I have mad skillz
- I can assemble a computer from a pile of parts in less than 30 minutes. But I’m not an electrical engineer, I can’t create a circuit board.
- I have setup wired and wireless networks and supported Mac and Windows for over 15 years. But I don’t have A+ or MCP certifications.
- I can setup and administer an SQL, MySQL or Postgre database. But I find it boring and wouldn’t want to do it as a full-time job.
- I can code valid XHTML, CSS, PHP and Javascript. But companies want someone who can do this all day, every day and very quickly, which also isn’t me.
- I can design classes on complex technology topics and teach people these skills in an easy-to-understand format. But I don’t want to work in the public school system and volunteering to teach technology classes at community centers doesn’t pay the bills.
- I can sell like nobody’s business. Cell phones, web sites, online marketing instruction, title and escrow services – you name it. With economic times, selling stuff is harder, I prefer a steady income and going freelance doesn’t provide the benefits my household depends on.
- I can manage people with ease. I’m laid back, but know great ways to get people motivated. I convinced college students who were struggling to pay their way through school to instead pay several thousand dollars to become SCUBA instructors so they could work for free. I’ve managed salespeople as well, very successfully. But I’m young and constantly get rejected by HR for sales jobs I’m easily overqualified for without so much as a phone interview.
Big Deal
In the last year, I have applied for several careers. Every single one I was easily qualified for. The ones that I had interviews for just weren’t paying enough to justify a career change. Others that I have been completely overqualified for I received emails from HR telling me I didn’t match the qualifications. Huh? Most of the others I saw want specialists: people who JUST code PHP/Javascript/Java or people who JUST have A+/MCP certifications, which would burn me out quickly and I’d be on to the next gig.
My Role Model
I’ll admit, I am completely envious of people like Rudy at Trulia, their Social Media Guru. He comes up with marketing ideas, figures out how to utilize technology tools to build their business and brand awareness, attends and sponsors events where he can actually meet people to create brand evangelists, listens to consumers, is the online human face to the company and is an all-around nice guy.
Do Social Media Jobs Exist?
I even interviewed for a similar position at a tech company here in Portland, but they even admitted they didn’t fully understand the position. Then the person scheduling my interviews disappeared. Many companies don’t seem to realize they need a position such as this and even if they do, most aren’t hiring for a position that doesn’t have a concrete ROI.
What Now?
I have no clue. I think I’m like everyone else: I want a career I enjoy that pays enough to live comfortably with decent benefits and reasonable coworkers. Normally I’d be fine with just holding out, but due to an apparently endless run of bad luck for myself and extended family, I’m kind of in a hurry 
Anyone have any suggestions?
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Is your skill set too broad in your resume? Did Rudy have a "day job" before he got off the ground with Trulia? Have your reached out to the social media guys outside the real estate industry; Chris Brogan, for instance?
I certainly understand the frustrations of needing something now. And yet, "corporate" positions may not be the best fit for your entrepreneurial skill set.
Hi Nick!
You do have mad skillz! I am honored that you would consider me a role model. But I have to say, that I am lucky to have this opportunity to represent Trulia – it's been amazing thus far. Trulia is company that gets it.
I suggest you search for a company that you love and see if they are hiring – be proactive. If they are not, make them a proposal on why their company would need someone like you. Show them what they are missing.
Having met you in person and having followed you online for sometime now, I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone. In fact, I already did on Linkedin
If you ever need me for a recommendation, I'm here for you Nick!
I wish you all the best,
You can do it!!!
Rudy
Social Media Guru at Trulia
PS – Sending you a private message to see how else I can help you!
All I wanted to do was sell real estate and I'm good at it. I'm also a sales master. Could I find anything to get us through this time – no. My wife found a gig as a resident manager at an "active senior" facility. They love her and I was "also ran". It was ok though because it had a salary.
Now I'm managing a dining room and putting whipped cream on red jell-o.
Ever tried doing the "whipped cream shake" while putting whipped cream on an 87 year's old dessert?
I'm with you man.
Have you thought about joining a local BNI chapter in your area and promoting your Mad Skillz?
I am finding that there are lot's of Small biz owners in the BNI circuit that need desperate help in Social Media.
Good points, I do need to reach out to find out more of how they got into their positions as opposed to what they do currently. My resume definitely shows a sales progression, but with knowledge and experience in a variety of disciplines.
I definitely agree that a corporate position might not be best for me, but at this point in my life, I really do need both a steady/consistent paycheck as well as health benefits. Although even those issues are becoming more and more open to my consideration as time goes on.
Thank you for the suggestion, I looked and a couple of the ones close to me have open spots I could move into.
Thank you for the kind words, I definitely do appreciate it. And I will be messaging you directly here soon to pick your brain a bit more. I think you may be on to something regarding a proposal to a company I love, the worst that can happen is they say no.
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