We All Get Older, We Don't All Get Grown.

On my way to work this morning, I saw a guy about my age, standing on the corner of Jamboree and MacArthur. He was clean cut, dressed in a nice suit, and was holding a big white sign saying something like, "Hard working, recent MBA Graduate looking for work." Since my office is right by that intersection, I would have liked to walk down there to take a picture and talk to him a little about the challenges he is facing. Looking back, I regret not taking that opportunity.

I happen to be an Industry Manager at Jobing.com - the nation's largest, locally-focused provider of employment media. We are a unique online community that provides the forum, resources, and technology to connect employers, job seekers, and community organizations. Although, I'm not a recruiter/headhunter and my job description doesn't involve actually getting people jobs, my every day entails talking to to Hiring Managers, HR Personnel, and proactive job seekers. And it seems like just about every one around me is adversely affected by the current state of the economy.

Seeing that guy on the corner is the reason for this blog entry. He really made me stop and think. And so I did. Every day I hear the same stuff, just coming from different people: Best friends, who by association alone are obviously great people, can't find a job in the industry they want to work in. Newlywed friends with no consistent income. College graduates who recently stepped into the "Real World", but have to settle for jobs that they could have got without a degree and all the student loans. Companies that are on a hiring freeze or forced to layoff a huge percentage of their employees. Clients who were unfortunately part of those layoffs. Colleagues who have been laid off out of necessity. Even my stepdad, has recently faced his own struggles being in the Financial Services Industry. Even as I write this blog, a guy came into the office to check the fire extinguisher. He saw our company logo and said, "Well now after seeing your company name...can you get me a better job?" We shared a half-hearted laugh together, but I couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be some seriousness behind his request.

As some of you may know, my company offers a pretty cool benefit where they cover 100% of my fuel costs, as well an additional stipend, as long as I wrap my car to look a little something like this:


Driving around in a car like that obviously attracts attention, that's kind of the point. But my point is that, now more than ever, I can't go anywhere without meeting someone who needs some type of career-related assistance. Just the other day I pulled up to my gym and a lady leaving kept looking at me curiously as I was organizing my gym bag. Finally she worked up the nerve to ask me about Jobing. She was in the mortgage industry for the past several years...and that should pretty much explain the rest. Also, a couple weeks ago I was picking up my tv from BestBuy and had to park out front. While I waited, 3 different people came up to me in a 10 minute span to ask about my company and how I might be able to help them out. Don't get me wrong though, I absolutely love that part of my job. In fact, I would say that my favorite part of my job is being able to help my friends, family, and even random strangers in any way that I can to help get their lives in order.

Its just that seeing stuff like this every day, some times brings me down. I find myself more often than I want to, agreeing with people who talk about how tough it is right now, and only offering up the generic,"Yeah, it really is tough right now. Things will turn around soon though. Just keep being positive." For the most part, all of that is true. Times are tough for both people with jobs and without. And you need to stay positive, because that's the only way to persevere. But the last part I can't say with much conviction...because honestly, who really knows when things will turn around? From what I am hearing and reading its actually just the opposite: Next month, things will get worse.

So Then What?

Well, that brings me back to the Title of this post and the jobless MBA grad. I was talking to my stepdad this morning about how my month has been from a professional standpoint. Its been just about my worst month yet, given my circumstance. And what makes it even worse is that my worst month followed my best months ever. That in itself is enough of a disappointment to rattle anyone. What makes it so difficult for me is that, I love to win, but I hate to lose even more...and I can't help to feel that i've been losing all month long. I know I'm probably making it sound much more severe then it actually is, but that's just me...all my life i've been harder on myself than anyone else. But Eddie(stepdad) broke it down for me, "You know, what they say really is true: tough times don't last, tough people do. You'll be alright Brandon, just do the best that you can do."

