My class had the chance to speak to a few new professionals about their job hunt experience. When we were able to ask questions, these professionals couldn't stress enough the importance about knowing what you need and being yourself. Being myself is easy. It's too hard for me to try to be someone I'm not. I'm an introvert, an "I," so trying to be overly chatty, for example, is draining for me. I am one of those people that many extroverts probably "don't get," because I don't mind silence. But I also like being inside my own head (typical introvert, right?) so that would make sense. Point is: I can't be fake. It's too hard.
Being myself? Check. Knowing what I need? Ehhh, not so much.
Being myself? Check. Knowing what I need? Ehhh, not so much.
I feel like deep down I must know what I need. But the fear of not having an income for an extended period of time if I cannot graduate immediately with a job frightened my brain into ignoring those needs during this job hunt at times. The good thing is that as an introvert, I enjoy reflecting about my thoughts and actions, so I can easily recognize when I've let the doubt take over. For example, I applied to a job that was a great position at a great school, but it's in a location where I know I would not enjoy living in--a BIG city. Everyone tells me how exciting city life is, how great it is for singles, how fun it is to go out and meet new people. But hello? You're talking to an introvert here!
Let's learn a little bit about my likes and dislikes (this will help me reflect later and hopefully clarify my "needs"). I mean, don't get me wrong, I am not a hermit. I like people, otherwise I wouldn't be in Student Affairs! But if you know your MBTI, and I'm sure you do, you know that introverts are prone to having small, close networks. I enjoy smaller communities and a few friends with whom I can form deep relationships (Like #1). I also enjoy smaller communities because I like the freedom of driving around and discovering quaint towns and villages (Like #2). I don't like to rely on public transportation because I feel lost and out of control (Dislike #1). I do not mind having access to a city, but honestly, the pace of city life does not match my personality! I need more solitude and more natural surroundings (Likes #3 and #4). I really love being outdoors and I love biking (Likes #5 and #6). I prefer to bike on paths or trails, and do not like biking on busy streets with crazy taxi drivers (Dislikes #2 and #3).
When considering living in a cramped apartment and making the trek to work into a HUGE city, my gut tightens up. But then my brain kicks in, getting all pushy on me, and says, "Well try it for a little while, it won't kill you!" One of those guest speakers we had offered a pretty good rebuttal to what my brain keeps telling me: "Yes it's just an entry-level position, but it's still a big part of your LIFE." She went on to say that if you aren't comfortable with the life you're living, you won't enjoy your job as much.
Let's learn a little bit about my likes and dislikes (this will help me reflect later and hopefully clarify my "needs"). I mean, don't get me wrong, I am not a hermit. I like people, otherwise I wouldn't be in Student Affairs! But if you know your MBTI, and I'm sure you do, you know that introverts are prone to having small, close networks. I enjoy smaller communities and a few friends with whom I can form deep relationships (Like #1). I also enjoy smaller communities because I like the freedom of driving around and discovering quaint towns and villages (Like #2). I don't like to rely on public transportation because I feel lost and out of control (Dislike #1). I do not mind having access to a city, but honestly, the pace of city life does not match my personality! I need more solitude and more natural surroundings (Likes #3 and #4). I really love being outdoors and I love biking (Likes #5 and #6). I prefer to bike on paths or trails, and do not like biking on busy streets with crazy taxi drivers (Dislikes #2 and #3).
When considering living in a cramped apartment and making the trek to work into a HUGE city, my gut tightens up. But then my brain kicks in, getting all pushy on me, and says, "Well try it for a little while, it won't kill you!" One of those guest speakers we had offered a pretty good rebuttal to what my brain keeps telling me: "Yes it's just an entry-level position, but it's still a big part of your LIFE." She went on to say that if you aren't comfortable with the life you're living, you won't enjoy your job as much.
I feel like I need to wear one of those anti-bark shock collars that they have for dogs, except adjusted to recognize when I say things that go against my needs. A mild jolt of electricity to my neck to snap me out of making sacrifices. (Just to be clear: as a humane animal lover, I actually do not support the use of those dog collars, in case anyone was concerned about that comment). I don't WANT to sacrifice anything from my "needs list" but sometimes the doubt just gets so loud. I am going to do some soul searching this weekend instead of job searching and sit down and write a list of my Top 5 Needs to refer to when considering positions (to either apply to or accept interviews for). I obviously know that lifestyle and community are important
factors for me...so that's a start.
Oh, and by the way, I have my first phone interview scheduled! The first step in a lengthy search process for the school, but hey I will take it! I'm very excited to speak to someone at this institution and see what vibe I get, because the position sounds great and the school community is small. It's all about that "fit" though. (And in case you couldn't tell as I talk about "vibes" and "fit" I'm also a big "N"-- intuitive). We've learned a little about me today.
factors for me...so that's a start.
Oh, and by the way, I have my first phone interview scheduled! The first step in a lengthy search process for the school, but hey I will take it! I'm very excited to speak to someone at this institution and see what vibe I get, because the position sounds great and the school community is small. It's all about that "fit" though. (And in case you couldn't tell as I talk about "vibes" and "fit" I'm also a big "N"-- intuitive). We've learned a little about me today.
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I am an introvert too. But, I love cities and hate small towns. I have been looking for jobs mainly in cities or places near cities. Good luck with the job hunt!
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