jobbin'

Jobbin' - actively looking for a job, while having a job; the process of making a power move to put yourself in a much better $$$$ituation.

It's been a minute since I last blogged cause I've been jobbin'. Taking flights, going to interviews, weighing the pros and cons of leaving versus staying. And man, it's been hectic. In the past two weeks I've had some pretty hot and heavy dealings with a couple of companies who made it quite obvious they had a lot of interest in me. Of course they promised me how much better things would be, and how great things would be if I came to work for them. Eventually, we all come to this point on our jobs, when we begin to question, "do these fools really know what they have in me?" And if they do, "why aren't they acting like it?" At that point, I'd advise you all to start jobbin'. For whatever reason, you are always more valuable to the next company than you are to yours. That's power. Problem is, most people are working too hard on their jobs to ever take a moment to stop, look up, and tap into that power.

Nothing reminds your current job of just how valuable you are quite like walking in and dropping off a two weeks notice on that ass. It's one of the most empowering things you'll ever do in life. And shortly afterwards, you'll see them scrambling around as you quickly begin to get treated like the most trusted valued employee in the building. Suddenly they have all these plans, new titles, and new money for you. Yet, in the back of your mind, you can't help but wonder, "where was all of this last week?" In the end, it's all business. The quicker you realize your job doesn't love you, the better. And it's not just your job, it's any job. There are only two types of people to work for in corporate America: the devil you know, and the devil you don't know. The devil you don't know will always look better, when really, he's most likely just as bad, if not worst, than the devil you know. You have history with the devil you know, and most likely, that means you have some major issues with him. But you also know what to expect from him. You know when he's lying, when he's plotting, and when something big is about to go down-- because you've already endured his worst. Ultimately, the words "great job" are an oxymoron. All jobs have drawbacks, but you live, learn, and do what you have to to get paid. For now, I'm done jobbin'. I won't get into what route I chose exactly, mainly because I don't know who reads this page, but it definitely worked out well for me. I encourage you all to do more than just complain about what you hate about your jobs. Ultimately, the only person to blame for your unhappiness is you. Quit bitching, and get out there and start jobbin'.

JOBBIN' TIPS

1) Research the industry and industry trends. See if it's a good time to make a move.

2) Update the resume ASAP.

3) Reach out to friends. Companies tend to interview people who come recommended from someone within a lot faster than they would an average Joe off the street.

4) Take many interviews. Every company has a different need, and the better you fit that need, the more you are probably worth to that company. Give yourself as many options as possible.

5) Negotiate. Stand firm on your salary demands, but don't be stupid. Allow some room to trade off certain perks, for salary.

6) Wait for the official lettter. No job is official until it's in writing. Before you start to celebrate your new job, get it in ink.

7) Resign with class. The corporate community talks. Don't burn bridges on the way out the door. Make your resignation letter very impersonal and to the point.

8) Before you accept a counter office, get it in writing. If your job doesn't want to lose you, they'll come back strong. But hold them to the same expectations as you would a new company. Make them put it in ink, before you assume it's official.

9) If no counter offer comes, or if you decide to leave anyway, make sure you've saved all your files to a zip disc before you resign. Some companies want you off the premises immediately, and won't give you a chance to remove any information from your computer. Remember, you may work on that computer, but it very much belongs to the company.

I hope this helps. Peace.