After ten years when management tells you you're not qualified for the job, what do you do? Buy a pair of alligator spike heels and use them, of course....

I'll cut to the chase: I've been unemployed since early November. I've sent out letters and resumes, responded to ads, networked with friends and family and generally done everything everyone advises. And, I'm still unemployed except for freelance work. It seems like all the experience I worked to hard to acquire is of little value.
 
I have more than 20 years of experience as a writer, editor, Communicator and public relations practitioner. I have experience in sports, military affairs, entertainment, education and natural resources. I have begun to despair, and think seriously of applying at Starbucks.
 
You can skip the next graph if you don't want any other background.
 
In the interest of full disclosure: For the last 10 years I worked for a water conservancy district, a quasi-governmental agency in the state where I live. My boss, a historian by education, rose through the ranks when the organization was young and people got to do jobs they weren't exactly qualified for. His temper tantrums are legend. Personality conflicts arose about three years ago, after I pointed out flaws in the sexual harassment policy (accusers could be fired if the administration deemed there was "intent of malice"), rumors of corruption that could become public (considered an act of disloyalty by me even to mention it) and the list goes on. I was fired at 4:55 p.m., on the eve of a Veterans' Day weekend.

Any words of wisdom? Suggestions? Input?
 
Being unemployed is exhausting. Thanks for listening (or reading, as the case may be).
 
Lori

1. Make a list of all your friends and professional contacts with connects. Call them and tell them they must give you one good lead--doesn't have to be a job opening--just someone with clout. You follow up, and at some point, whether the lead is looking for an employee or not, you hit it off and they hire you. THat's called "Nedworking."
2. Make a list of all the employers in your area that you think might
be good to work for. Then call their HR departments and ask for an appointment to find out more about the organization and see if you'd be a good fit. This is research Nedworking.
3. Think about all the things you love and have missed. Make a plan to
work toward them--i.e., give yourself fun time each day--something you enjoy.
4. Think about volunteer activities. Even churches need writers, etc.
And believe it or not, you can make some good connections with people who can help you out. Same goes for community groups, etc. Make yourself invaluable and let it be known you're looking for a great place to work. You might even offer to work cheap or on contract for a limited time--another way to make connections.

Starbucks is not a bad alternative, but if you're willing to work for
that income, you might look for something in a field where you'd like to get experience and have an opportunity to move up the ladder quickly.

My list hadn't gotten down to Woody Allen suicides (you know, jumping
out of a first floor window, slitting your wrists with a spoon), but I
have begun to schedule days and times to panic.

I am volunteering and have offered to work cheap for a nonprofit for a
limited amount of time. I will continue on that vein and start on the
rest of the list while awaiting word from the Dream Team.

In case anyone asks, I did talk with a handful of lawyers after being
fired (discharged, terminated), the state Civil Rights Commission and the EEOC. I'm the eighth woman this organization has cut loose in this fashion in the last three years. I have until September under Colorado law to write a letter of demand for severance. The other women received severence checks, one month's pay for each year of service. At the time (December) I was too exhausted and sad to even consider it.

Thank you. I appreciate your help and look forward to wisecracks and
gallows humor to sustain me.

Lori

Hey Lori,

My stock answer to this question is usually, "get yourself elected as
chairman of IABC and then a year later open up your own consultancy,"
but that might not be the right path for everyone...

I agree with you--unemployment is exhausting and stressful. Sometimes I
think about my unemployment periods and it's all the motivation I need
for my current job. I wish you steady and happy employment soon.

Congratulations for deciding to move on and for sticking to your guns
about severance. As part of any severance package you should insist that your former employer provide a positive job reference and that the
their HR department merely confirms that you worked there and no information about the nature of your leaving be discussed. (Most HR
departments are eager to comply with this request to avoid potential
future legal action).

