Tuesday, July 11, 2006

What I want in a job:

{1} mental and creative stimulation.

{2} obviously, something that pays enough money (my goal is to live above the poverty line!). ok--I'd be happy with making shit loads (please excuse my language) of money...but when it comes down to it, I need more than mere monetary fulfillment (and no, I'm not trying to be difficult!)

{3} a positive work environment. I'd like to work somewhere that people like each other...and their job.

{4} something that is challenging enough to keep it interesting, but not so intense that it becomes stressful. I don't want a job that leaves me wasted and unable to write at the end of the day.

{5} something that I can pour my passion into.

{6} something that will get everyone off my back about what I should be doing.

{7} to feel energized by what I do. I want to work somewhere that I can be myself, yet have room to grow.

{8} ah hell, let's throw in happiness for good measure.

Trying to find a job sort of makes my mouth water in a sickening metallic sort of way. It makes my stomach tense and my breathing a bit shallow. You see, I'm looking for the perfect job and I haven't quite found it yet. Of course, it would be a lot easier if I was already living in the city I'm looking for the job in. Long distance job hunting is a bitch. There's something to be said for being able to walk into a place and win someone over with your smile and a solid handshake. The internet doesn't offer the ability to do that. I'm left looking through these categories:

Accounting
Administrative/Clerical
Arts/Entertainment/Media
Automotive
Biotechnology
Business
Construction
Customer Service
Education
Engineering
Executive
Facilities
Financial Services
Government
Healthcare
Hospitality
Human Resources
Information Technology
Insurance
Law Enforcement
Legal
Manufacturing/Production
Marketing
Real Estate
Retail/Wholesale
Sales
Science
Telecommunications
Warehouse

...and hating the options. Where do I fit into all of this?? Why does this list make me feel so depressed? Sure, the education category looks good, but I don't have the degree to actually pursue teaching quite yet. The arts sound good too...until you click on the very scanty fine arts listings, that is. I'm doing searches in other ways also and I am trying to remain open to the possibilities, but...

Shit. I hate this.

I want to write something really profound about how it feels to look for a job...but profundity is not available to me at this time. Slight anxiety and a little dread has taken its place instead.

The thing is that this year is supposed to be about giving ourselves the time and the space to fill the creative well. I'm trying hard to keep my faith in the universe. It has worked in the past. There are all the realities of rent and bills and car payments and student loan payments and, and, and... yes, I am responsible, but when it comes right down to it...happiness is more important to me than money.

The job I'm looking for offers a little bit of both. Is that a lot to ask for?

8 comments:

Deirdre said...

My sister-in-law told me, years ago, to make a list of what I needed in a home, that the god/dess of houses couldn't work with me unless s/he knew what I wanted. I made the list and got everything, and I mean everything, on it. I imagine it holds true for a job too.

tara dawn said...

In my own dream world, every job should offer nothing less than both! But isn't reality a bitch! I sending you good vibes that you find the "perfect" job for you.
xoxo

Loralee Choate said...

Happiness in employment is EVERYTHING. My father hated his job and we all paid.

Jamie said...

Cheers to having both! I absolutely believe it's possible. You've created a great list of what you know you want in a job. I wish it all for you and more!

When you look at the pink list of categories which ones say "Pour your passion into me"? If you were going to create a job rather than find a job, what would it be?

Leah said...

it is possible! although i know how scary this search can be. take a deep breath and maybe put some of those wishes into a wish jar for the universe to contemplate. (((hugs)))

Amber said...

I'm right there with you.

Kristine said...

I know how hard it is to search for jobs. Just remember that the possibilites are endless and don't view closed doors as rejection but rather as narrowing the search. I've had to remember that because I hate job hunting and the scrutiny that comes with it.

paris parfait said...

Jessie, you're moving too fast. You found the house, the new car - now for the job. It probably won't happen overnight and it probably WILL happen when you least expect it and through the most unexpected resource. So don't stress before you even begin! You'll get there and find what you need - it probably won't be the be-all, end-all job you'd prefer - not just yet - but it will be a job that you'll enjoy and will suit your purposes. Have faith in yourself! Everything else is falling into place - soon a job will complete the picture.! xo Tara