Do It Like Dennis: Tuesday's Leads

In TV history there are many characters who are unforgettable.  One of those characters, and I only know this from watching re-runs when I was a kid (no, I'm not old enough to have watched it live in black and white), was Dennis Mitchell, affectionately known as "Dennis the Menace."  Most of us know the backstory to Dennis, the tow-headed little boy who lived next to his irritable and cranky elderly neighbor, Mr. Wilson.  Each episode, Dennis would inevitably do something to frustrate, anger, and irk Mr. Wilson.  And each episode, Mr. Wilson and Dennis, usually through the intercession of Mrs. Wilson or Dennis's parents, would reconcile and overcome any difficulties or problems that had come between them.  The result of this constant happy ending, as well as the humor tossed into the mix, is that the show has that "feel good," "better times" aura that we attribute to so many early TV shows (including Leave It to Beaver, My Three Sons, even Lassie).

But perhaps there are other lessons to be learned here that can directly benefit us as job seekers.  Maybe there's an "Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Dennis the Menace" theme that we're missing.  If so, perhaps these are the lessons that Dennis can teach us.

1. Never take things personally.  Dennis, even though he was the cause of Mr. Wilson's angst, never took it personally when Mr. Wilson got upset with him.  Some of that, for sure, was the result of the naivete and innocence of childhood, but some of it was just Dennis's nature.  He didn't let things get to him.  We could all benefit from that in the job search.  It's rarely personal when we get rejected.  Usually, there was just a better candidate with more experience.
2. Maintain a sunny disposition.  Dennis never let the world or his challenges with Mr. Wilson get him down.  Again, that is probably because he is a kid, but it would be good for us--and our health--to adopt a more happy-go-lucky mentality.  That doesn't mean we can't be serious, too, though.  We just need balance.
3. Never give up.  No matter the circumstance, Dennis never gave up on the situation.  That definitely has a direct relationship to the job search.  There's no denying that it's a tough world out there, and there's more to it than just Mr. Wilson's grumpiness.  But we will never reach our career goals if we let those challenges and failures stand in our way.  We have to keep trying.

In short, as you tackle the day, try to be a little more like Dennis.  It could help you maintain a good attitude while you hunt for that job--and it will definitely help you smile a little more in the process.

Tuesday's Leads:

• administrative assistant
• customer service associate--banking
• store manager
• dental front office...Will consider medical students/employees.
• administrative assistant--Graham Packaging
• data entry--3 week assignment--but good pay!
• office manager--good pay!
• accounts payable clerk
• accounting assistant
• administrative assistant--Apple Auto
• medical assistant
• medical records--PT--Wellspan--Could be a great "break in" job for Wellspan!
• data entry position
• administrative assistant
• medical credentialing specialist
• accounting position
• medical secretary--Wellspan
• medical mailroom/imaging clerk
• cashier/receptionist--10 Key Calculator skills needed
• administrative research assistant
• PT clerical position
• township secretary / clerk
• legal secretary
• medical assistant
• medical sales receptionist

Have a great Tuesday!  Don't let this rainy, gloomy day get you down.  Just be like Dennis!

Tim Barshinger