Controversy

As the hazy days of summer approach I think about the future a lot. While my current job is great, I realise that I am fairly high up the greasy pole here and there is not much further for me to go. If I was to go much higher I would end up as a talking head on BBC Breakfast looking stern and talking about my charity's cause whilst trying not to strangle Kate Silverton when she gives an insincere, but concerned glance over Bill Turnbull's shoulder. Or I would be rent-a-quoted in magazines like Grazia.

I am disinclined to do this (Certain shades of limelight can wreck a girls complexion you know darling). I fear I would start doing less actual liaising "work" with real people and do more pointless paperwork and meetings about strategic visions and mission statements with suits. Not that this isn't important, but its not for me. What I would like is to get a position like a mental health version of "The Apprentice" but without having to put up with the sarky put downs of Alan Sugar or the unceasing judgement of the public. Unfortunately they don't advertise such jobs in the Guardian so its back to plain old NETWORKING for me.

Networking. The word used to strike fear into my heart. Out of uni it was "ooh, you should network", which I translated as "You should fake an insincere liking for those that may further your career". I didn't see this as something I wanted to do, although it didn't stop many of my peers faking an interest in some consultant's dog photos. I took it as being phony, and not being judged on my merits. If I wasn't going to get a job on what I could offer, there was no way I should get one on my ability to suck up.

Things change. Once I actually had skills, a position and something to offer it felt different. Now, networking is actually about meeting people that I can legitimately help , and who can help me in return. I don't fake anything, but it feels more like a fair trade. Hustling for sure, but the good honest graft of a salesman, rather the giggling pseudo-laughter of a toady. This seems more equal and my conscience can handle it.