Only a fool would ever give up on something worth fighting for..

I haven't written a blog since October 29th, 2012. I'm still struggling to work out if that's because I haven't needed some kind of outlet, motivation, direction... or I'm just getting a little bit more reserved. Maybe things would be better than they have been if I'd have written something sooner, who knows? That being said, things are far, far from bad, hence the blog.

The Wonderful World of Recruitment

So I've been in recruitment for just over seven months now and I honestly am yet to have a day I look back on and think "Why didn't I stay in retail..?". I've never been as disappointed, disheartened, frustrated or stressed in the same way I am by recruitment on almost a daily basis. The nature of the business is so unpredictable the old saying of "No day is ever the same" rings true more so than I've ever experienced previously. Fortunately a new challenge every day keeps me on my toes and having to deal with a multitude of personalities will never get boring. It's often said that sales people aren't in a 'real job', but the reality is that there's no successful business that didn't start by selling something, be it a product, a service or an idea. In a relatively short space of time; I think I've found a career with limitless opportunity, and for all of it's frustrations, an environment in which those that want to, will thrive more so than in any other industry.

So what does the future hold..?

Rome wasn't built in a day, nor was anyone's future defined in a moment. I recently sat one of the most difficult interviews I've ever undertaken (I've only had six in 24 years, so I didn't have much in terms of experience to rely on), and I probably couldn't think back to a time in which I've been more nervous. I'm sure when I stand up, mic in hand at my brother's wedding in August I'll feel something similar, but at least I'll be a little more prepared; or so I hope. After being subject to a line of questioning I really wasn't prepared for; what events in my childhood shaped who I am today? How would my best friends describe me and what examples could I give? How do I handle rejection?

Ironically they're all questions in place not so much for the answers themselves but rather how they're handled and the thought processes behind it. The interview was more a judge of character than it was extracting knowledge. Ultimately, I know I could've done better but in the same respect I've landed myself on a training course this week with a view to progression in the immediate future; I'm still a touch disappointed, sometimes 'doing enough' isn't quite as satisfactory as exceeding expectations.

Following the interview I had a lot of time to reflect, think and meditate (you read right). The latter is a new process; I often find myself too caught up in my own head and over thinking / analysing far too frequently. I was introduced to the idea two years ago but never really took it seriously until a culmination of suggestions, philosophies and ideologies tied everything together.

I've been incredibly lucky recently to have people around me that are quite frankly inspiring in their ambitions. I don't think I need to mention names, but to anyone that's given me insight whether it be relating to work, poker, relationships and friendships; thank you.

For anyone else that's interested in challenging their perceptions and improving their abilities in dealing with people, I can't do more than recommend "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carneige. I'm only a few chapters in but I've already found it incredibly influential and I'm sure my next blog will elaborate on how its affected me, and how it can help you.

Enjoy :)