What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Remember when you were little and people asked you, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Do you remember what you used to say? Are you doing it?

Over the past few days I've asked more than a dozen people about their dream jobs. The answers I got ranged from pilot to bar owner, investor to photographer.

I want to rescue all the homeless dogs à la Jon Stewart, so my dream job needs to afford me the ability to execute on that dream someday!

My next question to my impromptu interviewees was, "What's stopping you?" The answers: Stability, bills, age, kids, relocation and fear of failing.

In sales we talk a lot about winning. But not so much about failing. One of my best managers, though, always said, "If you're not failing sometimes, you're not trying hard enough." 

Why are we playing it so safe? What huge and memorable moment (or deal) is going to happen in the safe zone?

Not having a job right now doesn't feel great. I need to be productive, keep things moving and make things happen. So right now I'm being productive in the way I need to be, by networking and putting myself out there for jobs. Applying for jobs and connecting with people quickly and meaningfully requires one to be informed but fearless, open-minded, strategic, creative and armed with a thick skin. It's sales, after all, right?

I'm making a very conscious decision to change my day to day, and therefore all my future days. I certainly have fears about stepping outside of the traditional media world. (Is there even a "traditional" media world anymore?) But then I read a post from Rich Lesser this week. Mr. Lesser is the President & CEO of Boston Consulting Group and inspired me with the following thought: 

"Never underestimate the value of a job you actually find fulfilling. When you are energized by what you do, it shines through. You push for more responsibility, you engage more deeply and more creatively, and you become a stronger contributor to your team(s) rather than seeking to do it alone."

YES! 

When was the last time you felt energized? Or maybe you're in a job where you already are. I hope you are! Well, that's what I'm going for.

Thank you to those who have reached out and to those who have so warmly received my outreach after my first job search post. My calendar is filling up with phone calls and meetings to discuss Partnership roles, Corporate Development positions, and sales responsibilities of all kinds. I want to do good work and be happy. And make money, and make money for my company, as well! Call me the Dolly Levi for businesses: a matchmaker of sorts, making great partnerships happen to improve people's lives. And while it may take finding that hiring manager who is willing to step out of his/her safe zone and take a chance on me, I know it's out there, and I'm energized to find it, own it and rock it!