Working it Out - Part 2

My connecting flight from Keflavik, Iceland to Dublin was cancelled yesterday morning and I was put up in a hotel in the town of Keflavik by Iceland Air. I’ve been through the Keflavik airport about 6 times before but now was able to venture outside to explore a small section of this beautiful country. I thought of it as a nice little added bonus instead of a setback in order to explore and reflect. It also helped that I didn’t have any prior responsibilities the next day…

This time of reflection brought me to begin writing Part 2 of “Working it Out.” I want to dive into the unique, wonderful, and laborious roles I picked up beginning with my first semester of real life. So, all of you potential employers out there, take everything you read with a grain of salt and an open mind. The fact that I have tried my hand at many things allows me to offer a fresh and unique perspective on the professional world. Here it goes:

Windshield Repair Technician/Salesman

Yes, you read that correctly. After graduating from college in 2010 with a degree in Business I was repairing chipped windshields. This is a good story so let me go into some detail. The US economy was in recession during the summer of 2010 and the job market was tough for recent graduates. I would scour job boards and Craigslist in search of anything I thought might fit my “expertise” when one such Craigslist post stuck out. It read, ‘Field Salespeople wanted, exciting opportunity…,’ or something along those lines. I applied and was soon asked to go in for an interview. The position was far out in the West ‘burbs but I had to entertain anything I could at that point. I was hired on the day of the interview which was a little sketchy but happy I now had a job. I was told to show up in black pants and a black polo shirt the next day. Again, a little weird.

I showed up the next morning excited but slightly concerned. Upon entering the group meeting room I was welcomed with tenacious clapping and shouting from all of my new coworkers getting pumped up by their managers to have a successful day of sales (Think of that ‘We will rock you’ Walmart Youtube video). I really didn’t know what was going on at that point but just went with it. I was introduced as the new hire and then quickly lead into my new manager’s rusted ‘95 Chevy Malibu with 3 other teammates on our way to our first site, a local Mobil gas station.

The shtick was to introduce yourself to people coming through to fill up their tanks. Then we had to explain to them that it was Customer Appreciation Day (lie) and we would be giving them a free windshield wipe where we would then discretely look for chips in their windshield. Upon discovering a chip we would say, ‘Sir/Madam, did you realize you have a chip in your windshield?’ The usual answer was no, where we would then reply, ‘Well, that chip usually turns into a crack that spreads and you will eventually need to replace your windshield. At virtually no cost to you, we can fix that chip today and prevent the crack from ever forming, does that interest you?’ Upon receiving a ‘yes’ answer we would collect insurance information, patch the chip, and close the sale.

I felt like the biggest sleaze ball making a claim to their insurance and then making a half-ass attempt to fix a nondescript chip in their windshield. I received a ride back to my car that afternoon and was told that I was a shoo-in for the position and to get ready for an eventful summer. Needless to say, I didn’t go back after that day and collected one day’s wages. The semester was off to a rough start.

Life lessons: Trying something out is worth the story alone. Anyone can be sold to. Be humble.

Project Coordinator

I ended up landing a gig back at the brand consultancy company I previously interned with, now as a Project Coordinator. The economy was still in a recession and about a year earlier the company had made a series of layoffs. Lucky for me, or so I thought, I had come in as they were recovering. I saw some old faces but sadly some didn’t remain. I don’t think I was ready for the role put in front of me as I only lasted about 4 months before I too was let go. The reasoning was that they did not have the amount of work coming in as they had previously staffed for and therefore: last one in, first one out. I took it as it came with good spirits and left on great terms.

Life lessons: Don’t burn bridges. Always keep your head up.

Restaurant Server

I had a dry spell following my Project Coordinator role until a few months later when my girlfriend at the time got me a job working at her uncle’s new restaurant on the Southside of Chicago as a server. It was a great job to hold me over while interviewing and ended up being a pretty wild summer. I knew the pizza chef through some friends from high school and ended up making good friends with the two sous chefs and bartender. My aunt would occasionally come in for a meal since she worked in the area so the atmosphere was really very homely.