I agree with Anne's advice as well. She makes some terrific suggestions, particularly with the Nedworking. A person with your experience is more likely to find a position through networking than through an ad in a newspaper. Having said that, are you already in a big city, or in a more rural area? I would continue to exploit the Denver job market if you haven't already done so. Your freelancing gives you a little flexibility, but I don't blame you for wanting to be working full time.

Good luck.
Tundra Og

Tundra --
Does election involve groupies and bribes and going to celeb parties?
Or do I just have to dress up and go places, like conference rooms and
bars in Marriotts all over the country?

With age comes discernment. I hope I'll be able to spot the
less-than-desirable bosses/situations sooner this time. And thank you
for the good wishes. I know you're right. Almost everything advertised
requires 1-3 or 2-5 years of experience, which knocks me out before the
first round. I'm looking forward to Nedworking more. I already
unknowingly did some. Now I know how to do it correctly and more
efficiently.

As for the severance, excellent advice. I believe that's what I'll do.
Although I have to temper my expectations. This group doesn't always
act as expected, bless their hearts.

I live about 50 miles -- actually a commutable distance -- from a big city. I am working the market, using every available friend and acquaintances I have there. Freelancing full time would be fine, I just want to be certain I'm not doing it as a last resort. Does that make sense? And health insurance is now approaching the same cost as my mortgage. That part is very scary.

Thanks for listening. And for the kind wishes. I'm feeling better all
the time.

Lori

Hi Lori -

All of Anne's suggestions are brilliant, and it sounds like you're doing a lot of them already. In terms of the Nedworking, if you're not already going to IABC/PRSA meetings, do start - they are wonderful venues to meet other professionals and make great connections.

One of the potential down sides of having so much experience is that you're probably over-qualified for a lot of positions out there. Continue to work those contacts, though, because you never know when someone will be so impressed with you that they decide to speed up the hiring for a more senior position, or perhaps even create a position for you.

Also - I don't know how you are marketing yourself. By this, I mean how are you positioning yourself; how are you presenting yourself? I have seen many excellent PR and communications professionals who just don't do that well enough for themselves, though they can do it in a heartbeat for their employers/clients. There are some great resources on the Web that can help you examine this (if you're willing to take a good, hard look at yourself).

Check out some of the articles on TheLadders.com (look up Marketing Ladder).

You have until September to demand severance - don't let that month slip by you and give 'em hell.

My very best to you,
Elphaba

Why are you waiting to asking for severance - that should have been done immediately.  Why pass up free money?

I might have missed something, but what reason given for being fired?  Is it because you pointed out a flaw in a manual - what was the motivation for pointing out this flaw?  Good corporate citizen?  Doubt it.  Boss thought "trouble maker," I'm sure.  It sounds to me like a confrontation ensued.  Does being fired on Veteran's day have any relevance?

On attitude -"unemployed except for free lance work."  That's not unemployed - that's working.  Also, take the job at Starbucks.  It's a big corporation and with room to grow.  There's honor in all work.  Volunteer to write their employee newsletter, volunteer to create marketing brochures, etc.  Take a course or two at the local community college.  This will open up their job bank and provide a legitimate explanation on how you spent your time.  Volunteering and working cheap for a non-profit are jobs.  Forget about the salary you are receiving - that's not the point - for temporary work at least.

Now, another place to find leads - go to one of those best places to work directories and then research the company by going to the SEC website and reading their 10k report.  Look under the section concerning competition and future prospects.  In your cover letter address those principles and tailor your resume to highlight experience.  You must be an industry expert, etc.  Focus on companies that deal with your expertise - it's not every day they get a resume from someone with your type of industry expertise.

Personally, I think you need a pair of new alligator spike heels to use on your former boss....

This is terrific advice.

Ooh. What a superb idea on so many levels! Spikes made from a
big-toothed, wily predator -- priceless.

For the record, the official reasons I was fired (according to the
separation letter):
(1) I wasn't smart enough to do my job and get the facts straight.*
(2) I displayed a negative attitude. **
(3) The engineers didn't like me.