I don't know who "they" is, but the quote really made me think. Nobody knows how long it'll take, but things will EVENTUALLY turn around and get easier. And then things will get hard again at some other point in life. This has been the first time that a bad economy has actually affected me in a career. And for good reason. I think the last time things were difficult was in 2001...but luckily back then I was just graduating from high school and entering a new chapter at Vanguard University. These past several months have provided me with a very valuable lesson and has helped me grow more than I probably even know yet. In order to Last, People need to be Tough. The way I interpret that quote is that we need to be Mentally Tough. If you are struggling to find a job, don't just go through the motions. Sit down and think about how you can differentiate yourself from everyone else. Be creative. Be persistent. Be tenacious. Be consistent. Do what you have to do to stand out. And the same goes for those of us that have jobs that are more than just a 9 to 5. If you are in control of your own destiny, then be grateful for that. Many people don't have control on how their company performs and those very same people can't really do much to avoid company lay offs. But those of us that can measure our performance, need to absolutely be mentally tough. Its so easy to use the economy as an excuse, but I don't remember one time that I gave the economy credit for me doing well. If I can take credit for the good times, I sure as hell better take accountability for the bad times. All you have to do is your best...which sadly is a lot easier said then done.

Like the MBA grad on the corner, i'm sure he isn't the only person in his position without a job. But just look at the statement he made today. He was willing to do what it takes to stand out in a crowded sea of unemployment. He was up before I even was, ready to Do His Best that day. And you know what? I know many people took notice. I wouldn't even be surprised if he got a job offer today. In fact, I don't know if he knew this or not, but he was standing directly across the street from Priority Staffing. And if those girls were doing their best today, they would have already figured out the perfect client of theirs to make the placement.

Attractive Girls Union Refuses To Enter Talks With Mike Greenman


I enjoy the shot that the attractive girls union takes at the SF Giants. Nobody relevant likes them.

To all readers of my blog:

Whether you read We All Get Older...We Don't All Get Grown publicly or anonymously, sporadically or consistently...I need some help. I was recently invited to be a contributor on a website/blog network focused on 20-something life. The site is put together well and I like the fact that you can get real, authentic perspectives from your peers on a wide variety of topics. I'll give more info on the site, when I actually accept the offer.

Needless to say, I am interested and I would have joined already, except for one hold up. I need to submit a 300 word bio and I am having trouble writing about myself. I know its not much, but i'm finding it hard(that's what she said, haha) to summarize everything I am, in 300 words. I thought it might be helpful to see what others think of me, the stuff I write about when I am serious about it, and what you would say if asked to summarize Brandon Lagao. If you don't mind others reading it, post your version of my bio in my comments or if you want to keep it private, email it to me: bhova22@gmail.com I appreciate any of you who take the time to help on this. Who knows, I might end up using your input. At the very least, it will be used for inspiration.

Also, thank you in advance to my friends who choose to use this time as a chance to make fun of me. Where would I be without you guys :)

My favorite commercial probably ever.

My co-worker and I were just talking about a very pressing issue. Something everyone knows about, but never speaks about it aloud. Here was the question as posed:



"Hey, why the heck does coffee always make me have to poop?!"



There was no disagreement here. In fact, he started talking about how "it starts to direct traffic"...i had no idea what he was talking about, so i cut him off and said, "Nevermind, I'll just Google it." So I did. In the searchbox, "Why does coffee make me have to poop?". The results were overwhelming, but I still did not find any concrete facts. Here is what the rest of the world is saying:

• Probably because all of the mouse turds in the coffee grounds. (i'm not sure how drinking turds makes you turd)


• Its not just the coffee, its the warmth of it. (i'm going to test this theory with an iced coffee this afternoon)


• Its a natural laxative


• One answer was simply: Gastrocolic Reflex (umm...)


• Caffeine is a diuretic.

This topic is up for discussion. I look forward to any comments.

1. Strength Comes From Working Out Differences: (learned from a rather brutal conversation I had today) In my particular conversation, no differences were really worked out, but it got me thinking. What would be considered a better, more fruitful relationship:
   -a couple that never has to deal with conflict and cruises through life either in complete agreement or ignoring their disagreements in order to stay "happy".
   
   Or
   
   -a couple that seems to face a lot of conflict. Has differing perspectives on different things. Confronts each other in order to resolve these problems. And eventually learns more about the other, learns more about them self, sees things from a different perspective, and learns how best to work through these differences.
   
