than others. If you're a writer, try freelancing or using a network to get some corporate work. Also, look at opportunities within agencies that place people on a part-time and/or freelance basis within your field. What people do depends in large part on what they have to do financially. People who can afford it would rather stay within their profession, in most cases, but some are pushed and/or motivated to do different things. I'd say there's never any harm in pursuing what you want, but I'd advise you at the same time to keep an open mind. Earlier in my career, I used to use the phrase ''I'm like a public company, I'm for sale everyday.'' By that I mean, I'd listen to any and all decent offers and opportunities that came along. I wouldn't worry about employers looking negatively on employment outside your field. I'd bring it up in cover letters that I took those jobs for a specific reason and elaborate. That answers the question before they even ask. ------ Cyrus Afzali Astoria Communications www.astoriacomm.com |
| lilacdreams | Posted – 3/31/2006 12:05:52 PM | show profile shudawudacuda, thanks for the feedback. It's so hard sometimes to remain positive. I would like to get into magazine publishing, possibly working in editorial or production - getting a feel for the publication and seeing what it's like and the industry is about. Cyrus, my degree is in Communications. I know a degree can be transitional, can't it? My goal is magazine publishing. I have been appying to newspapers, trade magazines or companies which have publication departments and potential openings. I try to target smaller companies since larger companies can be a stretch. I don't live in NY but on the east coast nonetheless. I'm currently unemployed and have been for several months. I apply to several opportunties and follow-up. Get interviews, but that is where everything ends. No offers. I was thinking of sucking it up and taking a part-time gig such as waitressing or sales to get something in my pocket before settling. My family is excellent and are very supportive. This gap growing on my resume does not make things any easier. I also believe potential employers see it as some type of red flag indicating lack of ambition or desire for income even if it isn't an ideal job - which couldn't be further from the truth. I also apply to positions where I would be considered overqualified. I've been out of school for a few years - meaning the safety net of being a ''new graduate'' is no longer a viable option. Thoughts???? I feel so lost. lilacdreams |
| lilacdreams | Posted – 3/31/2006 12:32:42 PM | show profile Cryus, I forgot to add if I don't come off as not having ambition, I feel I may potentially come off as resting on my laurels (who knows what employers think). I am applying to jobs, just not getting any or long-lasting bites. On the other hand, so many job listings require so much work for so little pay or are part-time jobs. Those type of opportunites I don't apply to. I know I'm not in a position to be too picky but I did go to college. It would be nice to have that acknowledged. I even worked in a temp position (no editorial responsibilities, contrary to what the add stated), where the salary was the same rate as the interns. What's wrong with this picture? What should be a person's limit? I just want personal satisfaction. Right now, those feelings are fleeting. Any suggestions for books on personal growth or that may help in my job search? Thanks again in advance for your feedback or anyone else who feels inclined to respond!!! lilacdreams |
| lilacdreams | Posted – 4/3/2006 3:42:50 PM | show profile Anyone? lilacdreams |
| shudawudacuda | Posted – 4/3/2006 4:48:11 PM | show profile It's just a matter of time! Lilacdreams, I'm not sure what books are out there that apply to your direct situation...I read Quarter Life Crisis, and it really helped. It didn't give me a golden key or anything but it definitely made me feel better on the whole. To put it plainly, it's difficult to find a job. Especially, if you are in the arts. Unfortunately there are millions of talented, bright and charismatic candidates out there who are having a difficult time too. My recommendation to you is to consider what it is you're willing to sacrifice. That suggestion is rather ubiquitious I know, but sometimes you need to ask questions to put a better perspective on your situation. A majority of us have degrees and completed internships and are right where you are. It's a little disheartening but very common. That's all I got. Good luck. ------ Don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys! |
| lilacdreams | Posted – 4/4/2006 1:40:14 PM | show profile Thanks shudawudacuda. Support in times like this mean everything. May we all find what we are looking for...regardless of how many trials and tribulations we encounter prior to getting there. Good luck to you as well:) lilacdreams |
| writesonwater | Posted – 4/4/2006 6:57:38 PM | show profile | email poster Lilac, don't get stuck on what your degree was in. Doesn't matter as much as where your talent lies. Use your time to develop your talent and get paid for it if at all possible. Do whatever you have to do to keep bread on the table. On your resume, you need to put Freelance Writing (editing, whatever) (dates) -- and do some of that, as much as possible. You don't need to put down ''Courier'' or ''Waiter'' or whatever. I have moved some to follow my husband's work, and have done whatever was available to me at the time. Once I got serious about full-time freelancing -- and had an editorial background, somewhat checkered, to back me up -- I realized I could do it from anywhere. Good luck. |
| Cyrus | Posted – 4/5/2006 3:33:45 PM | show profile I have a couple of thoughts. First, find a professional networks and do all you can to make connections. Often, people get their best intros to jobs through networks. Also, just spending regular amounts of time with the same individuals will prove beneficial to your outlook. Secondly, don't just limit yourself to smal firms. I got to CNN after stints at 2 small dailies and a business weekly. Conventional wisdom would have probably not said I was anything close to a shoo in. You just never know. Also, consider revamping your resume to put specific examples of work you've done along with unique accomplishments associated with them. The more specific you can be, the better. Good luck, Cyrus ------ Cyrus Afzali Astoria Communications www.astoriacomm.com |
| sheilamullan | Posted – 4/7/2006 8:11:00 PM | show profile lilac Hello, Lilac: Well, are you working now? If not, not working in any job, then take something to bring money in, and then KEEP LOOKING FOR THE BETTER JOB. Very simple. No job now? take anything but KEEP APPLYING for your desired goal. Once you get a better job, follow same path. Let's say the eventual ''better jobs'' it's a beginner writer post, but not exactly in XYZ specialty. So what? Do your best, put your whole self into it, and keep telling yourself you're preparing yourself for the dream job. Get out of the house & start networking. Best of luck, Sheila |
