(no subject)

[blissfish]

I'm not cut out for corporate culture.

I've been looking at the job listings today, after doing the rounds of some favorite places (Book People, Epoch, Jerry's, Book Woman, etc.) and learning that the jobs there are already taken for the summer, poke back in in August. I have good, employable skills - medical records experience, bankruptcy experience, technical support (uck) experience. But thinking about that corporate rollercoaster makes me feel ill. I don't know where best to apply. Doesn't any office anywhere have a stack of fish files, medical records that consolidated for cases, research that needs done - and just needs it done without necessarily ever seeing the employee who does it? I know, pipe dream. Everything would get done each week, just not between 8 and 6, because I suck at that type of regular schedule. It messes up my body, it wears me out, I get burned out.

Some of you I know work less conventional jobs - how would I go about finding one? Something with some degree of flexibility that doesn't involve being on the phone constantly?

Comments

[juliarandolph.livejournal.com]

Do you want me to ask someone who's finishing (or has just finished) her degree in hospital administration as to whether or not they use clerical workers like that on night shifts?

[blissfish.livejournal.com]

Yes, please. I'd appreciate that very much.

[sistrmoon.livejournal.com]

up here, we have clerks til 11pm, but none on the actual night shift. would an evening shift work for you? we call them unit clerks. It's fast paced and challenging and never boring. I used to have to fill in sometimes at my old job for the clerk.

[in-quinecorners.livejournal.com]

I have nothing to offer except sympathy. I hate working a "normal" schedule, too; unfortunately I haven't really found a better solution (though this is largely due to the fact that I'm kind of greedy, and I also feel this need to use the degrees that I'm still paying for). Keep us posted; I'm sure there are second or third shift jobs out there, and I'm curious to know what they are.

[psylent1.livejournal.com]

I'll bet you've already done this, but just in case: when I was job hunting last summer I found a lot of unconventional, one-time gigs on Craigslist, particularly clerical. I also some art jobs (one was a one-time photographer's assistant for a shoot). Problem is, they were all taken by the time I emailed. Within the hour. Gotta act quick.

[messyah.livejournal.com]

my suggestion would be to spend 2-5 years in the corporate culture doing a job that has the type of work you like to do, giving you the clout to move yourself gently from job to job until you land on one that really suits you. it's been a long hard road, but i found a job that was perfect for me. there definitely are jobs like you describe out there - but i don't think they are easy to get from outside the system.

I would agree with Messyah

[endiron.livejournal.com]

I have been working from home for 5 years now. I keep my own hours though they are day time hours, but I have the freedom to be in my house and in my home office on my terms, and making more money than I ever have before. However it took me doing the "in the office" jobs for a while and it also took me kicking much ass at those jobs to win the trust that gets you support for unconventional in the corporate world. Excellence is a cure all for being a weird of eccentric person in corporate culture.

John is an excellent example of that. Hard work and persistence can turn into freedoms.

If you arent up for that then I suggest you steel yourself for a lot of volatility in your work and monetary situation as those jobs which provide freedom up front often come at the cost of security.

It is all about choices.

Bane

[sushi-slave.livejournal.com]

Well, I know that a ton of museums have to hire a lot of extras for the summers to keep up with the increased traffic flow... it's a good way to get your foot in the door.

Also, if there are any galleries in your area that need to show a extra piece here or there I KNOW you have some amazing work that could be put on display.

Radio stations are also usually hiring full time because they have such high turn over rates and so little applications.

Marni suggests Star Bucks, because of how they're such the ubber-green and good corp, though pay is probably not what you are looking for, the benefits are kick ass.

Hugs, hope you find something.

[daddio914.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean about not being cut out for that, and I've been mucking my way through for ten years now with the same company. I will wholeheartedly agree with whoever said that excellence is a panacea for the eccentric in the workplace. I'd also recommend smaller companies where they'll be a bit more individual treatment -- I just get dirty looks when I come in late, rather than getting written up like I would at a larger company, and when I have stuff to do, I can work from home.

Personally, I have too many responsibilities to handle the insecurities that come with freelancing. However, I am gently looking for something else myself. The grind, it grinds.

G'luck. Not much to offer here but empathy... and one solid piece of advise: Do not compromise your dreams simply for income.