This lesson was all about income. It’s funny how Dave Ramsey can take a topic that, for the most part, can be boring and make it so interesting and inspiring! Hopefully I’ll bring some of that into this post.
Work With Passion
Basically, he suggests to find something you love and make it your livelyhood! Interestingly, I just saw an episode of Oprah about the same topic. Do what you have passion about. You’ve seen these people, doing what they love. They still have frustrations, but it’s all bearable because they really love what they’re doing and their contribution to that particular field. Viktor Frankl said:
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by the lack of meaning and purpose.”
Find Your Strengths
Next he talks about using your strengths to your benefit. To do that, you have to discover what your strengths and weaknesses are. At my previous job, we took a personality test and corresponding class. I went and felt so liberated because the category I fell under was so true! It really helped me find out more about myself and how I work. It was so funny though, how many people were so mad at what the test said. They protested it and said they weren’t that way, but they totally are! The truth is none of us can completely be defined by one of those tests, but there is definitely some truth in them.
The Resume
He also gives some tips for making your resume stand out. I can’t stop thinking about in the movie, “Legally Blonde” when Elle gives her resume to one of her professors and it’s pink and scented. Maybe that’s on the ridiculous side, but it’s has a good principle. Make your stuff stand out somehow. Send and introduction letter, make a follow-up phone call. Make it more relational than anyone else, but don’t overdo it. For example, he suggests after meeting with a potential employer, send them a thank you note. Don’t send flowers because you can come off like a weirdo! But a simple thank you note will set you apart.
How To Dress
Last, but certainly not least is looking nice for interviews. This one just drives me nuts. I don’t care who you are, or what your interests are, what you wear says something about you. What’s great is that you get to choose what that is. But please, saying you don’t care about fashion is not an excuse. Because when you dress like you don’t care, then people think you don’t care. Tuck in your shirt, wear clothes that fit. Consider your audience. If you’re interviewing for bank executives, don’t wear jeans with holes. I’m exaggerating so I don’t actually offend anyone. The only time this worked was in that “Pursuit of Happiness” story. 
If you don’t know how to dress, ask someone to help you. Ask a friend, go to a store and ask someone who looks nice to help you.
In Conclusion
He also talks about getting a second job to really get yourself out of debt and give encouragement to never give up. I almost wish I had a place to try all his advice out, because I believe it was truly helpful. I certainly recommend FPU for everyone, no matter your level of financial awesomeness. You may form your own opinions, but you’ll certainly learn.
What are your tips for getting jobs and keeping them?
Photo by thinkpanama
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Linda – I like FPU and your review. You asked for tips on getting & keeping jobs, so here’s mine: Be intentional in displaying your communication skills. Show up for an interview with a notepad, use it to make sure you understand what’s being asked. Have some questions prepared for your interviewer to answer, usually after they have completed asking their’s. I would recommend that these questions be about the job and the manager’s expectations. Something like, “In your words, what does a successful employee look like?”…well you get the idea! Good communication will help you get a job as well as keep your job.
Leveraging your strengths, talents and passions to make money is wise. When you’re passionate about your work– you have the enthusiasm, energy and initiative necessary to be successful. If you don’t know what you’re good at, Crown Financial has a great FREE resource called Personality I.D. that lets you take a short quiz to uncover your strengths.
I like what Dave Ramsey teaches about getting rid of debt and where to go from there, but as far as saying, ‘get work in something you are passionate about’ is only a good idea and that’s it. No one tells you how. Some of us grew up doing what we had to (go to school, do chores) and then your time was your own – which meant watching tv. These unentreprenurial habits are hard to overcome as an adult. Someone needs to give some real guidance and stop throwing out what is quickly becoming cliche ‘Oh, get income doing what you enjoy!’
Good overall advice! I would add that when searching for a job, interview with as many companies as possible. Don’t rely on an offer from just one company. Research the company to know what it does, and what your responsibilities will be to be best of your ability. Show genuine interest in the position, and don’t talk about salary and benefits until you get an offer. Prepare for it like you’d prepare a legal case!