I have had some major changes in my life within the last week. When I make a change, it's a clean break. I don't want negative chatter in my ears. I unfriend, I block, and I move on. It's not personal; it's self-protection. I guard my peace like I'm protecting a precious piece of art. Sometimes I romanticize situations and look at them through rose-colored glasses, or beer goggles if you enjoy a good cold one now and then. I went on a couple of job interviews this week. I don't know if I consider one an actual job interview. The moment I walked in, I was "greeted" by two "upper management" women. I know I'm using an awful lot of air quotes here, but they fit because I'm not exactly sure what either person was really all about
Two things were clear within 3 minutes of sitting down. Number one - they had no intention of hiring me. Number two - They wanted information about my prior place of employment. The whole tone of the interaction was not that of an interview but instead more like an interrogation. Wanting to know personal details about the business. When they asked me what I was expecting as far as pay, I answered, and one of the women leaned forward like I poured hot coffee in her lap and said, "You can't be making that now." The other woman said I really want to ask you a question, but I'm sure (insert the HR lady's name here) would say not to. It was bizarre and cringy and, well, weird. I also came to realize that when I went to work, I had a sense of pride and enjoyment. I loved where I worked and was proud of most of the people I worked with. BUT it was very obvious that I was looking at it with those rose colored glasses I spoke of earlier. Other people not so much. To other people in the industry, we were kind of a joke, and I don't mean we laughed with you. No, they were laughing at us. What I thought was a feather in my cap was actually a huge handicap. I sat in my car, and I was just shell-shocked, and I realized that industry was really not for me anymore. In a world where I can be anything, I will be. Mercifully, I have worn many hats in professional life and have skills
It was disheartening but never defeating. I thrive on inspiration, excitement, and gratitude. Negativity is stifling, and I no longer have to deal with people who bring their personal problems with them daily like a crutch that makes you wonder if those issues are the only thing keeping them upright. Standing up in the office proclaiming that the owner better not come in today because she will tell them off, and probably be fired when you know perfectly well, they will not say one word, or people actually demanding to make more money but work less, and then everyone laughs about it. True story, folks; I can't make this shit up. Don't ever be afraid of change. Avoid negativity and press on... I believe in you.
