I don't need a job

You know how you can know something maybe for days or weeks before you're even aware enough to articulate it? You're just living with it on the inside...under the radar, lurking in the place between asleep and awake, way back in the shadows of your mind. 

Then you hear someone say something or you have a memory or hear a song or watch a movie...anyway, suddenly the gears slip into place and the words virtually appear above your head in a thought bubble. At once you are able to fully articulate what you've been feeling inside for sometime. Now you have the words to go with the feelings you've been living with. Well, it happened to me. 

I don't need a job.

Just the thought of wandering down the same path as before while expecting different results causes me to shudder. No more. I have no desire to simply update my resume and desperately send it out to dozens of faceless listings (using the complete awkward opening "To whom it may concern" just because I'm too paranoid of having a woman read my "Dear Sir" and throw my resume into the trash immediately!) 

Then of course there is the endless waiting by the phone or the inbox...waiting...waiting all for a notice that I've been chosen! From hundreds of names! to sit for an interview. And then the tap dancing... working so much harder to try to be someone I think they want me to be...instead of simply just being myself. Oh the humanity.

Then more waiting. Then comes the breathless "You're among the final 3!" or "We'd like to talk to you more about this position!" or worse...the smug "I'm sorry, we don't think you're right for us." Rejected. All this angst for a job. A job I'm not even sure I want!

With all due respect, I'm not looking for a job. I'm not looking to be a cog in your wheel or a warm body in your cubicle. I don't want to just be the drone who's there to fulfill your dreams and goals. I'm sure you have plenty of applicants who would simply love to fill that position and hungrily abandon any sense of themselves only to fulfill the 4-page job description you've just placed in their desperate little hands. Respectfully, I'm not that guy.

You see, I don't want a job. I want the chance to bring all my gifts, talents, art, and skill to bear on your account. I was born for a purpose, a destiny. The last thing I want is for you to hand over a massive policy manual describing to me how I'm supposed to fit inside your machine. I'm looking for an opportunity to be a game changer. I want to influence, to inspire, to motivate and to create. 

I want to work for and with people who understand who I am and what I can bring to the table. When confronted with a situation they need help with, they think or say, "We need Mike!" 

That's where I want to go. That's what I want to do. Just give me the chance. 

Comments

[Barney Villarreal]

Yeah, baby!

[Dana Twichell]

Amen! I am so glad that you are breaking the mold. You have too much talent and spirit to be stifled when so many want and need your ideas and heart. I can't wait to see how your future unfolds!

[Veronica]

My husband loved this...in fact, he wants to use it as his cover letter when he sends out his resumes! He has been unemployed for almost a year and you have inspired him. Well said Mike!