Helping Hathaway Quit…
21. Oct, 2010 
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I have a new project – amidst the meditation and yoga – I’ve volunteered to change someone's life. Nothing dramatic like donating blood or adopting a cute 3rd world baby but IMPORTANT nonetheless…I’m helping my friend quit her job. She’s a sharp new grad and her constant distress has me worried. I’m insisting she quit right way - travel to Europe or do something fantastic before artificial light ruins her complexion & excel spreadsheets crush her soul.
She landed this gig thinking she could possibly grow with the company - instead it's been a nightmare. At the very least she needs to press "restart" and find a new job. Specifically, one that doesn't involve picking up dry cleaning or planning bar mitzvahs.
Sidenote: OK OK , with my new-found independence clearly I’m encouraging everyone to follow suit. QUIT. QUIT. QUIT. It’s kind of like new vegetarians, after a lifetime of Big Macs & fur coats they have the nerve to get all PETA on you.
I’m not that annoying BUT I’m clearly spreading the "quit your job" gospel. Plus, I’d like more unemployed friends in my circle. It would make for awesome Monday nights.
So my friend -- let's call her Ann Hathaway – is the executive assistant to a vile and cynical woman. Her boss frequently yells expletives, slams doors and pours scolding hot coffee on her. The coffee part may be a slight exaggeration but whatever the girl is emotionally scarred. Her life is truly like the Devil Wears Prada - minus the beautiful wardrobe and New York City.
Right now, her only goal in life is to escape her horrible job. I intend to help. If you're wondering WHY wellllllllllllllll….
- I’m a giving person.
- I want her to be happy and pursue a career she loves.
- I need a friend to hang out with Monday nights.
- All of the above.
If you picked D. you are correct!
No seriously, I want her to do well. And I remember my first job after college. It was A-MAZING. I was fresh faced and eager – ready to take on the world. My poor Hathaway is dying 6 months out. Unacceptable. First jobs are like your first kiss -- they should be sweet and memorable. Not some dork pushing his tongue down your throat.
When I’m playing headhunter I always turn to Craigslist but here are other alternatives for job searches:
The Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington JOB BANK:
http://www.cultural-alliance.org/programs/jobanknew.shtml
Read Career Blogs (1 of my favorites) http://www.millerlittlejohnmedia.com/category/get-hired/
Try a listserv: http://www.nedsjotw.com/
Word of Mouth - Talk to friends, mentors, ex-boyfriends - you never know!
I'm helping her with a strategy RIGHT NOW...the resume and cover letter are being revamped. Next up, is the 2 week notice. Standby...more to come!
Glo
