From Nothing to SOMETHING

That strange gap between leaving school and finding a job is an awkward place to be. So many things running through your head as you live day by day unemployed; hunting, searching, hoping for that one break.

Nobody wants to start at the bottom. Nobody would choose to start at the bottom. But we don't have a choice when we humble ourselves and apply for those jobs, selling ourselves like prostitutes - or more appropriately - field slaves; Showcasing our best qualities like we're up for sale... and we are. We want our future employers to buy into the ideas that we have created with our resume and cover letter.

But we all have to start somewhere, and experience the blood, sweat, tears, stress, break-downs and hard work that it takes to get to where we want. Some people give up on their dream because they see it too difficult to attain.

A part of me condemns them for this, and a part of me thinks I should cut them some slack, at least they are productive members of society that are not contributing to the violence.  They are helping to build the country, however unhappy they may be they have stable jobs and are assisting the economy.

But what level of unhappiness is enough, and how much is TOO MUCH?  Should we settle forever at entry-level because it is being claimed that we should "pay our dues".

Indeed noone can enter a company at the top, unless your father/mother is the head of the board and they deem you fit to sit in his/her place after he/she dies (which is least likely to happen, but for argument's sake), but how long should you subject yourself to the bottom? (this is not a gay pun, just look and walk away)

You should always strive to improve upon your knowledge. Whatever area you are in, make sure you know as much about the field as possible, ensure that you are an EXPERT in your field. Take refresher courses, search online, read books and newspaper articles... Make sure you are on top of things, so that you can get where you want to be.

Burning the midnight oil and making special arrangements that you are not comfortable with, won't last forever. As my aunt's pastor said to me 

"work now, play later...play now, work later; either way you still have to work" ... 

So why not do the work now when you're young (or young at heart) and your mind is still fresh.

And for all those persons (like me) that are new to the job-seeking game, don't be blinded by what your older friends have, they all had to start somewhere; so don't look down on any jobs and reject offers because of stupid reasons. Look at the opportunity it might afford you in the end. 

-Work smart.