Daily Mood Quotes
Day 102 – August 13, 2011
It's not what you know, but who you know that makes the difference
~Anonymous
A quote I believe may have some validity. I have a college education, I'm a veteran, I have a good work history and I have a solid foundation of morals and values. Unfortunately, that's not what is considered when looking for a job today. As stated in previous blogs, I didn't grow up here, didn't go to a local high school and I am not related to anyone here and that is a priority and a criteria in the hiring process. In my opinion, that is sad and destructive business practices. If you only hire those you know, then you are missing out on those who know.
It isn't just what you know, and it isn't just who you know. It's actually who you know, who knows you, and what you do for a living.
~Bob Burg
You can make horseshoes all you want, it doesn't mean you can have a successful career at it. Unfortunately, we have an entire generation of people over forty, who have been caught mid-career in the digital transformation of the world. Their skills sets, though completely valid, no longer apply and consequently they are the ones who are having the greatest difficulty finding and holding onto work in this economy. Those who are fortunate enough to have jobs in this age bracket, are holding on to them for dear life, movement has all but ceased. It gives new meaning to butt kissing and social networking. Part of the networking game that is played today is “Get something on someone” that helps you keep your job. That may have always been the case, but now it works at a whole new level and far beyond what we have ever seen before. I believe it will only get worse before it gets better. Don't believe me? Ask those over forty who are unemployed. And humble, dedicated, honest service?...it doesn't stand a chance. Its the fastest way to get shoved to the bottom of the list.
The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person's needs ahead of their own.
~Bob Burg
Where are these people? In my experience in corporate America, this is simply not true. It has been my experience that networking only works when people think they can get something from you. When I was working, I had a lot of friends, coworkers that called themselves my friend, neighbors who were friends and people I socialized with, who called themselves my friends. Now, I'm unemployed (and am not in a position to facilitate their goals). So, were are my friends? They have scattered like ragweed pollen in the wind. Unseen, unheard, yet creating misery as they go. I understand that around here, that's not uncommon. It's as if “you” have the contagious disease. In reality it's the infection of self-centered thinking that causes the suffering. When my husband and I go to places we use to go, where our “friends frequent,” backs are turned and exits made. We haven't changed, just our ability to “do something for them” via our jobs. That's a sad...but completely true assessment of the human condition. You can't network with people who don't want you around...unless they can gain something from it.
Tess McGill (played by Melanie Griffith) said it best in the movie Working Girl, when talking to Philip Bosco (Oren Trask) “You can bend the rules plenty once you get to the top, but not while you're trying to get there. And if you're someone like me, you can't get there without bending the rules.” Talk about a double edge sword.
Networking is another euphemistic phase for working the system and taking advantage of others. But its the way things are done. Sorry, no positive spin today, just my somewhat sour mood this morning. I hope it changes. There is always hope.
How will you view others today?
Tune in tomorrow to read the daily mood quote
Thank you for reading
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