After every shift, it was the responsibility of the sous chefs and me to clean the kitchen. We would turn on the radio and discreetly fill a pitcher with the cooking wine, usually Franzia, and chill it in the freezer while we worked. Taking swigs every few minutes until we were nice and tipsy making the end of the night a little more enjoyable. Occasionally, we would visit some of the bars on Western Avenue or drink over at one of the cook’s apartments. The age range between us all hanging out varied quite a bit but no one seemed to mind. We got along swimmingly.

Life lessons: How to serve. Time management.

Advertising Account Executive

While still working as a server I received the call one fateful day that I got a job at a pharmaceutical advertising firm in the Loop. My prayers were answered and I finally felt as if I was on the way to realizing my professional dreams. Man, advertising life was both fun and stressful. My best friend was also working in a creative advertising agency a few buildings down and we would hit up agency happy hours, Halloween and Christmas parties, and block parties any chance we could get. As a post-college 23-year-old, they were some of the best working memories I have, besides the 60-hour workweeks with no overtime pay… Not much of a care in the world and the feeling we could do anything. My advertising career was progressing with 2 promotions but, not in the way that I was hoping.

Life lessons: The client is almost always wrong. Be creative, Always. Speak up. Learn from your mistakes.

Media Sales Representative

After almost 2.5 years of working in pharma advertising, the long working hours and unwarranted stress really got to me. I remember one night getting out of a cab at 10 pm 5 blocks from my apartment just because I needed to walk and clear my head. I had made up my mind that I was going to quit the next day. I called my dad, as I usually did when I wanted the reassurance of a tough life decision. When he heard what I was going to do he immediately put me in my place. He sternly reminded me of the hardships the people who came before me, including himself and my mom, went through. He explained that he and my mom at points both worked 2 jobs when we were kids to ensure my siblings and I had the opportunities that we did. He talked of being unhappy and working more hours than I could imagine just to see smiles on our faces. I immediately wiped away my now regretful tears as I came to a profound realization about what defines hardship. Then gently he told me that if I genuinely wanted to do something else he would help me find my next job and to not quit before I found something else. Though an old-school way of thinking, it was smart nonetheless.

He introduced me to a friend of his in the media sales industry who put me in touch with a connection of his at a cable television network where after a few rounds of interviews I got the job. I started work in a smaller office in the Loop with some amazing people that became an extended family for the next 3 years. I had the chance to learn new skills, meet amazing mentors, and have invaluable experiences.

Life lessons: Good things come to those who wait. Company culture and work/life balance make the job.

Background Dater

Towards the end of my time as a Media Sales Rep in Chicago, I began missing my time studying and living in Italy and the ease and freedom to travel around Europe. There were a few life events that were pushing me out of Chicago at the time so I applied internally for a role with a syndicate company of ours in London. It was a slow process but after a few rounds of phone interviews, the prospect seemed hopeful. That was until one fateful Thursday night in a Lincoln Park bar after my 16-inch softball game. I was ordering another round of beers when I looked up to a TV and noticed that the vote for the UK to leave the EU had just been passed. Brexit was happening. I knew this could not have favorable consequences for my new job prospect.

I called the London hiring manager the next morning and she confirmed my suspicions that they would be putting a hold on all hiring for the foreseeable future. So, I did what any level-headed 20 something year old would do and moved to Dublin, Ireland instead with no place to live and no job lined up. It was time for some adventure.

While beginning my job search I came across an application to be a “Background Dater” on a popular Irish dating show. I really had nothing to lose at the time and a few weeks later I found myself walking into a restaurant to meet my blind date amid the main daters surrounded by loads of tiny hidden cameras. It definitely wasn’t love at first sight but I did make out with a few quid and free drinks before I hit the town. It now makes for a great ice breaker.

Life Lessons: Take chances. Do what you think is right. Make the best of shitty situations.

