Posted on 06/01/2006 by the cynic
Viewed: 351 times
I've come to be very cynical (hence the name) of all the "theories" on how to get a permanent, successful job. "It's about your personality"--well, I've been in several jobs where people loved my personality, but wouldn't keep me on board, and where those with no personality got to stay. "It's about your productivity." I'm commended on my productivity quite a bit since I tend to work more than I socialize, and still, they either can never afford to hire me, or take someone else.
In fact, two years in a row I've been in this situation where the boss says, "We would keep you if we could, but because of Budget A, Regulation B, and Redtape C, we just can't and we're very sad." But somehow, there is always that other guy who gets kept/hired, while I'm always the one stuck in temping.
I used to have problems getting past the interview stage, but now that I'm getting there, I can't seem to get myself a permanent, steady, complete-with-benefits job. I'm never considered *that* valuable.
So what does it really take, "career expert columns" aside? Is it blind luck at this point?
POST A COMMENTthe cynic(06/01/2006)
Oh and don't forget "Network." What about when your "network" ("talkin to everyone you know and everyone they know") says, "Well, I know of a place, but they don't have any POSITIONS open at the moment" or "Just send your resume to so and so and see what happens. Good luck!"
just me(06/01/2006)
It is absolutely who you know and who you decide to hang out with (or play golf with). Those of us who chose not to play (kudos to you, SP) don't become what corporate america decides it view as "successful". Personally, I'd rather be successful at the other aspects of life, so I don't kiss up and play "golf" either. And that is completely by choice.
the cynic(06/01/2006)
What do you do then in the case that you're a temp or a back-office person and are effectively BARRED from socializing with the company? For instance, at my last position, we were referred to nto by name but as "The Temps," and we were legally BANNED from attending the Christmas parties or any other sort of mingling opportunity. In the current case, mingling would have done nothing since half my coworkers are in Europe. Now there were the women who got their positions by SLEEPING with someone in management, but that just ain't my cup of tea. :-)
SouthenProgrammer(06/01/2006)
Cynic - If you are a temp or back office worker, the one thing you can do is try to work your way into a good department by giving them good service. I know of a hourly line technician who liked one of our departments so he always made sure he came running when they had a line problem, eventually they opened up a full time salaried position and he applied for it...and got it. I have also seen this happen to temporary workers
the cynic(06/01/2006)
Yeah--No such luck in my case. Actually in both cases, I was told that they would offer it to me if only it were "in the budget." they know I work plenty hard, it's someone above them saying, "You can't have your staff and there's not a damn thing you can do." Maybe I just happen to run into companies with budgetary crises.
daisymae(06/01/2006)
We had the same thing happen to a temp we had fill in for a girl on maternity leave. Everyone loved her. She worked hard and was very good at her job. But when the other girl returned, the company had no budget or place for her. I think it is a side effect of the business you are in (temping). Often you are given opportunities that don't have much of a chance to turn into real fulltime gigs. Try your luck interviewing for non-temp jobs if possible. Or keep you eye open for opportunities at some of these companies that may open up down the road, and then work your connections! Good luck!
the cynic(06/01/2006)
Yeah, I'm being cut from this one anyway come September, so am currently job-hunting for a perm position. I think the problem is that in this day and age, "temp to hire" usually means "temp to cut."
Dharmadee(06/01/2006)
I had a great job for 5 years, close to home, everyone loved me, I got great reviews, yadayada...until the Office Manager's mother became a widow, and needed a job. All of a sudden, I was on the S*H*I*T list!!! Everything I did was wrong, I was told I was a TERRIBLE employee, on and on. I went on sick leave and found another job. WHen I gave my notice, the General Manager apologized to me, and told me they really had treated me "badly", and he gave me a glowing letter of recommendation. Oh well...everything happens for a reason, they say.
thelma(06/02/2006)
Southernprogrammer and justme are right. It's all about who you play golf/volleyball/softball with. I have experience and certifications up the wazoo, but I'm not "leadership material." At your next job, join the volleyball/softball/bowling team.
the cynic(06/02/2006)
Yeah--if I'm invited. As I said, that was the problem before. Temps weren't even invited to socialize with the staff, in fact it was frowned upon. In this job, the only people who socialize are those who have nothing to do with our department (even my current supervisor doesn't go). Really the only way to golf with people in my case would be to move to London, where the big dogs are, but that isn't an option. You can't really invite yourself along to management's social events when you have either been outright banned, or don't even know the guy (makes you look like a desperate tag-along and does not give you brownie points). I wonder if that's the problem--they pick who they golf with, and bar others who are too "low status" so that they keep us expendable?
