Being unemployed now for the first time in years, I have had
time to sit back and think about employment in general. Up until now things have always seemed to
work in my favor in regards to jobs. Put
in an application, do your work, and get money.
Simple. I have held various jobs
throughout my 24 years of existence. I
began as a paper boy, worked as a yard hand at my family members’ home, worked
fast food, manufactured electronics, and taught English in Korea. I may have not been the star player in any of
my previous jobs, but I always got the work done and received praise by managers
and co-workers alike. Hard work does pay
off. Bank accounts grow (if you are wise
with money) and new skills can be added to a resume
As I spend hours scanning job websites in Bangkok, and sent
out countless e-mails with my resume, I can’t help but think that something
must be off in my tactics. One would
think that if twenty e-mails were sent out, at least a few companies
ADVERTISING OPEN POSITIONS would take the time to respond to an inquiry about
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES with them.
Going to and fro in the city, I often notice people who
appear to be my age wearing business suits and fancy lanyards with name tags
attached. What is it that these people
do? How did they find these jobs that I
search for restlessly? What is it that
sets me apart from them? Were they a
member of a Alpha Gamma Beta Sigma fraternity with a pledge brother worker at
the top of a company?
I can understand that
some jobs want a candidate with a more specialized skill set (doctors,
engineers, programmers, etc.) but for an average entry-level position for
marketing or management, what really sets people apart? It must come down to who can make a fancier
and blown-out-of-proportion resume explaining about all the things they have
done. From past experience, I know that
nearly any entry-level position can be learned on the job. It is entry-level after all. .
They do state 0 experience is fine.
What twist of fate makes it to where my resume is sent to
the bottom of the never look at list? It
must be karma for things I have done and am not aware of. I was never the top student in school, but did put in the time and effort to graduate with a great GPA while working 25-40 hours a week through school. I am a native English speaker, speak upper level Japanese, conversational in Korean, graduated
with a high GPA and numerous honor roll awards, good past performance for every
company I have worked for, no criminal records, and I get along well with
nearly everyone on earth. What skills do people possess that I do not? It is these questions that I must ponder as I
continue towards the path of employment.
2 comments:
I know that my opinion isn't worth a fart in the wind, but if I were hiring people for my business, you would definitely be near the top of the list. I don't know what to tell you, man. Just keep trying.
Maybe you should go out and do some nightlife networking? Maybe you can get some business cards from some drunk important people.
Thank you for the support Jimbo. I really appreciate it. Your opinion is worth its weight in gold.
I will keep on trying. The quest continues on. Up until today I have avoided looking at English teaching positions, but after doing a bit of research this evening, it looks like most schools/organizations require a TEFL or CELTA certification that runs between $1,200-$2,000. I really don't know if it is even worth paying the money to get certified. I have to weigh the pros and cons over the next few days.
I may actually attend a business networking event on June 6th, so maybe something will come up. That, or I will run into someone by chance in an elevator or subway car that can help to point me in the right direction.
I hope that all of your preparations are coming along well for your upcoming journey. I am excited to hear how things go. Can't wait to read about all of your new adventures. Hope you and your family are all safe back home.
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