Please thank the writer. I'll wait no longer to ask for severance. ...
He/she is right, I am working. ... And, I had not even considered the
places that are always talking about how much they care about water.
Excellent idea.

Please also tell the Dream Team that I now feel like I'm not alone.
Whatever good thoughts you've all been sending, they're arriving at
full power. This week has been fantastic. Thanks a million!!!

Lori (who no longer feels bereft)

* They actually wrote this to the state unemployment office, that the
primary reason I was fired was because I wasn't smart enough to do my
job. It was in a box on a form, right under the line that asked how
long I'd worked there (10 years). The unemployment people called me to
verify the information. Each time I talked to someone from the state,
they'd read the form, then there'd be a two-second pause and I'd hear
someone sort of choking. I'd say, "Go ahead, it's OK to laugh." Then,
whoever it was would guffaw and say something like, "Who's the dumb one
if it took them 10 years to figure it out?"

** I told them once that sarcasm was a sign of superior wit, not
negativity. It did not go over well. The GM is a 6-4, linear-thinking
civil engineer who wears cowboy boots, western shirts and double-knit
Wranglers. He also bears eternal grudges and proudly says that he never
negotiates. And sarcasm, well, you know.

I'm in a dilemma. I want out of public relations,

but I don't know what other careers I should seek.

Although I'm successful in my job, client interaction scares me, agency life bothers me and I don't feel confident in my creative abilities, eg., brainstorming. I'm an introvert and any job in which I have to interact  with people a lot is very hard for me.

Perhaps freelance writing is the way to go. I actually write for a fashion and beauty blog on the side.  But how many people can make a living doing  those things?

How do I go about finding a job in which I could combine my love for writing and even media relations skills but don't have to work

with clients? I read  Ned Lunquist's newsletter already. Can a person (other than the editor of gawker.com) make a living writing for blogs?

Looking forward to your advice. Thanks!

Too Involved

I'm curious--you're successful at bwhat you do. Most of

us get there because we enjoy it.

Was there a time you enjoyed it? What parts did you

love? What happened to make you successful? What happened to change it?

I think your answers might help us--and you--figure

out where to go next.

I've always enjoyed elements of my job: writing and
media relations. I love the feeling of accomplishment
when I get a hit. Yet I'm not too discouraged when
journalists say, "No." In fact, it usually inspires me
to keep going. Some PR-types consider this drudgery
and the prospect of rejection is too much for them.

Other parts of my job, such as client management and
presentations, I've always hated. I'm realizing that,
although I've improved in these areas, they, still,
are not my strengths. I might never feel comfortable
working with clients and making presentations. Even
taking the lead in meetings bothers me. I prefer to
remain in the background.

Hope this helps give further insight into my situation.
Thanks.

T

I just had my performance review today and it went
great!

Dear T,

You sound like you’re a valuable employee. Supervisors place high value on competent subordinates who get their work done and don’t act all ambitious about wanting to take over their job, or seek higher glory for simply doing what the job description requires. Should you ever want to change jobs, you would be an ideal person to work for a politician or as a career assistant editor.

You also sound young (I could be wrong, but it would be a first). And I can predict with a strong degree of certainty that you’re not going to feel the same way about your career five years from now, or even three years from now—maybe not even one year. You say you prefer to remain in the background—that’s fine for now, but it also means no promotions; no substantial monetary gain; and even worse, you become less valuable to your company as the years go on (which makes you vulnerable).

So, I say light a fire under your rear end now (the fact that you wrote to PMJ is an important first step). Are you a shy person? That might explain why you’re reluctant to take the lead in meetings (giving your coworkers greater opportunities), or make client presentations (which increases your value and isn’t a bad networking tool, when you think about it).

If self-confidence is an issue, then join a group such as Toastmasters to gain confidence in speaking before others and building leadership skills. Now is the time to develop your total package skills, because 1) you’re not going to want to be a wonk forever; and 2) if you don’t, years from now you’ll look back at this period of your career and refer to them as the “lost years.”