Movie Extra

Now that my acting career was in full swing I needed to get back into the limelight. While applying and interviewing for jobs I joined a movie extra casting app and waited for my big break. It came soon enough and I was cast as a late 1800s waiter in a ballroom scene for Mel Gibson’s “The Professor and the Madman.” I showed up early one morning to the Trinity College gymnasium where I put on my server’s tuxedo, received my haircut, and had facial hair glued to my face. We waited all day until we received word that the shoot would be cancelled. I was paid for my day’s waiting but wasn’t called back after that. My once-promising acting career came to an abrupt end.

Life lessons: Sometimes the story is worth the effort.

Sales Account Executive

Just as I was starting to get down on myself I received a call from a Dublin startup to come in and interview. The office was in a small space above a pub in the Ballsbridge neighborhood of Dublin. I pulled out all of the stops for this interview and a few days later I received the good news that I would be joining the sales team. I found out later that their Christmas party was the night before I came in so the entire office was hanging that morning. But, I’m sure everyone was still focusing on the fact that I would be a great fit for the company.

During my 6 months there I learned a lot about selling to the Irish and English markets, my phone skills got better, and I made some best friends for life. The culture was the best part about going to work there every day. But, not every placement works out. I felt the need to travel and therefore handed in my resignation in order to do a little more soul searching. I remember walking out of there a few weeks later and it felt as if a large weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I had a lot of work anxiety and didn’t feel as if I was being led in the right direction towards the end of my time there. Leaving was the best decision for me at that time and I definitely learned all that I could from the opportunity.

Life lessons: Selling to the Irish and UK markets. Standing up for what you believe in.

Admin Role for a Depression Awareness Organization

I began traveling and writing more and more after that and felt a need to begin the search for what it was I was passionate about. While on that never-ending search I needed some work to pay the rent and keep me going. That’s when I started working with a temp. agency to find me anything in the short-term. I really enjoyed what followed even if some of the roles were repetitive or mind-numbing. I was able to walk in someone else’s shoes for a little while and see the world from their eyes.

My first assignment was to cover an administration role for a depression awareness organization. I learned about the inner workings of a non-profit organization and that many people volunteer their time to support a cause they believe is inherently good for the whole.

Life lessons: No matter how bad things are there is always someone who cares. Charities don’t always get a lot of love.

Data Observer

Once the admin role ended I worked as a data observer for a real estate service company. The job was to walk around an office building with a tablet using a blueprint for guidance. We then had to observe each workspace and input if there was a person working, if they were on the phone, if there was a mobile device, etc. We were told the data was being taken to improve workspace functionality but I think there were other objectives at play. It was pretty mindless but I met new people and again it gave me a new look at the unknown. I think too often people brush off the things or people they think are beneath them but I’ve grown to understand that everyone has a voice and often times they need someone to listen to them. Why not be that person, it only takes a few minutes out of your entire life and you could learn something that will benefit you down the road.

Life lessons: Corporations like to keep order and control. All people are important.

Recruitment Assistant

The data observer assignment ended and I wanted more work before heading home for Christmas. A role for a recruitment assistant came up at a home care company. Basically, I was handed a pile of CVs and asked to call and assess people to see if they fit the bill to come in and interview as a carer for the sick and elderly. The people in the office were extremely nice and it was a pleasure to work there for a week or two. But, again, this was only temporary to hold me over until I found what I was really looking for.

Life lessons: Someone loves the job you hate. Be grateful for what you have.

Travel Blog Contributor

While doing temp. work and interviewing I wanted to keep my creative juices flowing so I did some pro bono writing for a travel website. I figured I would take my love of writing and use it to make a small impact and promote my website. I learned quickly that I did not like to be micro-managed when writing. My true love lies in creative writing with prompts and constructive feedback and criticism. I’m not into regimented no-frills content churning. When it comes to something like travel I think all people want the stories and adventure prospects, not just the facts. Why else would one venture out of the safety of the familiar?

Life lessons: Start something even if it scares you. March to the beat of your own drum.

Reception for an AI Company

Before starting my next assignment I received word after a few rounds of interviews that I got the role I was hoping for with a job search company. I would start in the new year but wanted to work up to the Christmas break in order to hold me over until then. No rest for the wicked.

