Who Tells the Truth? Honestly.

Hi kids.

Oh how time flies. I can’t believe it’s Monday already. If only I could find a job, I might be busy working.

I’ve given some thought as of late to the idea of honesty. And, as I’ve thought about it, I’ve realized one thing:

Being honest is sometimes (most times?) a form of shooting oneself in the foot.

Very recently I applied for a job. A job that, in my point of view, would be perfect at this point in my life. The pay was right, the hours were right, the field was right, the potential for growth was right. In short, everything was right.

In a phone interview (by the way, I hate phone interviews), I was asked how long I could see myself holding the position. I thought for a moment and responded truthfully: one year. I didn’t take the time to elaborate on the fact that I would definitely hold it for as long as I am in Boston (which, unless my $200 runs out soon, could be a number of years), nor did I explain that if I got the job I would promise at least two or three years if the price was right.

I just told the truth.

Well, I followed up. Basically, I was informed that one year wasn’t a satisfactory answer. So I countered with some form of I-will-stay-longer-if-you-actually-hire-me-and-I’m-sorry-I-never-plan-my-life-more-than-three-weeks-or-so-in-advance.

But, in all honesty (hardy har har), if I don’t get the job, I’m just happy that I answered honestly. It’s wrong to swindle your way into a position, or to intentionally mislead others in any way, shape, or form.

So, tell the truth. Even if it means losing your last visible means of doing what you want to do with your life. You’ll never regret it.