Tundra Og

I think I agree with Tundra. Bad sign, I know.

But every job has elements that we don’t enjoy. I’d rather stay in the background, but was forced by a wise (maybe wise-guy) boss to do presentations, placate irate clients and business associates, and the better I got to know them, the better I got at that part of my job. And the better I got, suddenly it wasn’t so bad. When I started giving others speaking advice, I knew that while I’d never be Winston Churchill or Abe Lincoln, I’d moved from novice to experienced. And I wasn’t aware it was happening until I thought about how I’d changed over the past two years.

And creativity can be very subjective. You may not deliver the punch line, but your comments and observations are valued, and your thoughts can start the domino effect, so don’t short-change yourself. You will probably never be an extrovert, but think about it: would you want to work in an office where everyone was extroverted? Or introverted? We balance.

Since you got a great performance evaluation, your boss must consider you valuable. You might mention to your boss that you’re not as ease with clients or making presentations as you’d like and ask for advice on how to improve. Bosses love employees who want to do a better job.

Life is all about reaching for the next milestone. At some point, you will know you’re a racehorse in some areas and a workhorse in others. And you’ll get promoted so that you can delegate jobs to others, who will come to you with similar questions.

Mayday

There are a lot of writing jobs out there--but they may not pay as well as those with PR or Marketing attached.  You might want to join a local communicators group and 1) meet people to overcome what you consider might be shortcomings,

2) find jobs that require a lot of writing and less public interaction, and

3) get to know hiring managers in jobs that sound wonderful and when the time is right, make a move.

Good Luck!

Not really sure how to classify this post.  This may fall more under just venting but any words of wisdom are appreciated.

I'm very frustrated by my current work situation.  I was hired as a PR person.  My co-worker is strictly a writer, not a PR person.  He has a great background in newspapers, but he hasn't ever really worked with TV reporters.

Some times my co-worker receives calls from TV stations seeking

experts.  Rather than passing the calls to me, he will try to handle them.  I get very frustrated because he will not chase down an expert like I do and he will just leave a reporter hanging for hours (or days, one instance).  When I get a call, I start working on finding an expert.  I try to think outside the box on who the expert could be; i.e. a county agent, a farmer, etc., not just a specialist located two floors above us.  If I get the call around lunchtime I work through lunch and eat after I feel that I've taken care of the reporter, at least for the time being.  If my co-worker gets the call he'll try to find someone upstairs to do the interview, if that person isn't available, he just says, "Oh well."  He refuses to put forth any extra effort to find the interview and get our organization the coverage I work day in and day out to get.  One thing to know about my co-worker- he's counting the days until he retires (in about three years).  I'm sure when I'm ready to retire I won't work as hard as I do now.  I'm idealistic and I get frustrated with people who do the minimum they need to to get by.  I believe that everyone should have the same work ethic I do and should work just as hard for the common good of the organization as I do (no, I'm not fresh out of college.)  I hate the fact that I'm so territorial in saying that all the calls should be sent to me because I really do want to work together as a team, but it's frustrating when another team player doesn't work like I do.

I think this post just served more as therapy for me, but if anyone has advice, I'll listen.

-Unfortunate

Here's a suggestion that's disguised as a question ('cuz I'm clever like that):  Why are the reporters calling the writer dude if you are the PR pro?  As a PR person, perhaps your first assignment should be to make sure that the reporters know to call you.  Make yourself known as the media contact person.

Let your co-worker know that they he should forward all media requests to you (because you're the PR person, that's why).

It sounds like you've attempted to discuss some of these, uh, shortcomings with the short-timer. ANd it sounds like the short-timer isn't inclined to change. But I suspect that the short-timer always had elements of that behavior--this isn't something that suddenly strikes as one nears retirement because I've seen some of the most dynamic and active people in an organization run circles around those half their ages. I think it's attitude.

