Ed. Note. I asked Seth Godin to finish out Share the Podium month here at WWDS. Seth, as many of you know, is the author of the most popular marketing blog in the world and twelve best selling books. You can go here or here to read more about him. Here’s what Jay Levinson says about Seth.
Take Leo Burnett, David Ogilvy, Bill Bernbach and
Mark Twain. Combine their brains and shave their heads. What’s left? Seth Godin.
You might be asking about now, “How did GL convince Seth Godin to write an original guest post for his blog?” How I was able to break into his writing schedule, what with his business travels and around-the-world speaking engagements? Get your pens out and open up your Never-Thought-of-That-Career- Tip notebook for this WWDS-pearl.
Here’s how: I just asked.
So, without further comment, and for the very last guest post of the Month….Here’s Seth:
DON’T TRY TO GET A JOB
Don’t you dare.
There are a few reasons for this. The first is that the act of trying to get a job corrupts you. It pushes you to be average, to fit in and to do what you’re told.
The second is that this act moves the responsibility from you to that guy who didn’t hire you. It’s his fault. As soon as you start spending your day trying to please the guy, you’ve blown it.
The third is that the economy is terrible and the best jobs you’re going to get are lousy.
So, what should you do?
Today, right now, while the opportunity costs (look it up on Wikipedia) are the lowest they will ever be, go start something.
Start a business. A tiny one.
Train people in social media. Run an eBay selling business. Sell coffee from a truck every morning at the train station. Run spring break tours by bus for other college students. Start a newsstand on campus. Run a birthday cake delivery service. Train executives in public speaking. Start a dog poop shoveling business.
Start something. Run it. Be responsible.
1. You’ll probably make more money
2. You’ll certainly learn more
3. If you’re good at it, people will offer you a job
and
4. If you’re not, then why on earth would someone actually hire you? Go get good at it.
Have fun. No whining. This is your moment, go make a difference.
You can thank me later.
by Seth Godin, exclusively for WWDS
Ed.Note. I greatly appreciate Seth’s advice. I am all for starting companies; as a matter of fact, even I get calls from would-be entrepreneurs asking for all sorts of advice, ranging from “Got any good business ideas?” (seriously) to “I just want to be the creative leader, will you just take my idea and run with it and make a company out of it?”(seriously II)
I have written about starting a new business before, here and here. But if you don’t have a new business idea, jump over to Mark Cuban’s blog, where you can read approximately 2,000 new business ideas. For those who really-really want to forge ahead and start your own, browse through the 100 Lessons post where I list a ‘few’ of the lessons I have learned in 25+ years of doing startups.
If you found yourself on my blog, thanks mostly to Seth, thanks for visiting and come back when you can. Sign up for the RSS feed or email. If you are really only job hunting, take a look at LINKUP.com, the best job search engine on the web. LinkUp has jobs pulled ONLY from a company’s own website, no job boards. (More than 50% of the jobs on Linkup are never advertised off the company’s own website or to the public.)
109 users commented in " Seth Godin says, “Don’t Try to Get a Job.” "
[...] latest evidence? His guest post over on What Would Dad Say? where he tells everyone to just stop looking for a job and start their own business. His reasoning [...]
Here’s what I love about this post: knowing that Seth Godin has such a flexible writing process, he could just do it. As a writer, that gives me so much to live up to.
Thanks so much for asking him to write it!
As a writer, I can do this by doing freelance work. Sure. But I have to face the music – I’m about to graduate with a loan payment that a small start isn’t going to pay for, and two small kids that need food on the table. Some of us need to enter this crappy job market and suck it up, I guess.
Iota hhelpful to have someone like Seth Godin encouraging people to do the something different during this difficult period but many people can’t afford to take that business risk: there are,after all the mundane tasks of paying the rent/mortgage, feeding and housing a family. However, to keep spirits and skills up during this trying times people do need to think outside the box. I summarized some ideas on my blog “what I did during the recession” at maistrategies.wordpress.com
Sorry for typos – mobile app is impossible
What a fantastic post! What Seth said is exactly why I love what I do. I started my own creative consulting company to help the people Seth is referring to. My advice, be different in what you do and find as many creative ways to demonstrate how you are unique in your market. During these tough times it’s the people who stand out that will shine and thrive as we dig out and eventually prosper. Start today!