Dharmadee(06/04/2006)
Yes,cynic, I think you are right. I think they don't want to really get to know us as people. It is SO much easier to terminate a subordinate if we are just objects to move around their little corporate chess board.
the cynic(06/05/2006)
Thanks Dee. It's very likely. In my experience, I think the "sleeping the way to the top" was by far the most disgusting version of this I'd seen, mostly involving administrative assistants. I was amazed at how frequent it was, and discovered why a lot of slick execs don't want to hire happily married women as their assistants. Ugh. :P
Dharmadee(06/06/2006)
Hey, cynic. I think that most of the corporate world will never admit to this aspect of the fast track. But I have seen it too, and I have also had that opportunity and turned it down. Sometimes, it makes me wonder if my values are too old-fashioned...but I just can't do it. I am not going to play that card. Dammit.
avid reader(06/06/2006)
Why is it that you guys are frustrated with not being able to get ahead? I am perfectly happy staying below management level. Who needs all that extra stress and ass kissing? Not me baby. Do you remember that cnubelevit guy? Used to read his stuff all the time...a very vocal guy on here about "the man" and such. Then one day he made a post about getting promoted and we haven't seen or heard from him since! It changes people.
the cynic(06/06/2006)
Not so much wanting management level--just wanting a steady job with bennies, that's all!
jonesie(08/01/2006)
I know exactly how you feel, I've been a part-time employee in a certain department for the past eleven months at a community college. A few weeks ago a full-time position came available in the same department. I should mention I have done my job well a came highly recommended. But what do they do they deside to hire from the outside, for no apparent reason, needless to say I got passed over for a job I deserved. I just try and keep a happy face until i'm out of here.
SouthenProgrammer (06/01/2006)
Truthfully I think it depends on who you play golf with. I personally have saved my company MILLIONS of dollars over the years (no lie) but people I started with over a decade ago have moved into management while I stay where I at. I have a good personality, I am well liked, I have a Masters degree in Mathmatics and more certifications than anyone within the corporation. But I have stayed at my position for years! Mind you, I am paid well but I think the reason I have not moved up is I don't play golf with "The boys" (I don't even golf!) and I don't drink.
(1)
Company memo that Belfort Instruments needs to write but never will(6)
Well, almost quit...but not quite there yet...updated(1)
Backstabber(2)
I took the bait and now I feel trapped!!(1)
drunk off my rocker(3)
why you schould not put writing calk on your bosses car.(4) Blog Comments:
Another Advertiser Who Does Not Want Us to Think(7)
Mr. Bad Habits(3)
The Fear Factor(4)
An Uncomfortable Truth?(13)
The Internet? I Can Stop Anytime I Want!(3)
The Business of Change Management and Corporate Propaganda: Part 1(5)
What You're Talkin' About: The Most Recent Comments
Story Comments:
I HATE my BOSS!!!
Marketplace
Sony Platinum Visa® Card
APR: 14.24% Annual Fee: $0
Common platinum benefits; no annual fee; access to reward program.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Rewards Card
APR: 13.74% Annual Fee: $0
Long term 0% introductory rate; access to reward program; no annual fee; reasonable APR.
Citi® Bronze®/AAdvantage® MasterCard®
APR: 18.24% Annual Fee: $0
Access to rewards program for no additional fee; no annual fee; bonus miles; compatible with airline frequent flyer program.
comments (17)
post to digg | 
post to del.icio.us | 
e-mail it
POST A COMMENT