You might want to come up with a short list of dos and don'ts for dealing with the press and give it to your boss since some in your unit appear to be clueless. You could also remind the boss that a missed opportunity could bose major problems. ANd if this is indeed your responsibility, make it clear that coworkers who try to "help" might best stick to what they do best... if it's not, your responsibility, you could offer to handle it since you think you have some ideas for improvement. 

Dear Unfortunate,

Did you work at the Pentagon? And was your co-worker's name Ned

Lundquist? (just asking)

I assume you are a peer of this person, i.e., equal footing. I also assume you have a supervisor. If my assumptions are correct, then I have no problem telling you to run, not walk, to your supervisor's office and explain what you just told us.

But before you run to your supervisor's office, gather documentation first. You have proof that some calls have gone days without response?

Document it. Provide your supervisor with the names of the press people involved.

This is not a case of tattling on your co-worker. Your co-worker fails to see the big picture (as you do). Every call he puts off has an impact on the perception of your office in the eyes of the media, just as every prompt reply and accurate source you provide does. This is a situation your supervisor needs to know about, so that he/she can provide instant remediation and, failing that, disciplinary action. This is an intolerable situation and your good name and that of your company need not be dragged down by your co-worker's incompetence.

Tundra Og

You tattler.

Damn straight!

It's interesting--now that I'm a supervisor, my perspective has REALLY

changed...

I think (from the perspective of someone who used to be a supervisor) that the supervisor may not be doing his/her job.  If one person is in charge of media relations, then all calls should be forwarded to that person.

You're right. If these duties aren't clearly spelled out by the

supervisor, then shame on the supervisor for creating an environment in which one worker can freelance and cherry pick.

Have Skills, Will Travel...

I am writing this to inquire if you have any advice for a former congressional/senate staffer (state staff) of 14 years.  A friend sent me the info about JOTW, and I signed up today.  She also suggested that I get your opinion on how best to articulate my experience in all the myriad of responsibilities and activities in my past job. ( I wanted a change in work environment; am now a travel agent for a local agency, and love it, but not much money in it)   In my job searching, I have found that it is difficult for most folks to really grasp what my past career really consisted of, though I keep trying to improve my resume and job description, without making it too long.  I tweak them for each job application, so I'm never listing every single thing I ever did on any application, just what I'm thinking applies.

Since I am making this even more difficult for myself (i.e., insisting on avoiding political orgs) I am making this more of a problem than it would otherwise be, I'm sure.  I would prefer to be in the private sector, and writing is something I like to do, but I don't have much to show for it -- that I got credit for, and folks in the private sector have a hard time understanding what staffers do:  we're federal employees, but we're not (no pay grade, etc.),  we are seen as campaign animals mostly, and there aren't job titles that make much sense.   Whatever advice I can get will be welcome – I'm a few months into this, and at the wall!  And I don't want to run for office, that's the other thing; what most of my colleagues go on to do.  (why was I ever in this job in the first place?!!!)  

Thank you for any thoughts you have  - thought you'd understand, since you are in DC.

Dear Former Hill Staffer Disguised as a Travel Agent:

I need a good Disney World package. The kids have never been and if we don't go this summer...

But seriously...first of all, congratulations for lasting 14 years on Capitol Hill. I don't blame you for not wanting a job with a political connection after that. And if you worked for Arlen Specter, you're already nominated for sainthood in my books.

My suggestion is that when sending out your resume, you emphasize the applicable cross-skills that stem from 14 years of Hill experience, rather than the work itself. Clearly, you should be emphasize that you know how to deal with massive egos, difficult budget processes, customer service issues and delicate wordsmithing in which misplacement of a "the" could have led to an international incident.

In other words, don't tweak so much. Go unfailingly with your strengths,

because that is what will stand out. Good luck!