I remember that I only worked 2 days in that office in reception. It was a large corporate office but mostly everyone was already off on holiday so I took the occasional call, package, and gave the odd direction. I felt excited to have something solid and what I wanted for the new year. In a few days, I was going to be back home in Chicago enjoying my time with the family relaxing and then it would be on to a new opportunity in the new year.

Life lessons: It’s always calm before the storm. Everyone is happy around Christmas.

Sales Account Executive

New year, new me. Although cliche, that’s how I felt when I started my new job in January 2019. I was hot off of a week of dry January and starting sales training with my new company. Life was good, new, and interesting. I was smack in the middle of the work honeymoon phase and everyone around me gave me the “enjoy it while it lasts” speech.

It was an absolutely great company to work for but a demanding position filled with anxiety. This was partly due to me trying to be the best and overthinking every step I took. But, I pursued and came out on top. Persistence is sometimes a bitch but it almost always pays off. The training I received with this job was spectacular and I think I learned more about sales in my almost year and a half there than I did in my entire sales career up to that point.

I started talking to a career counsellor there who really opened my eyes to the real meaning of work/life balance. He basically stated that the work you do should be a means to an end. You should use all of the education, tools, and professional experience in your job to make yourself better both monetarily and mentally. If you strip everything away we are human and inherently seek out happiness. If you are not truly happy in your job then you won’t succeed at anything else in life.

I wanted to take a sabbatical in order to ponder these words as well as much much more. I left on great terms and I think it was understood what I needed to do. The next 6 months traveling through Eastern Europe, Russia, Asia, and Australia were magical, to say the least. But, those stories are for a future post.

Life lessons: Work to live. Be the best at what you do, no matter what it is. Take chances.

Landscaping

After almost 6 months of traveling, I returned to Chicago warn out, tired, and broke, but happy. I hadn’t seen my family and friends in almost a year so I spent the next two months making up for the lost time. At that same time I needed to make enough money to live and get back to Dublin. Luckily, a family friend who owns a landscaping business gave me work. That’s a great characteristic of Chicago; if you want work you can probably find it through family or friends. Everybody knows ‘a guy…’

The next two months I was packing a lunch, pulling weeds, and saving up. Although the work was laborious there was something soothing about the repetitive tasks and being outside. It was almost a meditation. Until the heavy living would start…

Life lessons: Be humble. Be respectful. Be thankful.

Admin Assistant

Upon arriving back to Dublin I immediately got onto the previous temp. agency I used in order to make some money while I was figuring it all out. I told them I would take anything and everything to hold me over while I got my shit together. An admin assistant role came up on the Northside of Dublin so I took it. It was great to be thrown back onto the phones and loaded with responsibility. I didn’t think I would ever miss that side of my previous jobs but I find it very empowering and it brought back confidence. I worked a few weeks and built meaningful relationships the short time I was there and then it was on to the next one.

Life lessons: Everything is a learning experience. Practice makes perfect.

Facilities Assistant

A month before Christmas I was notified that there would be an assignment at a well established global company with all of the perks. It was a cushy role that paid well right before I was heading home. I did everything that was asked of me and took the remaining time to figure out where I wanted to continue my career in the new year. Working in a job search company I’ve learned that most companies close the recruitment chapter of their books leading up to Christmas so I vowed to be adamant about the search immediately in the new year. 2019 was such an unbelievable year I wanted to make 2020 even better.

Life lessons: Everyone has a story. Looks can be deceiving.

Although I fit the last 15 or so years of work experience on just a few pages I know I could fill whole volumes if I really wanted to. There’s only so much I can say and portray to you, the reader. You need to understand that there are many life events, learning experiences, and achievements and failures that can fill those blank spaces. Some people wander through life aimlessly or with a specific regiment not really caring about anything outside their little bubble. I like to think that I take advantage of every conversation, opportunity, and experience that prevents itself. I am genuinely hungry to learn from every aspect of the world that surrounds me. I’m excited to find out what I will learn next.