   If I was to share my answer, I think being happy and not having any conflict sounds refreshing and very comfortable. It definitely sounds like a easier road to travel. But i also think(cliche' warning), that nothing amazing ever comes easy. The greater the risk, the greater the reward. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. My choice would be the hard road..sounds crazy, but really, how boring does the easy road sound? Its like, if i'm snowboarding-- I can take the easy runs and I guarantee I won't fall(unless some crazy asian tourist loses control and crashes into me). I'd be the best on those runs and all the beginners would see. But the truth is, I'm not worried about falling. I want to take the double black diamond run. My reasoning: even if I ride on the bunny slopes all day and never fall, i'll still only be a novice at the end of the day. But if I master the double black diamond, with all the risk of falling, the risk of getting hurt, the risk of not being able to finish-- still, at the end of the day I am that much closer to being an expert.
   
   
2. A Challenge Brings Out The Best In Us: (Learned from reading through Men's Health at the gym tonight.) This one is pretty self-explanatory. A challenge should be embraced because in the end, succeed or fail, it makes us better people. Challenge brings out the best in us, but what a lot of people don't think about is that, a challenge also brings out the best in those that surround us. If I rise to a challenge that I face at work, my coworkers will be that much more inspired to do the same. If a player on an underdog team rises to the challenge of facing a bigger and better team, his teammates will follow that lead. If a married couple on the verge of divorce decides to take their problems head on and seek out a solution, they may inspire another couple in a similar position to fight on as well. I think that concept is so awesome. Maybe that's why I voted Republican-- cause I like the challenge(not handouts).
   
   
3. Honesty Always Trumps Insincerity: (learned from reminiscing on my day) This is one of my daily challenges: be honest and hurt someone. Or be insincere and keep them happy and blissfully ignorant. If I care about you, you'll get lots of honesty from me. You may not like it, but someone needs to be the messenger. TRUST ME though when I say, IT IS HARD being that guy. I don't want to hurt anyone. But am I hurting someone more by not being honest with them about "how i see it"? For the answer to that, I look to God:
   Proverbs 27:17- "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (NIV)
   "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." (The Message)
   
   
4. Believe In Yourself: (learned from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium) I think this is the theme of the movie. Believe in yourself. "It sounds a little too selfish, a little too close to "Follow your heart, no matter what anyone says." When taken out of context as it often is at the movies, and in real life it can lead to all sorts of bad decisions such as hasty marriages, even hastier divorces, quitting college, or even joining the peace corp! Following your heart often translates into following your emotions, and emotions are fickle. But the truth is, there's nothing wrong with following our hearts as long as we lend our brains and our souls to the proposition, too. God created in each one of us talent, passion and drive to do ... something.
   
   We are God's creatures, and each of us carry a "sparkle"--something greater than ourselves trying to get out. And believing in yourself enough (being courageous enough) to make that happen, well, that's a great thing indeed."

I'm watching this movie right now, I've never seen it before, but just watching it makes me really happy. Its like everything has a deeper meaning...and its a G rated movie! Its showing me how much I love imagination. I think imaginiation is under-appreciated and often seen as strange. It reminds me of a play that I wrote in second grade. I'm not exactly sure what the assignment was, but I remember taking charge and writing this scene for me and my group to perform. I was so excited to create a world that was so different than the traditional sense. Once it was done, and we all were playing our specific parts in front of the class, I can remember my group not really enjoying what I wrote because it was so different then what they were used to. I still feel that way as an adult, like my imagination will be looked at as weird and not accepted. I think that I still have that imagination to this day, and I hope to have it still when I am 243 years old.

I just saw a midget...its going to be a good day." - Jay Foulk

I never thought a game where so many points were scored could get boring. USC could have easily put up 100 against this sorry team.




On another note: When the hell did they ban alcohol from college football games? All that does is promote binge drinking. People are flamebroiled before kickoff, rather then drunkenness spread out through the entire game. I swear walking around outside of the coliseum reminded me of trips to Vegas or Cabo. I knew that in those places you could cruise around public with booze, but I had no idea that you could get publicly plastered in the heart of LA surrounded by 5-0...maybe it was just an exception because it was homecoming.