Tundra Og

My understanding of how Capitol Hill works is that you start out taking a ridiculously low-paying job for an obscure lawmaker, or an even lower-paying minion position for a well-known congressman or senator.  You get involved in the issues your boss in involved in, and for which he or she has a committee assignment.  From here you learn the issues and you learn the movers and shakers.  You know where the money is, and who has clout.  Then, when approached and offered a job to work for that trade association that covers that issue or that company that needs your expertise, you jump, for a ridiculously high salary.  Your rolodex has value.

After 14 years, you maybe developed a tiny bit of an ego, too. 

For those organizations who really care about who and what you know, no explanation is necessary.

Ned

Part of your job searching should include your special access—you can get calls returned, set up meetings with key staffers and know how to get issues moving. You also know how to get information and do research that needs to be included into policy papers, news releases and testimony. You will be a great asset for any organization—you need to find the one that works on the issues and hires the kinds of people you want to work with—that's where homework and connections enter the picture. You meet the right people, click, and they will find a way to get you on their team.

Good luck!

Anne

WOW!  You guys are good!  Some EXCELLENT “wordsmithing” here that I can steal!  I thought of including the soap us staffers wrote a few years ago (each of us took a chapter – “The Hart of the Heat”), but chickened out.  I need to dig up those talking points and staff reports......

THANKS LOADS for these helpful replies!   (except the one about MY ego, of course)

Gratefully,

Ex-politico 

When Writing Quality is Relative…

I started my career in newspapers and then spent four years crafting employee communications for a financial services company.

The employee publication I wrote for and helped edit won IABC awards in its time. Unfortunately, the entire communications department was downsized. I did some freelance work that eventually led to a position at a newspaper doing community features. While I loved the type of writing I did there, I missed being a part of the bigger picture (editing, creating a layout, press checks, etc.). After three years at the newspaper, I left to be a writer/editor for an employee publication. It all seemed too good to be true: an approachable boss, good pay, creative freedom.

As it turns out, it didn't last. Two months later, I was terminated. Being downsized is one thing, but being terminated stings much worse.

Essentially I was let go because my writing style was "not up to the level" my boss wanted. She rewrote one of my pieces and transformed it into a longwinded essay, crowning it with a headline that had no verb! I soon began to realize this had nothing to do with my writing, I'm used to getting edits after all. This was all about my writing style and her writing style. What really bothers me is during my first interview, I left her with samples of my writing. When she looked through the clips I had with me, she said she liked my writing style. I also had to take a writing test for this job. My writing style has not changed since the clips, the test, and starting this job!

I'm still in disbelief and am now left to wonder how damaging this will look on my resume. How can I get potential employers to get past the two-month blip on my resume? Do I have to even put it on there? Any wisecracks, advice and words of encouragement are welcome.

Maria,

Do some freelancing--even volunteer--know any body in high positions? Write an article for their byline. The point is to build up some good

samples--get publishes, and shoot for name companies or local media stars.

That not only helps build materials, but also connections. That way, when asked, you focus on the positives, and simply dismiss that 8 weeks as "I thought it was a great opportunity, but realized quickly it was not a good fit..." and move on. If pressed, you could say that a discussion over writing styles was among the points that led to your current situation (which is true), and move the conversation back to IABC awards, your portfolio, and note your work with any new stellar contacts.

By the way, stop beating yourself up. It's not constructive.

You must look in the mirror and tell yourself, "You are the greatest!"

-Mayday

Now, a word from our Uma!

Oh boy...if she has already "sampled" your writing, then this seems more like a clash of personalities to me.  Boy, this seems entirely too harsh -I'd want to know more.  Have you asked her why she changed her mind about your writing style after having put you through a test, etc.?

As far as what to do about the blip in your resume, I would not mention it at all.  You gained no experience from this venture.  Obviously, this is not a question of performance.   What do others think?

And from the infamous Tundra Og!

