Getting a Job

The job market where I am in the United States is fairly tight--there are few openings in my field and, from what I've heard, there are many applicants for the positions that are open. 

Some people are telling me that I have to network.

They're probably right. I'm definitely poor at networking. The concept even turns me off a little. I just want to be friendly and authentic with everyone I meet. Networking--even if it isn't, in reality, "schmoozing"--it does sound like forcing the relationship beyond what's natural. That isn't so appealing to me. 

In my cover letters, I didn't hide my mistakes or weak points. I was forthright. I like sales--a lot. I used to work in sales, and I understand there's a sales aspect to getting a job. But I'm not that kind of salesperson.

I also submitted applications to companies in Asia, for my other field. I had two interviews already and I'm scheduled for a third. I didn't hide my mistakes or weak points from these employers, but they didn't seem to mind; they seemed receptive to me. 

There's so much here, and there's so much in Asia. If I get a job here, I think I will be happy. If I get a job in Asia, I think I will be happy. 

In America

I'm in the United States right now. It seemed so far away before I left. Now Korea seems far away. 

The last time I was in America--to live--was about ten years ago (although I took a trip to the States in 2008 for about four weeks). People talk about reverse culture shock--but through Stoicism I realized I could decide not to have it, if I chose. Still, there have been a few things I didn't know how to do here that were unexpected. I had to somewhat sheepishly explain that I hadn't been here and didn't know how it was done. 

If I can find a job here, I will stay. If not, I will have to move on.

I was feeling kind of negative today, so here's a list of the best things that happened in the week since I've been back.

1. I got the opportunity to see an old friend, whom I hadn't met in person since 2003, and have a long, soul-warming, therapeutic conversation with her.

2. I got the opportunity to give an outstanding review on Trip Advisor of the place I stayed at for the first two days. 

3. I got the opportunity to buy cookies for the people I'm currently staying with.

4. I got the opportunity to meet a really friendly, chatty taxi driver.

5. The city I'm currently in has an enormous mountain near it. Until today, it was shrouded in cloud, but this morning the weather broke fresh, clear, and breezy. You could see the summit really well. For a mountain-lover, what a treat!

6. I got the opportunity sincerely to compliment the cashier tonight at the drug store on his speediness. 

My goal here is to make people smile. Not so I can feel proud of myself. But because the world needs that. Can I do it? Wish me luck! 

Stanislav Petrov: The Man Who Saved the World

On this day in 1983, a Soviet officer named Stanislav Petrov saved the world from nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. There's a video about him on Vimeo, produced by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and an article on BBC News that provides further information. 

Most people alive today owe their lives to Officer Petrov's decision that day.