Comments on: what you do when nobody’s looking is what counts.

By: Jamie Varon

Jamie Varon — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:02:30 +0000

@Belindetta – “When I learned how TO DO marketing research, media planning…”

Actually, the grade wasn’t at stake. It was a competition and our Business school’s accreditation was at stake, because it helped when our team won.

I DID all those things. I didn’t just LEARN them. You didn’t read the post. Or you missed the point.

By: Belindetta

Belindetta — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:51:19 +0000

“Don’t tell me the months I spent working, as the acting CEO, on a marketing campaign for Coca-Cola for a national competition was nothing when I learned how to do marketing research, media planning, advertising implementation, etc. ”

But there was nothing really at stake–other than your grade, which matters not at all. Big difference when people’s jobs, the company’s profits, shareholders, etc. all matter. No one cares what you learned. They care what you did.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:37:50 +0000

I too came across this blog/website through Penelope Trunk, which I found through another blog. Two great finds!

I am so impressed that a 23 year old writes as well as you do, (not that I am much older at 29) I have read some of your posts and some are laugh out loud funny.

I am looking to leave my job/explore a new career soon. In planning my escape route from my current position I have done several things whilst no one has been looking. These include –

- Applying for and being accepted as a mentor for a young person for a charity organization, they provide training and ongoing support. I would like to see if this helps me decide if I would like to be a paid mentor/life coach.

- Attending Toastmasters meetings, not only does Toastmasters help improve public speaking and communication skills in general, it’s a great way to meet people from different walks of life and use the opportunity to network with likeminded people. If I get better at public speaking this may open up avenues for becoming a trainer in an adult education/learning centre, something I am also interested in doing.

- Finally, doing courses outside of work hours that interest me, my next course will be an introduction to web design. If I eventually have my own business this will be invaluable and I can also start my own blog in the meantime.

I hope you get that job at Twitter!:)

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:45:12 +0000

Amen! When my company decided to get rid of their design department and laid everyone off, I was excited, not depressed. Even with the economy down, I’m not scared because this is the chance I truly needed to reinvent myself. Two weeks later, I’m job hunting in cities I Want to live in and am on the verge of starting my own company on the side.

So thanks for the words of encouragement. Employers need to learn that “experience” comes in all shapes and sizes.

By: Sarah Fowler

Sarah Fowler — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:56:54 +0000

I’m also doing a lot of this – creating and going to get consulting and other projects while I’m “unemployed”.
Thanks for the encouragement. Good luck!

By: Valerie M

Valerie M — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:56:20 +0000

This is a powerful post because it’s so true. How you spend your free time is definitely far more telling about who you are, what you are capable of, and what you can accomplish than anything you do under someone else’s watch. It makes me look back and wonder what the heck have I been doing wasting so much time and how limited my thinking was when it comes to “gaining experience.”

I would point out that this can also apply to school as well: it doesn’t matter what you’ve been doing in class or what grade you get on paper, but what you’ve been doing outside of class and how you’ve been applying things you learned.

By: Lex

Lex — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:52:52 +0000

As the shy one, I already know what you think I do when nobody’s looking (I did notice that I’m not the only one who’s laughing – the context requires it). As a bookworm, I applaud you for a succinct and more powerful restatement of the “What Color is your Parachute” argument. As a recluse from the world of selling, especially selling myself, I fear we are about to lose you. You are truly a great talent, whose soul is as precious here as it will be for pay. But please do Fare Well. They’d all be freaking idiots not to hire you. Congratulations!!! (you’re worth more than what they’ll offer, but hey the times are tough)

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:09:21 +0000

Well said…thank you for helping articulate some of the things that everyone here is going through. I’m not happy doing what I’m doing…it seems like I’m trying to find something, and it’s great to get some direction and perspective…Let me know when you find what you’re looking for.

By: LaTosha Johnson

LaTosha Johnson — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:27:24 +0000

Jaime,
Your post left me speechless—mainly because you so eloquently summed up everything I have believed and practice in writing! Don’t let others define what you know you are capable of accomplishing in life. I am a firm believer that you have to be your own cheerleader in life. People are not always going to be there to praise you.
When I first began my business I decided to do some article marketing. I would spend hours gathering the information, writing, etc. and wasn’t getting paid for any of it. My hard work paid off and ironically I have gained the most exposure off of non paid advertisement than paid. Point being, do what you love and need to do without expecting anything in return and you are bound to be successful and truly enjoy life!
Congrats on all of you success it is well deserved

By: olgs

olgs — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:31:40 +0000

hi jamie,

just came across your post through the penelope trunk blog. i love it!!!! i have to say that it is so refreshing to hear this kind of story and hope for our generation. i can’t wait to read more….rockstar!