Hey Maria,

I wouldn't even put it on the resume. Heck, I don't even acknowledge my

"lost period" of 1988-1994 on my resume except to list it as a

"sabbatical." Which was technically true, because I basically phoned it in, career-wise, during that period. It all changed after I met Ned Lundquist, ABC; since then, my career has gone from ennui to a downhill rollercoaster heading for the end of a pier.

But seriously...first I want to sympathize with you. Many of us--okay, me--have been terminated from positions for reasons that have nothing to do with competence. Clearly this person has her own issues to deal with, and while it may not seem like it now, in the long run not having to work with her will surely look like a blessing. Your background and

experience, as well as the tests you took pre-employment, belie her absurdly quirky view that your writing was incompatible. This person has issues, and she should not be managing people.

Should you put this job on your resume? I vote no. I have a four-month

gap in my employment history that, when asked, I describe as a freelance period. Which is technically true--I spent one of those four months freelancing, and it counts. It's not anyone's business that I spend three of those four months furiously sending my resume out, looking for a full-time position (which I succeeded in finding).

That's the beauty of being in communication--a two-month blip is

nothing. A two-YEAR blip would surely have to be explained, but not two

months; not even six months. My best advice is to not let this situation crush your self-esteem. You've done fine up to this point; now, work through the Five Stages of Grief and move forward (it can be done--I had to reprimand one of my employees recently and he went through the Five Stages of Grief in roughly four hours. It was a wonder to watch.)

From Maria:

Thank you PMJ Dream Team. So far, the responses have been

tremendous. I really do appreciate it and it's given me a great start to the weekend. Please pass along my gratitude to the two Dream Team responders to date!

First, fire all the clients....

Pimp Me! Pimp Me!

The gig: PR/marketing/advertising consulting and project management, freelance writing.

The crib: Not what it could be, but I've worked in worse.

The commute: Nine steps from my bedroom door. Make that 110 steps if I go downstairs for coffee first.

The boss: Persuasive, fair and compassionate, expects excellence. A bit spiny at times, but willing to jump in to get it done. Prone to bouts of self-flagellation. A brilliant (sometimes manic) idea generator, strategist and organizational thinker who can also write her tail off – anything from hard core business content to evocative magazine features.

The clients: Varied, but far too many are small-time, lacking vision, resources, or both.

The pay: Too much famine, not enough feast

The 411: Four years ago, frustrated by square peg/round hole syndrome and disillusioned by lack of humanity in the C-suite, I left the corporate "career track" to go solo, optimistic that I could focus on what I'm good at doing, build new strengths along the way and still have time for family/life. I've done work that I'm very proud of, and I have numerous awards to show for it. I network, self-promote, I'm active in my professional organization, etc. Word to my face is that I have cred, but that's not translating to people knocking on my door. While I had no expectation that I'd match or surpass my take-home from the corporate days, I need mo'betta than what I'm bringing in now.

The hook: I like my independence, but I'm at a crossroads. I could resolve to change my business model in a way that moves me toward more fulfillment and greater profitability or I could consider returning to a traditional workplace/employer that offers the regular paycheck and the promise of challenging work without the multiple personalities required of the solo practitioner. My inconsistent income stream has deflated my financial cushion, limiting my time to accomplish the former and the latter is dependent upon finding the right opportunity.

If I'm going to get pimped, I want to go all the way. If I were creating a job for myself from scratch -- if anything was possible -- what would that job be? My diverse talents (see "boss," above) defy a neat category. I want to be more of a strategist than someone with a strictly tactical title, and less linear than someone who creates flow charts and reconciles project timelines all day. I enjoy doing the work too much to be locked up in the executive tower, but I could thrive in the right leadership role.

Kudos and peace to the JOTW tribe.

From Tundra Og

Can a senior marketing communications find happiness in the parellel universe of public relations?

