Career – Page 163 – Steven Savage

In Defense of Boring Jobs

November 13, 2010 by Steven Savage

It's time to defend boring jobs.

Sure I want people to do the jobs that excite them. I want people to have the kinds of careers that truly let them be themselves. I want people to – let's face it – turn hobbies into lifelong occupations.

However there are times to do that boring job. To work at that boring company. In short, there are times to do things that aren't as exciting as your dream career – because they'll let you reach that career.

Perhaps that boring job lets you get valuable skills that you can use elsewhere. In fact, maybe that job is one of the few jobs that lets you get those skills at all.
Those less-than-exciting jobs may let you have experiences that you'll rarely have anywhere else. Perhaps you go to other countries, or work with technology that's not common.
That seemingly uninteresting job could let you make connections that you wouldn't anywhere else.
The mind-numbingly dull job you're facing can help you travel or relocate or get to know another area you may want to live.
The job you're suffering through may let you step up in your position to a level that would let you transfer your skills and knowledge to a more interesting job or company.

So, yes, we may face jobs that are boring. But let's not knock them – sometimes that boring job is just what you need to get your more interesting career going.

– Steven Savage

Resume Worthy Roundup for October 2010

November 8, 2010 by Steven Savage

And what companies got our attention this October?

Andys Pharmeceuticals – Great investment, great product, good location.
Apture – They're involved in a technical partership with Scribd that shows promise.
Asus – Not just a crush object, their tablets look promising.
AOL – Because, look, seriously. They're up to something.
BNI – Raised $16 Million.
Brightcove – A new CEO and a bunch of investment makes them resume-worthy.
Buddy Media – $23 million in funding is worth making this social media company your buddy.
Care.com – $20 million in funding, a family service rating system, and a prime domain.
CyberSports – Raised $6.8 million and has an interesting business model.
Eventbrite – They raised $20 million, but I'm also positive on their business model.
Exelixis – They got a nice amount of VC and are in the bay area.
Kabam – They're on a roll.
InfraReDx – Got $21 million and works in the area of coronary imaging.
Intel – Spending on factory upgrades – and of course whatever they're doing with MacAfee may be resume-worthy.
MBA Polymers – $32 million in investment and helping the environment!
Nimbuzz – Quietly growing, in Silicon Valley, and competing with Skype.
PlayFirst – They have hit games and got $9.2 million in investment.
Samsung – Look, just follow the news.
SeatGeek – They've got a good niche (ticket deals for events) and a deal with the Wall Street Journal.
Study Blue – They raised $3.65 and are in the area of online study tools. Have an interesting pricing plan as well. Intriguing enough you may want to check them out.
Research In Motion – They appear to be up to something tablet wise, and they're stock is up.
TubeMogul – $10 Million in investment.
Twitter – They're on a hiring spree. They're also not going anywhere.
VeeBeam – Award winning and got $6 million in investment.

Location Notes:

It appears a lot of money is flowing in Seattle and Massachucetts (y'know, beyond IBM buying everything).
A list of the 100 most innovative cities for your consideration.

Now go forth!

– Steven Savage

Build Your Own ‘Inside’

November 6, 2010 by Steven Savage

"I'm not on the inside."

Have you ever heard that excuse from some sad seeker of employment? Have you ever lowered yourself to employ the excuse yourself? My guess if you've encountered one if not both cases.

It's a common story – and a common excuse. People think they can't succeed because they're not part of the "inside" the elite group, the . . . well whatever elite or group or team of influencers that makes things happen. We fear we're not connected, never going to be connected, and are thus going to fail.

I won't lie – connections are important in career and life. Networking and being connected pays off in far more ways than just a job search. Decrying it however misses the point.

You're not "on the inside"? Then build your own inside. In fact, you're a progeek, you have an entire "inside" just waiting to happen.