Spring is coming and I am actively networking for a new job…
How I got here
I wrote a letter to business author Seth Godin on August 30, 2008 and thanked him for inspiring me to take action and enter self-employment.
Within hours of finishing your book, I reflected, put a few things together in my head, and started my journey through the Dip. Until then, I’d been in the Cul-de-Sac, circling around and around, looking for a hook but nothing came to me.
I live and breathe the social web as much today as I did five years ago.
I continue to manage online communities and facilitate national conference panels on digital marketing — but with the years have come greying hairs and strained eyesight. I can look at a computer screen for so long these days before I get tired.
What happened next
I began exploring in the fall of 2011 how to segue into a full-time job.
I applied to positions, met with headhunters, and went on job interviews last year. While I wasn’t offered a position, the process taught me to work harder as a sole proprietor.
In 2012, I started teaching digital marketing to MBA students. I introduced new workshops at area community colleges. I entered into a contract and manage the online presence for a global B2B firm. I served as President of the Boston chapter of the world’s largest social media networking organization and was appointed to their board of directors.
What is happening now
Nearly 16 months after writing about moving on, I have the itch again.
This time I’m more adamant. Sue just launched a new business helping business owners connect social media buttons and Mark wrote a new book on blogging. It frustrates me that I could have done those things. Easily.
I am energized to hang up my part-time hats (as consultant, teacher, community manager, etc.) and transition into a full-time position in digital marketing. My LinkedIn profile elaborates.
And, this blog isn’t going away. If anything, future posts will be more harmonious to my search and thoughts.
Lend me your thoughts.
About Ari Herzog
I am interested to see where this goes. I have long thought that governments and schools are really missing the boat on digital and social media, and I would love to follow someone who is working to bridge that gap.
I feel for you Ari. Having followed your blog for a long time I recall your searches. Am I allowed to say, ‘Hang in there. The right career move will come along’? Or are you sick of hearing that?
I saw a statistic today from the National Association of Colleges and Employers that there is an average of 24.2 days between the time college graduates have an interview and the time they are offered the position.
That time period is extended the older one gets, I’ve unfortunately realized through personal experience.
You’re allowed to tell me to hang in, Liz. I’m just tired of waiting.
YOU are so smart and such an EXPERT! I think you should launch an online biz….I will show you the way!
I tried that — and never went the way I wanted it to go. I’m great at selling you but I’m not that great selling myself.
Is it an either or decision? Is it to choose between an entrepreneur vs being employed? Or is it about continue doing what you are passionate but now as an employee with a steady monthly income? Are you geographically tied or can you just go anywhere? What has been your biggest achievement your biggest success in what you are passionate about ?…
I don’t believe in absolutes, Peter, but if presented the opportunity to work for an organization as X vs working for myself, I will probably choose the X.
Nice and inspiring. There is always a way forward, you will always learn from every experience, good or bad. Never quit, determination will take you as far as you want.
I have changed things up over the years to get to a point where I am comfortable and happy with what I am doing. It takes guts and determination to do what you want and get to where you want to be. So having said that I say do what YOU want and makes YOU happy! In the end you will be glad you did. It took me time to get to where I am today, and I know when/if I decide to make a change again it will be what I need to do for me and for my family, and in the end it will work out and once again I will be glad I made the change. Best of luck to you and your future!
Hi Ari – I thought you did what Sue is doing? Am I missing something? Good luck in your endeavors, and you have a great community of people to fall back on for support and referrals!
Nope. I’ve had some clients over the years, still have some now, but income and lifestyle are key here. If you were a single person, would you do what you do?
A Suit?
If there’s anything to move on from it’s that.
I just watched Marky Z launch a billion dollar company with a $10 t-shirt on.
Suits are all about perception which is a PC form of deception.
I say life’s too short, keep it real.
100
Not a suit. More like pants and a shirt.
My two cents on this entire subject, knowing I’m a first time reader and my entire basis of my comment is this single blog, is nothing in this life worth having comes easy (as I’m sure you’re aware.) I couldn’t afford college anymore, so I had to drop out. I started a pool cleaning business, getting up once a week to go clean one pool. I had no idea how I was going to do it. Two years later, I now have close to 80 clients, and I’ve decided to try my hand at an online business. 6 months in for my latest adventure as I like to call it, and I still have no business, but I love helping people, so I’m going to be keeping at it. My father used to tell me the only way to get a job worth having in this world is to make your own job. Just my two cents.
“Only way to get a job worth having in this world is to make your own job”
Very well said Mike. Some times we keep sitting on our bums thinking why we are not getting anywhere!
Wise words from your Dad. Mine had a different saying, that success comes when you row out to the boat and not wait for it to come to shore. I’m rowing.
Till date ive been struggling to keep my business afloat somehow its still not blooming. however Ive learnt time is not on my side but on those who already had enough. This frustration leaves you nowhere but kills you from within.
Don’t know what level you are seeking but the Monster/ Ladders job boards are filled with social media manager jobs. Seems like every big company is hiring in this area. let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Yes, you could have easily written a book, but writing a book is not easy! : )
Thanks Mark, appreciated. And an e-book will come far sooner than a paper book.
Ari,
You’ve been a staple online for years now.
Your expertise, insights, and depth are hard earned.
If you’re focused on working for the community, via public office or working in those fields, you’ll get there.
Remember, it’s about doing great work where ever you are.
Todd
@tojosan
Thanks Todd. I just edited the ending section of my post, to not specify the public sector. If I work there, I have that background too; but if a private company prefers to hire me, I’m equally game.