Wondering if the folks on Pimp My Job can provide me with any advice. I'm a marcomm professional with more than 15 years in integrating marketing, whose just been laid off from a prettty nice senior position in a big healthcare company. I left on really good terms, and am figuring out what to do next. What I'd really like to do is combine my marcomm experience with pr work, which I've done a smattering of, but not really enough to become a PR director or anything, although I'm at a MarComm Director level. In the companies that I've worked for, both these functions have been separated into specialty areas, and so I haven't really been able to cross over. What would be PMJ's advice on making the leap, or combining the two?

Tundra Og Replies

Technology is great, but doesn't help when the dog (or movers) eat (or lose) your work. What to show for years of hard work and stellar results?

From the Dog's Owner (and "Pimp My Job" Victim):

Here's the situation in need of a solution: the movers lost the box with all evidence of my proudest achievements, cool samples and coverage reports. I back up my computer but didn't expect to lose the hard copies, and not much of my professional life has been saved on my home computer. This is compounded by former employers having edited their websites so my work is either gone, has morphed beyond being able to call it mine, or is now embarrassing. Sadly, I don't think this box is going to 'show up someplace' -- it's been two years and I've searched exhaustively. Once I build some new clips I can use those, but I hate to sound like the dog ate my homework. I do have some news stories on VHS, would anyone actually look at them?

Would a listing of those stories be worthwhile? It certainly wouldn't be complete but I could try to remember the homeruns from over the years. Any ideas for the case of the missing clips?

Just this afternoon I got a response from an email I sent to a hot lead --'please email me your writing samples'. At this point here's what I've done(just getting ahead of the 'send more details' curve for the Teamers):

1) A list of favorite story placements/projects from over 12 years of media relations

2) a well-written, on-the-mark pitch letter which I thought would speak for itself, but I understand people want more for the files and to justify writing a check

3) a list of organizations that I've placed stories with (the usual GMA, CNN, NYT, LAT, PBS and CBS network radio etc, on down to regional papers)

(These lists have always struck me as silly, because I know that a good story handled well will get picked up and it really doesn't matter if you have 'contacts' at these organizations since the staff turn over like crazy

for the most part... But again, seems like clients might feel better hiring if they can say to their boss that 'she's worked with Nightline!' )

I am considering sending a couple things I've written in the past few months. One is an email to another list that explains why donating stuff your kids have outgrown to people who have lost their homes does not help families or relief organizations, and only helps assuage your own guilt.

Several smart people on this (very large) list responded that it was the first time they really understood this issue and appreciated the compassion for affected families it showed, and they thanked me for sending it, so I

know it hit the mark.

The other is a news release -- but it hasn't been released yet! It's announcing my husband's new job (we have diff last names) and his Communications folks are sitting on it. Is there any way I can ethically use this -- like emblazoning it with EMBARGOED or something? Changing names?

Ideas?

From uma.... 

From Our "Pimp My Job" victim:

 And regarding rates....

I've been told writers can't get much more than $30 an hour....

And the latest from our ex-victim.... 

So my dear husband has more clarity of thought around this than I — he asked why I didn’t just print out stories from SF Chronicle website that I had pitched. Forget the news releases, it’s the results that matter. And as much as I hate the expression: duh.

Turns out their archive goes back far enough, and many of the articles that started as my pitch are there, with color art. The layout isn’t as dramatic as a photocopy with masthead, and it would be better to have the original release to match up with it, but it ‘counts’.  The articles also point out that many of the stories ran on Sunday.

So things are less bleak. Maybe I can find a library with microfiche to get an actual page as printed for my sample book. Or maybe I won’t need it, the web printout will be proof enough. It doesn’t help with broadcast stories, but should support my credibility since it’s the paper of record for the region (and was in love with the competing, university-based medical center at the time!).

I have an actual meeting next week, the result of a well-written blind email to someone who holds pr director position at a hospital, the same job I held last time I held one. I used the ‘I’ve walked a mile in your shoes’ angle, figuring people in that position would be my likeliest clients as I launch this consulting endeavor.

Thanks to all for your support!