Refreshing and surprising
Over the past few days, I've been busy with handling interviews and calls with new freelancers. When I sent out the email to the Workaholics4hire.com members, inviting applications for a few work at home positions we're opening up, I'll admit I was a little reluctant to send it out. After all, it was "tough talk" and I was very concerned that people would misunderstand me and think I was cold or impersonal. In fact, I was happily surprised that the vast majority of response we received was positive and refreshing to read.
For once, I was looking forward to seeing the comments people had, and as a result, am hiring more people at once than we've ever done before.
As it turns out, the people who actually read all the way through the email, and reviewed the available positions, and thought through how they would word their applications, were exactly the type of people we want around here. Hard working bunch, I tell you!
Sure, there were 2 or 3 who had a knee-jerk reaction to the wording, and felt the need to berate me, mainly because they didn't realize that what I was talking about was prioritizing your life so that BOTH family and client will get everything they need.
Hey, I'm a mom, and my kids are very important to me. They are exactly why I need and want to work from home in the first place. But if I put the client last on the list, there wouldn't be a job for me, nor would there be jobs for everyone else here either.
In the end, I'm thrilled with the applications, and am refreshed and revived at the knowledge that there are so many wonderful people out there that understand how to establish their careers.
posted by Sylvie Charrier @ 4/27/2005 06:06:00 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
No need to be intimidated by your own words. The best part is that there was no mistake about the kind of people you were seeking :-)
Thank you! That's exactly the impression I was hoping to make. We aren't really as tough as we seem. I just don't like working 22 hours a day unnecessarily, to fix problems caused by people who didn't understand the importance of a deadline. I need sleep too. :)
I really appreciated what you said because so many people think because they don't have anyone standing over them and they get to work in their underwear.... they become to comfortable and put the "client" on their time when it should be the other way around.... I rather have a contract with a company who shows tough love :-) and knows the client is king because as the song goes there's no me without you keep it coming!!!
Angela
The strength of your words put things into perspective for me. I realized that I'm working with a bunch of "pros". I've broken into a new arena and surprisingly, feel like I belong here. I never thought of myself as a professional before. Thank you Sylvie for opening that door into the "real" work-at-home world. It is something different than most perceive. Your words were needed; and I think most serious job seekers will appreciate that.
You guys are right on target! The problem, as I've said so many times before, is not that there is a lack of jobs, but a lack of people who are willing to think of the client first. This means digging to the core of what a potential client might want, and then finding a way to meet that need. This is how we got so busy. My time should be spent on doing exactly that, and creating jobs where there were none before, not working on projects. That's why the hiring spree. It's my attempt to clone myself and get this stuff off my desk, once and for all! :)
I didn't think your words were harsh at all. We all want to put our family first, and in most cases we do, but face it in working at home or out of the home our client or boss does come first. Our family will survive for a few hours. To work at home and to do something that you love to do is a dream job (and I will let you know on that one if I land one of the positions offered by Sylvie)
I hesitated when I quit my job to stay home with my son, but you know what? With everything that I have shared with him, I would not of missed it for anything!
Take Care everyone
I don't think your letter was out of line, just very earnest & clear about the kind of dedication & responsible behavior you expect from the folks you work with. I'm looking forward to being able to join with you in that effort, for everyone's benefit. The happier the customers, the better for us.
I stumbled across your job posting by accident while researching work-at-home jobs and the way it was worded was what really piqued my interest. I had already waded through lots and lots of so-called work-at-home jobsites, as I'm sure you all have, and you know what? Not one of them had mentioned the importance of the person you'd be working for - the client! I was impressed, signed up for the list, and in doing more research, found this blog. (Which is a great idea!) Working at home is still work, and those who were offended at being reminded of that are probably better off at the get-rich-quick places : )
>>>those who were offended at being reminded of that are probably better off at the get-rich-quick places<<<
LOL! Well said!
Post a Comment
<< Home