My husband Gene once told me, “Whenever a job recruiter asks you if you can do something – always say ‘Yes!’ And then go find out how to do it!” This odd counsel was the best career advice I ever had.
His second tip was more earthy. “When you apply for a job, even if you can’t afford it, always wear something new. Not for how you’ll look, but for how you’ll feel.”
The year was 1969. Judy, the youngest of our seven kids, was 8 years old, and Mark, the oldest, was 17. I had just fumbled my way through a 2 year course in that strange new technology called “data processing” at Seattle Community College. It was time to see if I could use what I had sort-of learned in order to find a job.
Thanks to Gene, and wearing my first “Dress for Success” suit, I did get the first job I applied for. I was hired as an (unqualified) procedures writer for the same school that trained me. (If you’re trembling with excitement to read about my “exploits” in that job, you can find it here in blob# 003. )
https://goingon80.com/2010/09/08/secret-of-life-3/
For the next 60 years of my employment, that old advice kept aiding and abetting me, not just when I was the “recruit” but when I was the recruiter. If the applicant sitting across from my desk was applying for a system we were innovating, I knew neither of us really knew beans about “how to do it”. Nobody else in Seattle did, either. What he/she/they had to know was where to look for help, and then noodle out how to make it work in the real world. HOOAH!
What I always hoped for in an applicant’s face was what I can only describe as a glint of Dogged Determination. I learned to never underrate that quality in others. People who have it can move mountains. In the workplace, they will beat the pants off those who are “better qualified” but who don’t have that same stubborn resolve to, as Tim Gunn puts it, “Make it work!”
Many jobs today are to do stuff unheard of a few years ago and the successful “pioneers” won’t necessarily be the ones who got all the gold stars in school. They’ll be the ones who dig in and learn it barehanded and who can deal with more flops than wins. Keep in mind that Orville Wright personally survived 8 major plane crashes trying to learn to fly like a deranged bird, but fly he did!
Take Elon Musk’s Neuralink company, for example. His brain chip may or may not work. If it does, it’ll help paraplegics walk, provide instant access to computer resources and a whole list of – as yet – unimagined applications such as maybe curing brain disorders, and – I hope – memory retention. But nobody there knows how to do it. Yet.
Need a job? There’s currently 72 unfilled ones listed at Neuralink. Help me out and apply today! Don’t worry about the “job requirements” Get the job first, and then figure out how to do it.
Consider the lowest level listed, as an example. It’s for one of their paid intern positions for summer 2022. Don’t be put off by the job requirement for “3+ years of software engineering experience”. Think about that. Anybody who owns a cell phone has software engineering experience, and don’t you forget it. If they give you any guff, just tell ‘em Octo-woman sent you. And say it with Dogged Determination.
I have good reason for wanting a brain chip. Along with other parts of my body, my memory is seriously sagging and a wired bra just won’t suffice. I’m in dire need of getting one of those Neuralink brain chips, and besides that, I definitely need to get one of those Neuralink brain chips. I’m not greedy. I’d be satisfied with, oh, maybe 10 Mg of memory, even. Under full warranty, and with free upgrades, of course.
My ultimate goal is to achieve the memory of the hero of this tale.
That’s the kind of memory retention I want to get installed in my brain — and this “Oddly terrifying” (and heartbreaking) video from Reddit is exactly what I hope it would help me avoid.
https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlyterrifying/comments/rhypzp/alzheimers/
That sweet lady has forgotten who she is, and in the near future, I know it could be me greeting that stranger in the mirror. If it happens, I just hope I’ll be as nice about it as she is.
Meanwhile, Elon, keep trying! Just keep telling us Yes, you can! And then DO it!
If the chief replied scrambled he might be a candidate for the brain chip. Hard boiled. Well that might be a different procedure altogether.
That is good advice about applying for work. And I loved seeing the pic of dad. I remember lots of his positive and helpful advice that helped me in the past including getting a job or just getting along in general. One thing he made me practice was greeting people of all ages. Yes, the old fashioned handshake. He showed me the way to reach out and shake hands correctly… firmly and confidently. And you must look at the person too.
I was so touched to share such a handshake at a recent visit with 2 year old grandson, Wesley Warden. Our son Neil has already instructed him about to use this traditional greeting. I had expected a high five or a hug when Wesley delivered a classic hand clasp firmly with great eye contact. So sweet, and great grandpa Gene would be so proud!
You still remember me when I was a kid. I have trouble remembering what I had for breakfast! I’m so grateful for this blob, because you are chronicling all of our lives, all the bits we forgot or never even knew about our family, our old neighborhoods, our own parents. Your memory may not be what it once was, but I wouldn’t challenge you to a game of Jeopardy. Your stories are a gift. Keep ’em coming.
Mom, your dogged determination has kept your brain sharp! You have risen to challenges throughout your life! Even writing these blobs began as a challenge by a grandchild to write daily blobs for the year preceding your 80th birthday! Your brain exercise does more than any brain chip could do! Hundreds of times I’ve come to you for guidance on how to do something. You’ve rolled up your sleeves to help me face my challenges! Your witness and encouragement has helped me to gain a “can do” attitude. Can you write a post about your participation in Toastmasters? I would love to hear how you made it to the International Toastmaster competition in Australia. If possible post your winning Socks speech? Your dogged determination has brought amazing results!
What a nice picture of Matt’s dad—the Ford family dad. Gretchen would like to hear about your Toastmaster experience. So I’m just sayin—just putting in a request to hear more about Gene. His inspiring advice and personality lives on in this world through your entertaining blog. You certainly give it forward—just the right words to encourage and inspire.
Gwenie as I read your recent ‘memory’ blog I realized Chris attained that level of memory decades ago. Speaking from experience (plus my copious reminder notes ) she can remember every specific things we did or said in past years. Well 99% of it is what “I did or said” back then.