It’s easy to say things like this when you have an abundance in your back account and you already have a job.
Man, I just love how Seth Godin can put so many words and sense into so few words. Awesome – he got a big round head for good reason. Seth is indeed awesome!
Asher
Sounds a bit simplistic, but let me add on a few more nuggets.
A classic advice goes, “Do the things you love to do.”
In one of my business presentations, I ‘debunk’ the statement by saying, “Go find what the people in a market wants. It’s what THEY want, and more than half the time, “what they want” is a much, much more empowering factor to do business than finding the passion of what you love to do, which is rather an ‘ego’ thing.”
That’s my definition of business for you.
best regards,
Nelson
Actually Jay C, I did — seven years ago — what Seth Godin suggests in this post after a bump in my career. With virtually no bank account and a little-over-minimum-wage, part-time job, I did what it took to get things moving. I now have two businesses. It’s never easy to job hunt and it’s never easy to start a business — with or without a bank account or a job.
Very well said! This is exactly what I did when I got laid off… and am now a professional development coach helping people figure out there next move. It’s a great way to think outside the box and to really hone in on what your strengths truly are.
Such wise words! And by “not getting a job” you’ll probably be happier, too. I love working from home as a writer – it’s exactly what I wanted to do with my life as a kid.
To JayC, isn’t that the point? If you don’t have money in your bank account, and you aren’t getting anywhere in job hunting, then doing something for yourself makes sense. It needn’t be anything too earth-shattering: even selling coffee / newspapers / your time for an hour is better than getting despondent at the lack of good available jobs.
But more than the possibility of just making some money while you’re looking for “paid employment” is the idea that you – and only you – are 100% responsible for your “career”. If you can make something (even something small at first) you not only get that satisfaction, but you are doing something concrete about your situation. In other words, you are taking back control of your life – and your career.
Thanks to all. I am hoping Seth can stop by a bit later. Thanks for everyone’s comments.
A critical consideration between deciding to hitch your wagon to an entrepreneurial trail-ride versus continuing searching for a job, I believe, is whether you REALLY want to go on the ‘ride’ that being self-employed requires. It’s both a boon and a hardship.
I think the corporate track has its advantages! – though many people in corporate America take their jobs home with them nightly and FEEL that they own the business, they don’t, ultimately – and I believe that’s a distinct difference. They can let go of the burden at some point – it’s (the business) not financially on their shoulders (beyond their salary/compensation, of course).
That said, if your considerations for being an entrepreneur extend beyond that – and the benefits (freedom, creative license, no ‘bosses of me,’ ability to create your own schedule (that’s not necessarily realistic!), take a day off without asking (well, you have to consider your clients’ needs – taking a day off is not always realistic), quitting a client if you want (more realistic if you are self-employed than if you’re working for someone else), then do it! And if you don’t mind the possibility of debt and/or financial stresses unlike any you’ve ever known, then OK
Again – I’m an advocate of entrepreneurial lifestyles. Just don’t know that I’d advocate seeking self-employment as preferred over job searching. I love seeing my resume / job-search clients land their next gig contributing to an organization doing something bigger and better than one person may do alone!
[...] Why you shouldn’t get a job: WWDS [...]
Absolutely love what Seth says here. This is everything I believe in as far as entrepreneurship goes, it’s basically what I live for. Why would you get a job when you could make more money doing it yourself?! Why make someone else wealthy, when you could be controlling your own destiny, creating your own path instead of just fulfilling someone else’s dreams!
Tiffany, you are very welcome. And thanks to Seth of course.
“AMERICAN BOSS IDOL”
A TRUE STORY – JUST HOW BAD THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE CAN BE?
So just how bad is it out there earning a pay check from some employers. Welcome to American Boss Idol. A new reality series on the employee experience.
