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Good, Fast, Cheap

If you’ve ever worked to develop a new product, you’re probably familiar with this concept: Good, Fast, or Cheap. In business, the saying goes that you must pick two of these things. You can have good
and fast, or good and cheap, but not good, fast, and cheap. Picking three would be asking for an impossible, or improbable, proposition.

The same goes for job seeking. On a fairly regular basis, I speak with someone who says, “I want to find a great paying job that I love – in about three weeks.” Wow. Finding the perfect job at the perfect pay in a short timeframe is a dream scenario. Unfortunately, it is very rarely the reality.

When I meet a new client, I often ask, “Is it more important that you find a job you love, or that you find a job quickly?” That helps me to gauge how dire their current work situation is. For example, if their boss is abusive, they may be willing to take anything just to get into a healthier environment. If their current job is good, but they’re looking for better, they may be willing to wait a while for the right thing to come along.

A similar concept applies when it comes to pay versus career fulfillment. This seems to be a controversial issue. Some people say you shouldn’t ever chase after money, you should chase after what you’re passionate about. Others say, you should find your fulfillment in life outside of work hours. That you shouldn’t rely on work to make you happy. And, that if you make enough money, you can pay for the things you like.

You may be surprised to know, I can go either way on this issue. It’s up to you, and how you prioritize money and work fulfillment. In fact, I believe that where you fall on this issue will probably change over the course of your life, if it hasn’t already.

So, when you’re considering this issue, what should you think about? Here are a few things to consider when choosing between more money and more fulfillment.

  1. How important is money versus work life balance and fulfillment to you? There’s no right answer to this. It’s not about what your parents think, or your friends think. It’s about what you think. Right now. At this point in your life.
  2. Typically, each job you get bases your new pay on your previous salary. So, a big jump early in your career can mean significant financial gains over time. Most of your salary growth happens in your 20s and early 30s. As much as people advise against chasing money early in your career, there are certainly benefits to starting off with a high salary.
  3. Do you have a third choice? You may have found one job that’s fulfilling but pays very little. And, another that’s unfulfilling, but pays well. But, have you also searched for other offers that might give a little more pay, but also a better quality of life? Is there a happy medium?
  4. Does your perfect opportunity even exist where you’re living right now? Are you chasing after something you’ll never find? If your dream job doesn’t exist, are you willing to move?
  5. When it comes to the idea of ‘working your way up,’ companies rarely give raises that are more than 5% to 10%. A typical raise is more on the order of 2% to 3% per year. Taking a position at an outside company is one of the most effective ways to grow income quickly.
  6. If your learning at your existing job has slowed, it’s time to find something new. Becoming stagnant is one of the fastest ways to lose value.
  7. Last, how much personal fulfillment do you want to get from work? If you made 40% more at a job that wasn’t perfect, could you use part of the money to pursue interests outside of work? In your mind, what’s the role of work? How does that compare with your idea of happiness?

When it comes to looking for a new job, one of the most important things you can do is prioritize what’s important to you. Again, it’s not what’s important to your parents, your siblings, your friends, or your neighbors. It’s what’s important to you right now. At this point in your life. And, for your future.

I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.

Happy hunting!

Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach

Featured Job: Technical Analyst @ FedEx

FedEx is seeking a Technical Analyst in Memphis, TN.

Under general supervision, develop high level design and detailed design deliverables to meet business requirements/specifications. Code and unit test. Develop or contribute to deliverables for additional levels of testing and support test execution including system level and integration tests. Resolve production problems of low to medium complexity.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the FedEx job posting here.

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Featured Job: Marketing Communications Consultant @ Medtronic

Medtronic is seeking a Marketing Communications Consultant in Memphis, TN.

The Marketing Communications Consultant within the Restorative Therapies Group (RTG) is responsible for developing and delivering integrated marketing communications strategies that generate awareness, influence behavior and drive adoption of our therapies, using paid, owned and earned communications channels. You will be responsible for collaborating with product and therapy marketing teams to create effective, customer-centric communications that advance business objectives and deliver results. The role also requires building and sustaining strong relationships with peers in RTG Communications and managing agency/contract resources. 

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Medtronic job posting here.

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Featured Job: Director, Integrated Clinical IT Services @ Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is seeking a Director of Integrated Clinical IT Services in Memphis, TN.

