Comments on: Got the Monday Blues? Press On!

By: Dave Staats

Dave Staats — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:58:02 +0000

Hate is a strong word but I am not going to take issue with Neil. My first reaction was to maybe TRY to claim I have never hated it but for me it’s more like this…for 22 years on December 11th I will have hated some aspects of this business ever since I learned them and loved some of them for the same amount of time. Neil’s right in that those of us who love it enough to keep on doing it ARE a bit strange (I have pictures from Pinnacle meetings to prove it)… I think my pretty rare “hate” days come when one of the aspects I have always, and will always, hate is at the forefront. Maybe thinking of it as a calling is delusional, Tyler, but I know I am a lot happier than some guys I know who do this well but only consider it a job. Thanks for a good post, Neil.

By: Michael Epifanio

Michael Epifanio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:12:52 +0000

Let’s not kid ourselves , this is an emotional business and not for the weak of heart. So if you are normal human being with normal emotions, than you bet you will be discouraged when things get tough. And as Neil correclty stated, only a select few can truly prosper in our industry over the long haul. Neil you hit the nail on the head regarding your calling and each of our callings. God is ultimately in control not you not me not the economy and not our emotions. So if our chief purpose in life is to prosper year in and year out, live comfortalby with no pain or suffering than no matter what busines you are in when it fails you for a season you will be crushed, because your foundation has been forged on sinking sand. I have been in this business for 14 years and have been through a couple of significant downturns. And although my faith has kept me afloat, humanly speaking it can be difficuly and challenging. If we have found our calling and we have ultimate purpose, than this to will pass- but you cannot not go it alone you need a band of brohters to support you and help lift you up. My business is down significantly- but because I am one for the 1 in 1000 who has been successful in this business, I know I will survive and again thrive! Keep the faith!

By: Tyler

Tyler — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:59:48 +0000

The only line that does not ring true is “If I do not do this, who will?.” What I’ve heard many times is “I don’t know how to make money at anything else.”

It’s not a calling; it’s a job.

By: James Shellhammer

James Shellhammer — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:52:17 +0000

I can honestly say that I have never felt that “I hate this business”, but this busines can definitley eat your lunch at times. I am one of those that am addicted to the rush, the thril of “The Deal”. Does anyone relate?

By: Neil McNulty

Neil McNulty — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:09:52 +0000

Old Schooler:

See :”insane” above.

JUST KIDDING! I have never met anyone who did not hate this from time to time…so you are very fortunate. And you are correct…one fall off does not kill Christmas.

By: Old Schooler

Old Schooler — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:22:22 +0000

I’ve NEVER hated this business. From the first time I picked up the phone in 1987 to the lunch I just had yesterday with a new contractor and happy client at the Chili’s Restaurant in a Detroit suburb. While I certainly agree this is a crazy way to make a living – and the pendulum swinging back and forth each month between being up 50k or down 50k does at times take your breath away! (Thank goodness for happy hour!)

Never. Have. Hated. This. Ever.

Fall offs? You simply can NOT be in the recruiting business without them.

Sorry to be the one to point this out – but if you’ve been at this 17 years and have to skip Christmas because of ONE fall off – you should most likely find another line of work.

By: Maureen Sharib

Maureen Sharib — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:14:05 +0000

This is a fantastically REAL post.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:15:39 +0000

I honestly LOVE recruiting… But right now I am TERRIFIED…. This looming recission …. that is what I hate.

Anyone looking for a fatastic Recruiter who closed 487K on a last year…..

What will 2009 hold for us?
Sharon
sharon@opis-group.com

By: Sheila

Sheila — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:55:29 +0000

I concur. However, I believe that we can have what we say. I often “catch” myself on my down days, saying things that I would NEVER want to come to fruition. So, I force myself to say what I really want and exhale.

This ain’t for the squeamish. This business in a regular climate will test your mettle – let alone a shaky economic one. So, what I do for myself is to take a look at what is *good* about this business, what contributions that I am making, what joy it is to find a placement for someone who truly needs the job. Then it is easy to see why we are here…at this time.

It’s about perspective, I guess…especially when you are having a rough time.

By: Charles Haines

Charles Haines — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:19:41 +0000

Neil,

Very well said!

As a recruiter for 19 years, I can strongly relate to your friend’s sentiments. There have been plenty of times I could have said the exact same thing. The only difference is that there are times when I do love this crazy business.

Charles Haines