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You want this '70s kid to work for you

So I was talking to my sister in California this morning.
She's an epidemiologist, has a Ph.D. and is the 'smart one' in the family.
The subject was girl empowerment, choices, our childhood and my unfortunate unemployment situation.
And I told her that I've applied to numerous editing/writing jobs in the past few months, but no one wants me. Am I that washed up? Am I looking in the wrong places?
Can't these prospective employers see how stellar I am?
The short answer is 'No.'

And I told my sister something that made my own light bulb go off.
"Lisa, I want to just tell these employers, 'You want this '70s kid to work for you!"
I thought about it.
I'm one of the hardest workers you'll ever hire, I don't whine or complain, I do the job, and then some, I'm a team player or a lone wolf--whatever you want, and if given the opportunity, I can find creative ways to make positive changes.

And my sister thought the same. Angela, you need to blog or write a column about this.

So here we are.

This idea isn't new; it's just recycled and repurposed information.
How many times have you read your Facebook page and have seen photos of "Throwback Thursdays" or posts challenging you, in so many words, to: "Recall from childhood something that no one born since 2000 would understand?"
I always chuckle to myself when I see these little 'games'... because I try not to "live in the past."
But the past seems to dog most of us--even at unexpected moments, when, for example, one professional, well-balanced and intelligent 50-year-old is trying to find a full-time job.

So, how do we, those of us (mainly females) born in the late 1960s, having grown up in the 1970s and 1980s, how do we separate ourselves and market ourselves in light of the creative, technology experts and driven youths, some of whom are taking the jobs that companies now want and can afford?

Here are my qualifications:
1/ I grew up thinking I had to please everyone BUT myself. Translation: I will work so hard for you and, in turn, get the job done no matter what.
2/ I was told in so many words that my feelings don't matter. Translation: You can pay me less than what I'm worth--as long as I have great medical benefits.
3/ I was bullied as a kid, I was beat up once, and a few adults/teachers took advantage of me--and my parents were oblivious, or didn't know about it. Translation: I'm one tough cookie.
4/ I didn't need a seat belt, a helmet when I rode a bike, and I sure as hell don't need to go to the doctor if I sprain a ligament or nearly fracture a bone (which, I did.) Translation: I'm a risk taker and will try most new experiences--even without a safety net and a doctor's care.
5/ I had house chores that I was expected to do every week. Translation: I will work all hours of the day to make sure I deliver.
6/ I often resorted to playing by myself because Mom was too tired and Dad was too busy working or fixing something around house. Translation: I can be creative when given the freedom.
7/ I rarely received praise or awards or even a pat on the back for doing well in school or doing anything positive at all. Translation: I don't need praise or encouragement. Just give me a salary so I can survive.

While some of this is satire and just plain, honest fun, the point is this: I know how to work and work hard. I can be extremely serious, and then pretty darn humorous. And I enjoy helping people, making life a little lighter, and encouraging goodness.


NEXT: More details of how this '70s kid got through life









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