beat up on interview
I recently sold my small company after 10 years a few months ago. I just want a regular 9 to 5 job. I had an interview and felt beat upon. The interview kept saying over and over that "everyone wants to be self employed." That may be true, but I just want to reduce some of the stress in my life. How should I handle being a self employed person to wanting to become an employee?
Just remember that this was one interview with one company. Many others may love your skill set and drive. Find a place that values what you bring rather than deflates you. Interviewer: "Everyone wants to be self-employed" tuffymuffin: "Not everybody. Only those who want to be disliked and lonely" _______________________________________________________________________________________ Okay, that was an absolutely un-nice thing to say. But, this was really an unneccesary thing for the interviewer to comment on. It was her (or his) personal opinion and should have been kept out of the interview room. If the question ever comes up in another interview (and I am sure it will in a more appropriate way) tell the interviewer that, while you loved being your "own boss", you prefer to work in an arena that you are not looked at as the "final influence". You like being within a team of players all working toward the same goal which is to make everybody as well as yourself be viewed in the best and most positive light possible. And, that you feel your balance of personal life and professional life would best be served if you could devote more time to you family and an equal amount of time to your profession. Don't say you sold your business because you want to reduce stress in your life. It makes you sound fatigued or fragile. Just say you sold it because you got an offer you couldn't refuse. (Quoting the Godfather is always a great way to influence people;) Employers will probably be concerned about how you will adjust to being a "team member" instead of being the one who called all the shots. Come up with something that's truthful and that sells your ability to work well with others. MrsGeorgeClooney~ Thank you, that was very good advice. Actually, that is exactly what happened...it was a good offer. tuffymuffin I was self employed at home and was never more miserable. However, everyone thought I was just so darn lucky not to have to leave the house. NOT SO!! Igot up every monday morning, showered, walked the dog, acting as if I was GOING to a regular job. I was in front of my PC at 8am every day. Can't count the time people said you are so lucky to be able to work in your PJ's. Why is that considered "lucky" Anyone who thinks it is suck a JOY to be self employed has never been self employed. I hated it. If I couldnt sleep, I'd get up and turn o the PC ad start working, it began to consume me.I was working 24/7 or at least thinking about it. Just as my business began to get bigger than I could handle, I made the decision I did not like the work, I gave my clients notice and I shut it down. My first iterview, a very good job and a very good manager asked me why did I want to work for someone else rather than be self employed. I told him I missed comraderie (sp) of interacting with coworkers and learning by sharig with them, my self employed situation was a well paid dead end, and I was tired of stepping in front of the mirror every monday morning and asking MYSELF how was my weekend. I was hired on the spot. Good luck to you. Try some humor, don't be too silly but dont be too serious either. Just tell him/her you hated your self employed job but you ca give excellent client references. The moral of the story, TELL IT LIKE IT IS!! Dear Onmywayihope~ Thank you for sharing your experience with me. Only another self-employed person would understand. I read those business magazines monthly and only the glamorous side is told...I've not seen it yet. Again, thanks for the GOOD advice. TM | |
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