The Director Integrated Clinical IT Services will provide leadership, clinical and technical expertise for the acute care clinical services supporting the integrated electronic medical record. The Director will work closely with the organizations nursing and clinical leadership, medical staff and operational leadership to identify system requirements and establish priorities that drive the development of the clinical/nursing information systems implementation and optimization. Ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of current clinical systems and planning for future system modification to meet changing needs of patients, care providers and the organization. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare job posting here.

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Featured Job: Director of Sourcing & Procurement @ Monogram Food Solutions

Monogram Food Solutions is seeking a Director of Sourcing & Procurement in Memphis, TN.

Based out of our Memphis Support Center, the Director, Sourcing will lead sourcing of flexible films, corrugate, folding cartons, displays, and other in-direct materials. Position will report directly to the Chief Procurement Officer.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to the following:

  • Work closely with Sales & Marketing, graphics group, and R&D on packaging of new product development efforts.
  • Supplier selection and leading procurement of items across 6 manufacturing facilities.
  • Work closely with plant buyers, plant operations teams, controllers, and demand planning organization.
  • Overnight Travel to manufacturing facilities and suppliers.
  • Qualifying new suppliers
  • Approval of new packaging

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Monogram Food Solutions job posting here.

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Featured Job: Director of Sustainability @ Interior Architects

Interior Architects is seeking a Director of Sustainability in New York, NY.

IA Interior Architects translates client goals, brand and culture into powerful environments built around people, processes, technologies and business drivers. TheDirector of Sustainability for the New York office is responsible for planning, coordinating and administering IA’s sustainability program. Will have responsibility for directing projects through the efforts of Project Managers, designers and architects.

To  learn more, or to apply online, visit the Interior Architects job posting here.

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Cohen Raises Questions About Fairness of Hiring Practices

My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Cohen Raises Questions About Fairness of Hiring Practices.”

The last time you applied for a job, you probably assumed your application and resume were the only things your future employer used to make a decision about whether or not to hire you.

Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren have been working on a project that may change your mind on this idea.

Together, they co-authored an op-ed piece in Time describing why “It’s time to stop employer credit checks.” They’ve also introduced an “Equal Employment for All Act” in the U.S. House of Representatives.

You probably never realized it, but many employers are pulling your credit score before they hire you. If your score doesn’t match up to what they’re looking for, you might just miss out on your next big opportunity.

To read the rest of my column, and to find out how to overcome credit score difficulties, visit the Memphis Daily News website here.

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Featured Job: Business Development Manager @ Eventbrite

Eventbrite is seeking a Business Development Manager in London, United Kingdom.

This position is critical in setting the direction for Eventbrite’s UK business development efforts. Eventbrite’s goal is to become the UK’s favourite ticketing and registration solution by providing organisers and attendees with simple, yet powerful, event technology. At Eventbrite, you’ll find a team of dynamic, smart and engaged people who are passionate about building communities and creating innovative products to help people get together around live experiences.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Eventbrite job posting here.

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Featured Job: President @ Agricenter International

Agricenter International is seeking a President in Memphis, TN.

Agricenter International, the world’s largest urban farm and research test facility seeks a President with the following primary responsibilities:

  • This person will work directly with the Board of Directors and committees to meet the overall mission for Agricenter International: a self-sustaining, not-for-profit organization that provides economic development and improved quality of life by facilitating agricultural research, educational programs, environmental conservation, natural area preservation and recreational opportunities.
  • Responsible for day-to-day operations, to include but not limited to, budgeting and strategic direction.
  • He/she will work with the Agricenter Commission and various Federal, State and County agencies.
  • He/she shall possess the ability to ensure that Agricenter International is in compliance with the overall mission as determined by the Board of Directors.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Agricenter International job posting here.

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Featured Job: Senior VP of Food & Beverage @ Omni Hotels and Resorts

Omni Hotels and Resorts is seeking a VP of Food & Beverage in Dallas, TX.

Provide strategic and tactical direction to all aspects of the Food/Beverage discipline including restaurants, (both in house and Bob’s Steak and Chop House), in room dining, banquets, catering, service, operations, financial management and manpower development. Identify revenue opportunities to ensure maximization of food and beverage revenues and profits. Identify and remedy cost deficiencies where they exist.

To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Omni Hotels and Resorts job posting here.

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