Week in Review 4/11 – 4/16

Yes indeed, dear readers, Phreelance Writers is back! As promised, fresh, new content has been delivered and we hope that you are rejoicing, like we are. Despite the span of miles between us, Gage and I, with the help of our friends, managed to put together a solid week. We’re quite proud. If you missed it, it’s cool. We’ve got your weekly rundown, just the way you like it!

On Monday, Gage got us started with a return to Tiger Fist. This is quickly becoming our new catch phrase, motto and mantra. It’s hard to argue with such phenomenal results. I dare say it may even become our new Tao. Tiger Fist, a way of life.

On Tuesday, Dash complained in the form of a question. It’s something he has to ask himself from time to time. We appreciate the feedback in the comment section. Once again, readers, you prove that you are all smarter than us. But we knew this already!

Wednesday is our guest contributor day and Adam Walker stepped in and hit it out of the park. We’re in the process of adding his bio to our Writers page and we’re looking forward to more poetic contributions from him. It’s great stuff.

Dash posted on Thursday about a recent diagnosis and how that condition effects him. While he remains in good spirits, we suspect his illness to be terminal. He’ll keep you posted as things progress. We’re all pulling for him.

On Friday, Gage gave us an update on his new gig and larger plans. The guys is always scheming and it’s a good thing. There is a growing number of us who believe Gage is directly involved in shadow ops. Like he’s a secret agent, the Jack Bauer of job searching.

We’ve begun to use Saturdays as a creative space on Phreelance Writers and Ori Fienberg did an admirable job of showcasing his talent this week. We’ve said it before and it remains true. Our love of writing extends beyond the journalistic. Ori’s work shows how diverse and great writing can be.

There you have it, folks, our first week back from extended absence. We’re feeling good and looking to keep the momentum going. Stay with us.

Tiger Fist: Redemption

Photo Credit: Giorgio Verrone

I’m a huge fan of the TV series 24.  If you haven’t seen it, it’s about Jack Bauer: a FBI type who saves the USA from terrorist attacks dozens of times, and rarely receives any gratitude.  I like him because he’s a hero in the truest sense: a man who undergoes torture, beatings, hostage situations (often involving his own family members, a la Spiderman) and ethical dilemmas of every kind, but he just sits there and takes the punishment.  Eventually, towards the 24^th hour, he’ll get a pat on the back from the President, some acknowledgement that his efforts meant something.

I’ll admit it: sometimes I imagine myself as Jack Bauer.  I’m not ashamed.

Incidentally, now is one of those times.  I’m not saying I’m saving the world—I’m just saying it’s nice to have that 24^th hour finally come around, to actually get a job that you applied for.

Those of you who tuned in for the beginning of operation Tiger Fist will have some idea what’s going on, but for those who missed the premier, here’s what’s up:

Tiger Fist is the art of pursuing a job with relentless determination, leaving nothing unsaid or undone.  It’s an attitude, really, but here are some snapshots that might give you a picture of it: dressing like a GQ cover regardless of the position desired.  Sending emails every other day.  Calling every other day.  Showing up randomly at the offices, demanding face time.  Refusing to be turned away.  Knowing more about the company than its own president does.  Simply put, it’s about channeling the spirit of a warrior tiger into your job application process.

It worked. Now, I’m starting a new job with a company I respect and that I could feasibly work at for my entire career.

This fact both excites and humbles me.

I’m excited and encouraged that my efforts have paid off.  This gives me hope, and it should give hope to all college graduates currently struggling to avoid poverty.

I’m humbled because this forces me to consider the possibility that the failure of my previous four hundred job applications weren’t caused by a secret society of sadistic HR staff, dressed up like the Emperor from Star Wars, systematically crushing the spirit of qualified college grads.  Maybe it was my own fault.  Maybe I just hadn’t put enough effort into them until now.

No!

No.  I was trying hard.  I was.

I won’t even dignify that with a paragraph.  Nothing will ever justify the treatment (or complete lack thereof) we’ve received from HR over the past two years.  Nothing will ever invalidate our Phreelance beginnings, or our significant body of work.

Now, readers, let me put your worries to rest. Does this successful job application process disqualify me as a Phreelancer?  Hardly.  My Bauer-esque years of being tortured and left to die in the slums of the job-o-sphere have left their mark.  I’m still cynical.  I’m still bitter.  I will never forgive.  This moment just eases the pain a little bit.

Job Search Made Easy

Back in August I wrote a post about a fear of being passed over for jobs. I have to chuckle at the situation; it reminds me of something my mother says, “just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me.” I would always laugh when she said it. But now I know what she means. It turns out my fear was valid.

My girlfriend, who lives in Texas, once mentioned to me that if I was in Texas, and not Boston, I could find a job. She even went as far to say that she could get me job if I lived in the state. I would nod my head and agree with her, but I can’t honestly say that I believed her.

When I left Boston for Texas, I left with the promise of a job. A hiring manager had contacted me and asked me if I would be able to be in Texas by the first Monday of January. I said yes. He said to call him when I got to town.

Now, you’ll have to forgive my skepticism. I’ve been looking for a job in Texas for close to ten months. I’ve had several opportunities arise, none of which worked out. So when a manager, who happens to be responsible for hiring as well as other responsibilities tells me to “call him when I get to town” I am fully aware that my phone call will go straight to voicemail.

Imagine my surprise when he answered the phone this past Monday. This was our conversation:

Him: Hey Rick, how’s it going?

Me: I’m good, Matt*. Uh, you told me to call you when I got to town, so this is to let you know that I’m here.

Him: Great! Lauren* said that you’re available to start work as soon as possible. Can you come in today to fill out some paperwork?

Me: Uh, well, I’m not sure. See, I don’t have a car so I need to see if I can get a ride…

Him: That’s fine. I won’t be free until after 2:30. Tell you what, you have my number here at the store, right? Just call me back when you know more about the ride. Otherwise, you can come in on Friday.

Me: OK, I’ll let you know as soon as I hear something.

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent

Later that day, I went to meet Matt and fill out some paperwork. It took less than twenty minutes. I’ve been in Texas less than a week and I already have a job. I start on Monday.

The moral of the story here is that I need to listen to the women in my life more often!