The Good, The Bad and the Just Plain Rude

It's been a while since I last posted.  To some extent, there's not that much new.  I'm checking some websites, applying to anything I find that might be a fit, meeting with others who are searching for a position to exchange ideas, support and leads and continuing to uncover new network connections.  I am pleased to report that my spirits are good - at least for the past week.  I think it's in part because I've accepted the fact there are people out there who really try to help you out when you contact them.  And there are those who don't.  What continues to amaze me is just how rude people can be.  For goodness sakes, walk a mile in our shoes.  Tell me you have no time.  Tell me you have no interest.  Just tell me something!

My mantra is - it's not about me, it's a statement about them.  I keep repeating it and I truly believe it.

I spoke with a colleague today who has been in a bit of a funk.  Very understandable.  He's been interviewing with a major company for months.  They first had him in for one job, for which they said he was a great fit and then they yo-yoed around for a while and finally decided to give the job to an internal candidate.  So the hiring manager says that there's this other job which would be a good fit.  HR jumps in with an early swing on money and a target number for negotiation is out there.  No problem, except they once again keep my friend on the hook and then simply stop replying to e-mails or phone messages.  Just rude!  No wonder that roller coaster was in a nose dive.

What happens to many of us who jump through these types of hoops, get all these buy signs and then become invisible?  We simply stop looking.  At least for a day or two.  Actually the best antidote for this kind of disappointment is to rev up your search to connect with some of the good guys out there, because they are out there!

In my friend's case, he thankfully didn't have to wait too long to get the positive reaction so needed to balance the negative ones.  He contacted two people who were on his list, but to whom he hadn't spoken in quite a while.  Both are fairly senior and well connected in their companies and both have signed on to help out.  It really helped my friend get back in the saddle again.

The message - just keep plugging.  The only way out of a funk, the only way to keep that roller coaster moving in the right direction, is to keep at it.  And when you land and someone reaches out to you, remember what it felt like to be on this side of a phone call or e-mail and join forces with the good guys!