Spill The Beans

There was a time when I would have responded very hatefully to “advice” from someone who knows the same amount, or less, about something than myself.

But I think I’m finally growing up because now I just accept it (and/or) laugh it off.

I am not actively looking for a new job. And by active, I mean dedicating my entire day to the job search. Having two other jobs at the same time really puts on a crunch on free time for such activities.

Or any activities really.

However, despite my drawback on the job search, I feel that I have learned quite a bit about what’s good and what’s not. Especially in this economy that has left us all a little more than bitter. And, in some cases, (aka me) moonlighting at a coffee shop.

I recently got some advice from someone about relocating to another city for a job. S/he suggested to me that maybe employers did not want to hire us because of the southern address that appears on our resumes. In fact, s/he said that an employer in New Jersey recently offered, for example, that when she thought of people from TN she came up with the words “hick, uneducated and lazy”. Therefore, wouldn’t it be best to get a fake address in the city you wanted to relocate to? After all, UPS sells real addresses. And you can get a pay as you go phone. Brilliant, right?

I’ll admit. Its tempting. However, its also far from foolproof. 

It is my opinion that employers are smarter than we give them credit for. Especially in a lousy economy. Not only that, but with all the information made readily available via the internet, all one has to do is google your name to find out anything he/she wants to know about you. Also, what if you do actually get called for an interview? And they expect you downtown in ten minutes? 

You might be sweatin’ it a little bit.

I think honesty is the best way to go. Combined with hard work, networking and continually looking for projects to work on and ways to improve your skills. The workforce consists of people from all backgrounds. Northerners and southerners alike.

If you’ve got it, they will want you.

That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.