Careers
Monday February, 2025
One of the great trademarks of the middle class is that you don’t get a job; you get a career.
We have a special word for a job that is so jobby that it becomes your life. I’ve been beating a dead horse about the state of work in America recently, I know, but it’s really the thing that’s been on my mind the most.
Is freelance writing a career? Is job security a necessary qualifier for a career? Which came first, the security or the career?
Anyway, things change fast when you’re writing a semi-weekly newsletter. Last Monday was all about patience. Friday was about putting forth some effort in my personal life. Turns out, Friday also rewarded some patience.
I’ve been quietly panicking about not moving forward in any of these interviews and client meetings. This is my first time interviewing in almost two years, and although I’ve felt they’ve gone well, I really don’t know shit about shit. I was doubting myself when I hadn’t heard anything for about a week, to the point that I scoured my Gmail to find email threads from the last few times I got hired to see how long they took to get back to me between interviews. Sometimes the next day, sometimes a few days. Not really helpful.
But, fortunately, there was some good news this week. I moved into the third round for a full-time job and into the second round for a major contract. (Also got another initial interview for a full-time job.) I rank everything all the time and among the current irons in the fire, these are the #3 and #4 opportunities, out of 8.
Both of these options, should they move forward, will put me on the path to building a career within an organization. Climb a ladder, so to speak. I think I’m kind of ready for that. Am I selling out?
I gotta keep it brief because we’re going bowling with the fam. But career people, what do you think? Is it worth it? This corporate ladder stuff?
One Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki
I genuinely cannot stand the Tim Ferrisses and Tony Robbinses who distill all life into maximizing productivity and realizing your capital potential. However, I do think financial literacy is incredibly important. So, it’s not exactly on theme, but it is relevant because Kiyosaki’s thesis essentially states that as you make more money, your expenses grow, which is why many people struggle to make ends meet even as they become high earners.
It’s a bit dated since billionairism wasn’t as much of a plague 25 years ago as it is now, but it’s still full of sound advice.
One Hollywood: The Wolf of Wall Street, Netflix
They should bring back quaaludes. We might be able to crack the Top 20 of the World Happiness Report. Somebody made a fake trailer for a sequel, so that’s fun.
One Quote: “Failure doesn't mean you are a failure it just means you haven't succeeded yet.” - Robert H. Schuller
Failure should be abstract, fluid. You don’t really fail until you give up. I have failed at countless musical instruments, yes. However, I have not yet failed at becoming the next Great American Novelist. I just haven’t succeeded yet.
One Read: “Looking for a Job Is Set to Get Less Miserable This Year (Yes, You Read That Right)” by Callum Borchers
It’s early in the year, but this article feels very cherry-picked. The Wall Street Journal says two-thirds of US companies plan to hire full-time employees in the next six months. In the content world, it sure as all seems like most marketing teams are hiring contractors, not full-time employees. All that labor, none of those benefits. While I’ve done well in such a capacity, I’m getting sick of being treated like a mercenary.
Letting you out early this Monday. Go climb a ladder. Or read a book.