Episode 1 ( THE FOLLOWING IS A TRUE STORY & TAKES PLACE IN THE LAST 24 DAYS)
My friend working(still) for a newspaper gets called into bosses office three weeks ago and told that her performance as a manager is unacceptable. Sales are way down, her people aren’t producing due to a lack of training. Her management style is not tough enough with people, she’s a bad manager and not a team player. The HR director for the newspaper is present during the conversation. STORY FACTS…. Let’s start with sales- The newspaper Industry is tanking. (check out the latest on Chicago T. crisis) Ok so let’s give the boss a break, my friend can’t do a miracle and resurrect an industry in trouble. Speaking of bad management, my friend has not had a formal review with any of her superiors ( American Boss Idols) since she started this job 18 months ago. ( I spent 15 years in management and evaluated my team on a regular basis) It gets better- Not a team player???? My friend actually gave up an opportunity to make any bonus this year to save one job in the organization that was being cut back ! It get even better. The director of HR interrupts the lynching at some point and ask if she can add her opinion. “American IDOL”Boss of the year agrees and HR Wizard proceeds to critique friends management and training abilities despite never being directly observing any training or sales activities. I could go on & on about said HR Wannabe.
The following happens between review number 1 and March 30. Said company that employs my friend consolidates business dept. with another newspaper, terminates an entire department without advising department head or any other staff of cutback. NOW CHECK OUT THIS BRILLIANT MOVE. Within minutes of announcement HR Director proceeds to drop a copy of the company severance policy on every employees desk in the building. There has been no communication from Senior management with any of the employees for this particular newspaper since this event. Did I mention that a loyal employee of more than 25 years(department head) was demoted in the process.
LET’S DO A FAST FORWARD TO LAST FRIDAY
The following happens between 5pm and 6pm last friday. Boss calls friend into office at 4:55pm.(yea 4:55 on a Friday) It’s time for another review. Now it’s really getting serious as the review is in writing. Let’s just call it a review from hell. Basically was written in response from an actual written response of friend to verbal abuse(review). Let’s cut through all the clutter with a quick overview of Performance Appraisal- No formal benchmark or goals given in the review- no time frame given to improve performance by etc…….no management goals given. Nothing but an underlined section about getting terminated if performance doesn’t improve. I guess the boss’s way of saying have a great weekend.
The Conclusion: If you’ve read the entire post – thanks- my friend will appreciate it. I think her response to American Boss Idol will bring a smile to your face and a thumbs up. During last Fridays review her immediate response to AI Boss was ” Is this really about my performance or the approx 2 MM dollar bonus promised to senior management for meeting objectives for closing papers and cutting people. Let’s start a internet pool on much longer she’ll be employed !!
Disclaimer – Yes I am biased – I have omitted certain details of “The Job Experience”- but have discussed and received permission to share this story despite the risk involved to said friend.
No one mentions the tax benefits of a start-up. Know the laws in your state. Name your business after yourself and you won’t need to post your business name in the newspaper. You can write off expenses of part of your phone, car, computer, etc. I avoid a home exemption, as this flags for audit. Of course, you simply must take a loss in year one. Just don’t take a loss for more than a couple of years and be sure you pay sales tax, no employees, BE LEGITIMATE and do something for real. Declare all your income. I am going to take the Notary test next. I should be able to make something off that by the end of the year. What’s next? Process server? I could write off my medical bills when someone hits me in the face LOL
Cathy F. No question that one needs to support themselves along the way. But now is a great time, with all the tools available, to do a true bootstrapping effort.
Anne Mai—congrats to you for keeping the dream alive, no matter what or when.
Jay C— I suppose you are right. Nick Corcodilos over at his asktheheadhunter blog tried to set us all straight with his post yesterday.
Asher and Nelson,
thanks for the comments and insights, too.
Dawn,Cindy and Katherine—You are living what Seth talks about. You don’t want to go back now, do you?
Clare—well said.
Jacqui—And I am sure your clients are better off with this attitude. You have seen both sides and can give great advice.
Bill…what can I say or even add?
MattwilsonTV—spoken like a true entrepreneur. Congrats Matt…sure looks like you are off to the races.
Dear Madaboutewe. Good advice although everyone should check with their own tax or business advisor. Don’t assume anything in this area, would be my only add-on advice here.
