When did you learn...

[MikeMike]

that life is all about who you know, not what you know?

 

[nageov3t]

when I was in my mid 20's, I looked back and realized that every single job I ever had except one I had gotten through someone I knew (or someone that someone I know knew)

 

[Zeeky Boogy Doog]

when I was in my mid 20's, I looked back and realized that every single job I ever had except one I had gotten through someone I knew (or someone that someone I know knew)

I've had the opposite experience, every job I've had I have gotten without anyone on the inside. I'm still early 20's though. :hmm:

 

[Sumguy]

Just a few months ago, when my old roommate got some sweet internships and info on how it was looking for him because he knew one or two people at several different companies. Yes, I mean internships. He has one for the summer and another for the fall. Dude is making more per month than some people make at their actual, "I know what I'm doing" jobs.

I got an A in a class I should have damn near failed because I got on the professor's good side. Had a huge grin on my face when I looked at my grades that semester.

 

[marsbound2024]

I learned it at age 20, when I had to know somebody to get my current job.

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

Age 20, aka now. The main reason I have my summer job is because a friend recommended me to her boss while they were hiring.

 

[dank69]

Things I learned in kindergarten...

 

[moshquerade]

that life is all about who you know, not what you know?

We all learn it, and it's a somber revelation. :\

I probably had my first experience with it in school when I realized teacher's kids got more opportunities.

 

[Wyndru]

I've had the opposite experience, every job I've had I have gotten without anyone on the inside. I'm still early 20's though. :hmm:

I've never applied for a job where someone is trying to "put a good word in for me". I actually try to avoid that, because in the long run I'd feel like I didn't deserve the job, or didn't get it fairly. I especially don't if it's family that does it, I'd feel weird if my (or my Wife's) Mom or Dad got me a job. And there is always the fear that if you are bad at the job, you would shame the person that referred you.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

Never experienced the importance of connections until recently when I got a promotion. The problem was I was scheduled for a month-long vacation from the end of April till the end of May. The interview happened in mid-April and I was supposed to start right away in my new role and they tried their best to talk me into canceling the vacation (which I couldn't because of a long, complicated story). I turned down the offer and took off. Two weeks later, I got a call telling me the offer still stands and that the job will be mine upon my return.

I'm fairly certain the only reason they decided to wait was because the Asst. Manager really liked me and convinced everyone else that I'd be worth the wait.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

that life is all about who you know, not what you know?

When I left college, got a job, and learned that most of the people who got promoted didn't get their promotions based on skill or how well they did their previous job, but by who they knew and how well they rubbed elbows with those in power.

I used to be naive and think your skills, knowledge, and work ethic would always get you somewhere. I used to laugh at my mom when she told me that to get anywhere, you had to socialize with those in power (aka, suck up). I can admit it now -- I was wrong, she was right.

 

[Gibson486]

When I left college, got a job, and learned that most of the people who got promoted didn't get their promotions based on skill or how well they did their previous job, but by who they knew and how well they rubbed elbows with those in power.

I used to be naive and think your skills, knowledge, and work ethic would always get you somewhere. I used to laugh at my mom when she told me that to get anywhere, you had to socialize with those in power (aka, suck up). I can admit it now -- I was wrong, she was right.

yup...it's all about how the boss and higher ups likes you.

Crazy...my mom told me the same thing....:hmm:

 

[nublikescake]

Every single part-time/full-time work I've ever done, including my current job was through filling out an application in person or applying online. Never used a "connection". I have to admit I haven't always gotten what I wanted but I prefer it this way.

 

[ObscureCaucasian]

...but I prefer it this way.

Principles are good and all, but when it comes to what I do and how much I'll make I'm willing to compromise a bit.

I'm not saying I'm going to sleep my way to the top (and not just because that would most likely be uber-gay), but I'm willing to utilize a connection or two. Also keep in mind typically, at least for me, the connections hook me up because they know what I can do.

 

[dfuze]

when I was in my mid 20's, I looked back and realized that every single job I ever had except one I had gotten through someone I knew (or someone that someone I know knew)

bingo!

 

[olds]

It's not who you know, it's who you blow.

 

[MikeMike]

It's not who you know, it's who you blow.

so, how high up in the Coke company are you?

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

that life is all about who you know, not what you know?

It's a combination of both.
My internship, I had a hookup. All jobs since, I've gotten on my own based on my qualifications and being personable.
Although I do credit the internship for paving the way for the first job.

Not being a fatty probably helped as well.

 

[ObscureCaucasian]

Not being a fatty probably helped as well.

Being a tall, fit male does help get jobs... I think it's one of those subliminal psychological things.

 

[Pantlegz]

Late teens, my dad always tried to tell me that was the case but I didn't believe him until I was trying to get a tech support job after high school and failed over and over. I knew the topic very well but didn't have any way to get my foot in the door and nobody to vouch for me.

 

[MJinZ]

Being a tall, fit male does help get jobs... I think it's one of those subliminal psychological things.

White. You forgot White.

 

[Dumac]

Success at the workplace may be about who you know, and not what you know, but that doesn't mean that life is.

Knowing influential people wouldn't give me a fulfilling life.

List is about experiences, which translates into personal knowledge.

 

[spaceman]

i can tell you in a smalltown
it is def about who you know

 

[disappoint]

When Toyoda starred in that movie with Arnold Schwartzenhoofah...I can't totally recall the name of it right now.

 

[CraigRT]

When I left college, got a job, and learned that most of the people who got promoted didn't get their promotions based on skill or how well they did their previous job, but by who they knew and how well they rubbed elbows with those in power.

I used to be naive and think your skills, knowledge, and work ethic would always get you somewhere. I used to laugh at my mom when she told me that to get anywhere, you had to socialize with those in power (aka, suck up). I can admit it now -- I was wrong, she was right.

Sad isn't it?
I will never get anywhere, I refuse to kiss ass.
I used to work hard, it does nothing for you.