Wednesday, October 29, 2008

What's In a Name?

I've been exploring the job market for about two months now. I've sent my resume to any job I looked remotely qualified for. I've had no luck. I tried not to take this personally. I'm well qualified and have some mad skills. I even have a killer letter of recommendation from my former employer.

Now I'm exploring the work from home part of the universe. I have a good friend, who now resides in Dallas. She's been working from home for many years. She has contacts and has helped me with this process. I'm still looking for a nine to five gig, but in the meantime, this couldn't hurt.

What I've found interesting in looking for work is the titles that they give for certain jobs. Director of First Impressions (formerly known as Receptionist) is a new title I've come across. Secretaries seem to morph into Administrative Assistants. Let's not forget Domestic Engineer known as a housewife or homemaker. When I was taking care of my children and not working outside the home, I felt changing my job title to Domestic Engineer was ridiculous. I didn't feel the need to apologize for what I did. I may not have gotten a salary, but my work was important. What I did mattered and I did it the best that I knew how.

I'm finding that I'm resenting being called a Director of First Impressions. Give me a break. What is wrong with being called a Receptionist? Does that title demean the job? I don't think so. Enough of this political correctness.

It doesn't matter what I call myself. I'm not defined by the job I do. I'm defined as who I am as a person. I've always believed that not everyone will love me (I know that's hard to believe for those of you who know me), but I'm okay with that. Not everyone can be your best friend. That's okay also. Kindness towards others and caring for them doesn't mean they have to be in your inner circle.

So what's in a name? Really, for me not much. I don't need a title to feel important. A wise man I know once said, "If you have a title then you feel entitled to something."

© Nadine Zawacki 2008

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

You GO Girl!!!

(0:

Dawn said...

Someone is going to be very blessed when they DO hire you!!!

Remember, God's timing.

Emancipation of the Freed said...

I always thought that Domestic Diva more accurately described you.

;)
Tom

j said...

You will find something. God hasn't brought you this far to just drop you on your ear.

Hmmmm, I would be Conductress of the Equal Opportunity Dust Creatures.

Jill said...

Amen to that. I spend years in HR and that was one of my pet peeves...making up titles to "help" people feel better about themselves and what they did. I once had a interview for HR Director for an IT company here in ATL and they two people I was interviewing with asked me if I'd noticed the name of the conference room. I said I hadn't. They were so proud to tell me that all employess of the month for the previous year were in the running to have the conference room named after them. All employees company wide voted for their "favorite." (**ugh**) They thought it was the coolest thing and I thought it was ridiculous, and most likely did more harm than good. And...me being me... I told them what I thought. Needless to say, I didn't get a second interview!

Damselfly said...

I never thought about feeling entitled because of having a title, but I suppose that could happen.

Something I've noticed in my work experience, though, is often your title doesn't really cover everything you do anyway!

Good luck on your job search.

Tammy said...

You said it so well...so important to not be defined by a title!
I worked retail for awhile when I was single- I'd joke that I was a lowly salesgirl but I knew deep down it wasn't true...
And actually, back then, I always thought receptionists had the glam jobs and I envied them! :)

Blessings as you find the right thing in God's timing!

Demara said...

Wow! I've never heard of that phrase before. "If you have a title than you feel entitled to something"? That's so interesting!!!

United Studies said...

Director of First Impressions? Seriously? Is that an actual job title?

Jane - Mom Generations said...

Wonderful post, Nadine, and I completely agree: Director of First Impressions? Give me a break!

Good luck in your job search. Any company would be fortunate to have you.

Scarlet said...

I couldn't have said it better. I totally agree with you...but if I were to stay home with my kids again I'd demand to be called a Domestic Goddess...but that's just me. ;)

palmtreefanatic said...

Very True! Preach it!AMEN!;)

Shionge said...

So true, most people here in Singapore are obsessed with 'titles' and they not proud of what they are doing.

Likewsie, they feel intimidated by people with BIG titles - MD, CEO, Director etc and I've seen for myself that at times they are afraid to talk to them.

For me, once they are stripped of their titles and what have you, they are just like us - a human being, a Father, a Husband, Brother, Nephew etc....

:D (I'm flying off tomorrow Nadine and I'll let you know once I'm ready to open my blog)

Thank you and hugs always!!!! :D

Sandy said...

Hi Nadine, yes, I've noticed thru out the yrs that the titles are constantly changing! I hope you have success in your job hunt! I've worked from home for almost 10 yrs. You have to be disciplined, that is for sure. Hugs!

Brenda said...

Director of First Impressions? That's funny...never heard that one before!
I guess my title would be Princess of the Most High God!
Brenda :)

Art said...

I've noticed that trend too. Director of First Impressions does seem to be a bit over the top, though...

Strider said...

Good thoughts.....and what the heck...being rich is better that a title don't you think????? Have a great weekend.....PS....being home at this time is going to get habit forming for you know!!!!! Blessings.

Anonymous said...

I totally have people bugging me all the time because I stay at home with the kids. Like somehow I am wasting my time and not giving enough to the world. Pssshhhhaaaaaa

Love your attitude!

Lynda Meyers said...

You ARE amazing, and any boss would be crazy not to hire you! They don't know what they're missing!

Keep looking. Don't give up. The right job will come at the right time. He knows...

Steph said...

I agree with Tom--we should be called Domestic Divas. Even if we are working full-time.

Lord bless your job search--I know He has the perfect one for you!

;)