[...] under Career Management, Job Search, Networking on March 31st, 2009 Seth Godin’s guest post, Don’t Try and Get a Job, on GL Hoffman’s What Would Dad Say blog suggests that you are better off starting your own [...]
[...] was some predictable criticism about Seth Godin’s post yesterday on the What Would Dad Say blog. Most of the criticism rightly points out that not everybody is suited to being an [...]
I agree with both Jacqui’s and Matt’s sentiments. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. I know many, many people who just wouldn’t hack it our community, because they can’t handle ambiguity and risk. That being said, those of us who are true-blue entrepreneurs relish the experiences and could never go back to the corporate world.
Tell us about yours Kyle, please.
[...] was guest posting on another blog, so it was with considerable interest that I read his post on the What Would Day Say blog. He argues don’t try to get a [...]
[...] originally found it through Twitter, here is the link to the original site which had some other very cool posts by the way, check it [...]
[...] Starting a business | Tags: Seth Godin, Social Networking, Starting a business | Here’s an insightful post this week about the opportunity cost of starting a company in today’s economic environment. [...]
The irony of this guest blog. http://andysalo.com/2009/04/03/opportunity-cost/
Seth Godin is an amazing man !!
I just failed at my second online business. My desire to succeed is even stronger now. I’ve learnt so much from my mistakes so far. I’m currently educating myself in the fundamentals of business. As someone with no real business experience I’ve taken to writing a business blog http://www.GordieRogers.com to help me focus and keeping my eye on the prize of being a successful entrepreneur one day.
Thank you, Seth. I read your blog every day.
Excellent advice – much appreciated!
[...] latest evidence? His guest post over on What Would Dad Say? where he tells everyone to just stop looking for a job and start their own business. His reasoning [...]
[...] mywork, think To think: Entrepreneur Life – Don’t Try to Get a Job (Seth Godin) http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2009/03/31/… #mywork #entrepreneur #think [...]
Can’t agree more with Seth. Unfortunately, the education systems in placed in most countries only teach people how to work for people. Very few actually teaches people how to be an entrepreneur or run their own business. And even if they did, these courses are taught by employees, people who don’t own their own business. Duh?
I’ve been in my own business since Adam! And I just don’t know how to tell you guys what advantages and freedom I get out of it. Yes, there’s risk involved. But hey, what doesn’t? It just how and from what angle we view them.
Shalom,
Melvin Neo
#1 reason not to: “Pre-existing conditions”.
[...] it comes to job search advice, Seth Godin is clueless. The latest evidence? His guest post over on What Would Dad Say? where he tells everyone to just stop looking for a job and start their own business. His reasoning [...]
[...] whit, in a piece entitled, “Don’t Try to Get a Job,” His Seth-ship admonishes us with the following: “Don’t you dare. There are a few [...]
[...] Seth Godin says, “Don’t Try to Get a Job.” from What Would Dad Say [...]
[...] Seth Godin says, “Don’t Try to Get a Job.” from What Would Dad Say [...]
Some of you folks are way too educated. Seth says “sell coffee” or “start a poop-scooping business”. That’s pretty darn simple, so I agree, stop whining and look around. Take the janitorial business, for instance – job growth in this industry from 2010-2020 is expected to be 14%, higher than the average for all other occupations. I’ve been doing my own version of poop-scooping (cleaning office buildings) since 1977, and I can’t get fired. I also guarantee that I make MUCH more than 99% of the people that my company cleans up after. Heck, you can start a cleaning business for under $500, and do the work after your day-job and on weekends until you get enough customers – after a while, it doesn’t make sense to keep your day-job!
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by glhoffman: Seth Godin Guest post at whatwoulddadsay.com. Don’t TRY to get a job. http://bit.ly/E4YB2…
[...] http://blogs.jobdig.com/wwds/2009/03/31/seth-godin-says-dont-try-to-get-a-job/ [...]
[...] Miami seems ripe for a job seeker to start his own company, perhaps. Alternatively, one might heed Seth Godin’s advice of “Don’t Even Try to Get a Job.” [...]
Seth Godin! One of the best writers in the world, i really like the way he writes.
[...] Don’t Try to Get a Job. Why this post is awesome. Why? “Trying to get a job corrupts you and pushes you to be average.” [...]