The Nine to Five

I’ve been reading Ms. Bridges’ blog on Forbes and, being a contemporary, she gives some very sound, often inspiring advice. Here’s her take on why having regrets should be our biggest fear. As our lost, restless, yet still hopeful generation trudges forward, this is important to remember.

I’ve always wondered how people do it - the people Malcolm Gladwell identified with the catchphrase “connector.” Some might argue either you have that natural ability or you don’t; others say it can be honed. Social dynamics as a whole, in particular the idea of being a connector, are endlessly fascinating to me. Sometimes the people who appear to be connectors are actually disingenuous or flaky. Most times these elusive connectors seem so mysterious/intimidating in their ability to be so innately charming that it make you skeptical. 

I’m a wannabe connector. While I consider myself outgoing, and a people pleaser to a fault (and having it take up way too much emotional energy!), I also get really intimidated sometimes and low on confidence. “Dear diary” talk aside, this article is pretty useful in terms of connecting, especially in a more professional sense. It’s essentially basic social courtesy stuff, but we all need to be reminded of that sometimes. 

I have been somewhat obsessed with the “making it in the city” idea because I have a friend currently trying to make it in NYC in photography - and I’m readingSNLwriter Jane Borden’s book on her move from Raleigh to New York. I’m in the process of planning a trip there and I’m curious to see whether I’ll feel like it’s worth fighting to make it there.

There’s the whole “if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere” idea but I wonder how true that still is. I feel like other cities have so much to offer and the idea that NYC is the ultimate “make it” doesn’t feel right.

That being said, this is a great article for those of us who feel alone sometimes when we look around at our college friends and realize that we’re one of the few saddled with major debt.

kidsontheradio:

For damn good reason the subject of unpaid internships has been a hot button issue as of late. I still don’t know my feelings on them, especially when I consider how many people are doing them post-grad. This could be some embarrassing display of my lack of confidence, but I tend to feel unqualified for career-oriented jobs and find myself still applying for internships. I’ve applied for a few this summer but I’m wondering whether I should ditch that idea, travel around, and find a job by fall. 

David Ogilvy just wrote my writing Ten Commandments. Short, concisely worded writing that still manages to convey thought-provoking, eloquent messages is the goal.