Making the Choice for a Career in Social Media

Peter Gibbons: “Our high school guidance counselor used to ask us what you’d do if you had a million dollars and you didn’t have to work. And invariably what you’d say was supposed to be your career. So, if you wanted to fix old cars then you’re supposed to be an auto mechanic.”

Samir: “So what did you say?”

Peter Gibbons: “I never had an answer. I guess that’s why I’m working at Initech.”

— Scene from the 1999 cult classic movie Office Space

This scenario has played out for me as well as my friends and colleagues; Office Space has been not a movie, but reality. I have been miserable because I have made poor choices and I bet you have, too.

This book is the “Initech repellent”: it’s a guide to help you make the right choices if you are interested in a career in social media. It’s about gathering enough information to make a good choice, having the intellectual curiosity to investigate the field, and putting in the work to become successful. And any book that begins with a Peter Gibbons quote has to good, right?

Career happiness can mean more life happiness. Consider that when you choose a job, at a minimum, you can expect to spend anywhere from eight to ten hours per day commuting to and from work, carrying out your job responsibilities, or just thinking about them. Most people spend eight hours sleeping, so that leaves you less than eight hours a day and weekends and vacations for other pursuits. The bottom line is that you will be a whole lot happier if you choose a job and career that you enjoy. You’re investing a lot of time into a career. Choosing a place where you will happy spending the majority of your waking hours can greatly improve your quality of life.

Purchase “Starting Your Career as a Social Media Manager” from Amazon.com.