The snippet-resumé
My resumé, or CV if you will, has become quite ridiculous. I've got loads of short-term employments on it over the past 6 years, ranging from two years to 9 months. And that sucks. Big time. When I started my career I worked at a place where I could have worked forever - until they went bankrupt... I've been in that same situation once again since. Both of these employers could have been my employers for my entire career if the finances didn't go bad.
I've often changed jobs. Sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes for the wrong reasons. Once there was a mutual agreement that things didn't work out - that company was mostly copying great work by others and that didn't compute with me. And once have I been fired because I was too critical of the company I was working for. Mind you, I am known to be critical on the inside - never on the outside. I am always proud of the employer I work for, but also want them to reach for the stars. That means you have to be fair and critical of yourself. But it is always to improve.
The right reasons
As I mentioned I sometimes left for the right reasons. Most notably I left a big company because I had been doing great work for them, but I was judged by someone I hardly ever met. The company had multiple locations and I worked a lot at the clients - where I never really met my manager or the person grading me. So how can they judge me? The clients were happy and appreciated me (I worked for every one of them since) - yet my managers judged me without seeing me in action... That felt wrong, even though I still rate that company highly.
I've also been at a company to bounce back, just after the first time I was ever sacked. That was both a right and a wrong reason to be honest. I took a lower salary (25% less), but the job certainly helped me to feel proud of myself again. I had started to doubt myself after the sacking, but managed to bounce back thanks to this company. It was a wrong choice for financial reasons. My salary was lower, but my mortgage certainly didn't adapt to that.
The company where the choice was mutual was also a right choice. As I mentioned I want the company I work for to reach for the stars. When you're just directly copying from competitors that hardly felt like anything I was trying to go for. I want to produce creative, original, interesting work. I don't want to be a copycat - even though I know originality only goes so far. Luckily the company is looking in a better shape nowadays. They've cleaned up their act.
The wrong reasons
I am the sole income for my family of four. That means I have to make enough money to feed four people and pay for the mortgage. On one occasion money has been my motivation to go for a new employer. Not proud of it, but money makes the world go round and I've learned from it since. Money is very important and I know my value. I won't go for a better looking offer that quickly anymore.
The sacking I mentioned earlier was tough. It was my first sacking based on my actions, so you have to give that a place in your head. Apparently I had told a certain client something about the company. I was never allowed to know which client and what I supposedly told this client. If I would take legal action they would do everything to destroy me. I still have no idea who I could have told something that bad that the sacking was justified and never pursued legal action out of fear.
It taught me a valuable lesson though. Lots of companies are telling you fantastic stories. When they want to get you on board a little lie is allowed here and there they say. I've learned at that particular company that it isn't. If you feel something can't be that brilliant - you're right! It can't. The grass isn't greener on the other side.
So, now what...
When I left my previous company they had a goodbye present for me. A book called 'Work Rules' by Laszlo Bock (of Google). During the swimming lessons of my daughter, where I have to sit for 45 minutes while she swims, I've been reading the book. And it has been an awesome read. I'm not finished yet (maybe 5 swimming lessons left and its done) - but so far it has put a lot of stuff into perspective for me.
I've made a difficult decision last month. And that is to leave my current employer after 10 months and again make a move. I had a long-term contract, bonus-system, could have gone for a lease car and more. And I've chosen to go for a 6-month contract elsewhere. And the closer it gets, the more I feel I've made a good choice.
The resumé
It won't look pretty on my resumé, especially at my age. My last two employers lasted 9 and 10 months and I am signing a 6-month contract. But I don't care about my resumé, I care about my work. And I think I've found a new employer who feels just the same. Also, I can travel to work by taking my bike. It'll take me 10 minutes or less to travel to work. Meaning: I can spend more time with my young family. I can take the kids to school and then go to work and still I'll be home earlier than I am now.
So, why I am writing this down? Some companies might even recognize which part is about them. I am writing this down as an inspiration. I hope it tells you that your resumé isn't that important. What do you want to achieve in your work? If you know, go for it! And, like me, it may take you several employers to find what you want or need - but don't let that bring you down. Your work, like your life, is a journey.
And credit to all my former employers: I've learned something everywhere. Every company has challenged me, improved me, helped me. I am proud of all my employers and thank every single one of them for the experience - be it good or bad. Special credit to Hunterskil Howard and ThePharmacy Media, the two companies where I could have worked for life. I have been looking for a company like these two for quite some time and I think I have found it.
Thanks for reading and keep checking my blog. Once I've finished reading I am certainly going to write more on the Laszlo Bock book.
All the best,
Corné
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