Things are absolutely nuts in my world and I couldn’t be happier about it.
What started out as “Job Search Boot Camp” has quickly evolved into something even more fabulous. I cannot wait to share more about this project with you over the next few weeks. All I can say is that it has a lot of sparkle and “Nicole” in it (and a bit of pink as well!).
I also get to meet Emily Bennington in person in Ohio on Saturday to start on big project #2… this project also has a lot of sparkle to it. Stay tuned.
This week didn’t start out so hot though. I received a few snarky emails from people who questioned my credibility on my more recent job search/resume posts and about my representation in the article published in the Chicago RedEye on Monday.
The emails suggested that I was somehow being fraudulent to my readers because I don’t have a masters in Human Resources, I don’t work in HR and I’m not a recruiter by day. Side note: I never claimed to be a career expert.
Oh yeah, and then there was the reader who wrote in to tell me that I am so money hungry. That one was the most interesting considering I have not made one cent from my blog, but have dumped a lot of money into updating it over the last year and a half…I’ve always written here simply because I LOVE IT.
Hearing these things definitely bursted my bubble for a few hours, and I may or may not have had a cocktail or two to soothe the blow.
Then I thought about it a little more.
I definitely care about what you guys think. I love talking to you, reading your emails and checking out your resumes. But I understand that not everyone is going to like me. I guess that’s just part of blogging.
Second, I was disappointed these Gen Y readers were so narrow minded. I thought we were the generation that believes, “we can achieve anything we desire to in our careers!” I thought we were part of the generation who encouraged starting businesses from dorm rooms and turning them into something great. We are an entrepreneurial generation, yet these readers criticized me for it.
Lastly, since when do I need medals of honor and accolades to write about rocking your career as a young professional? Really guys?
I believe that in many cases, self-education is the best education. My family is living proof of this theory.
I am living what I write about. I work in Corporate America- and I love it. I wear a lot of pink and I work in finance. I wake up at 5am to write about what I love- for FREE- before going to work. It is in my DNA to network every day. I pack a hell of a lot into my day because I have a ton of energy. Not to mention all of the career books, coffee dates, emails with career authors and podcasts I devour. If that’s not enough, than so be it.
Accepting your own oddities may be the best thing you can do for your personal brand. After talking about this with my publisher last night and accepting that “it is what it is,” I felt a huge relief. When I worked on my manuscript this morning at 5am, I started writing it with much more spunk. I cut out boring sections, I re-named all of the chapters and I used more daring examples to illustrate my points.
It really feels good to be me.
In conclusion, thanks to the loyal readers who have stuck around. Thanks for those who have accepted my odd “passion” (I don’t love using that word) of everything career-related.
If you have something you love to do, go for it. Who cares if it’s normal. Who cares what other people say. I know, easier said than done, but at the end of the day you are the one that has to look back with no regrets.
Get the inside scoop on opportunities, communities, products and events we think you'll love. Sign up by entering your email:
If anyone can relate to where you're at in your career, it's Nicole Crimaldi: Nicole spent 5 years in corporate America, switched career paths, worked at a start-up, survived a layoff and is now self-employed. Nicole believes that career satisfaction is a huge part of overall happiness. Therefore, she started Ms. Career Girl to help other women get off the treadmill and onto a more fulfilling path.
{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Nicole:
What a lovely post! You definitely are an inspiration to job seekers and those like me who are trying to refresh an idendity via a blog. Someday, my blog will be so successful, that maybe I will get negative comments too!
People will stop being snarky with you as soon as you stop acting like you know what you’re talking about.
Please elaborate?
I think criticism is the first sign of success! The word “expert” is overused and tired! You speak from your personal experience. You connect with people and understand whats going on. I don’t believe you need an masters in anything to be successful in life. Using your time effectively, following your “passion” and inspiring others to do the same is what its all about. I applaud you, and I say bring it on haters! We all have the choice to consume whatever media we want. If you don’t like it- don’t read it!
Hey Nicole ~ If they can’t join the party who the *F cares! I enjoy your blog….everyone is toting themselves as an expert these days…what does that really mean anyway? It’s not like your giving legal or medical advice…you are an expert in your experiences and that’s what you are sharing with us. I agree with you Self-education is the best education. I enjoy reading your blog. I like the fact that you bring fun and color into the career world…black and grays are SO BORING and SO Yesterday. Keep up the good work and let your HATERS be your MOTIVATORS!!
“The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” Oscar Wilde.
Angela,
I like your spunk! I think we would get along well!
Yes, there is a lot of grey in the career space. And there are soooo many “career experts” who don’t even live the daily life of a real career person. I’m simply a voice for other twentysomething women who are going through the same things I am. In the meantime my hope is to help them kick a** at work and in their job search.
Thanks for commenting!
NC
AMEN sister! I enjoy your posts, and I keep them all in the back of my mind for when I make my next big career move!
Thanks lady! Glad you like them! Thanks for always leaving comments too!
Hey Nicole, you may want to check out author Tim Ferris’s blog (if you havent already done so) to get a feel for how he deals with a lot of detractors. He gets a lot of people saying similar things and for the most part his policy is just to ignore it. Also, if one commentor gets nasty to another commentor he boots ‘em. His philosophy is that his site is to share ideas and have constructive discussion, not to bash anyone.
There are plenty of people with a lot of free time and just as much nasty stuff going on in their lives. Harder said than done but just let it roll off.
Good luck.
OB
Yes, I heart Tim Ferris, his blog and have listened to many podcasts with him. His concept is also contraversial- he wrote “The 4 Hour Work Week” for those of you who don’t know him.
I think coming on to someone’s blog and commenting is similiar to coming into someones home: you can disagree as much as you want, but show respect.
Yeah I think this whole thing actually supercharged me.
Thanks OB!
Nicole,
Not to liken you to Howard Stern, but I remember one thing about his movie and that was “This guy gets as many people listening to him because they hate him as he does because they love him.” So, you might be on the verge of fame
. Now on to some reasonable comments. I’ve been down the road of criticism as a blogger. The bigger your audience gets, the more like you are to face some harsh critics. Every now and then, someone appears on Dumb Little Man who decides to rip my post to shreds. It amuses me because its’ a guy who doesn’t leave an email address, has no blog, and is clearly bitter. I started another site called 100 Reasons you should hire me, a huge failure. I got ripped a new one on Brazen Careerist for this site. It’s just part of what we deal with. It’s much easier to sit back and be a critic then it is take action. When you start to challenge the status quo, the naysayers seem to come out of the woodworks. I got alot of flack for quitting a job I hated after two weeks, since it took me 6 months to find it. Today, those naysayers have been silenced 
. So keep doing what you’re doing. No medals, no degrees, or no Masters in Bullshit Administration is going to change any of that. I should know, I just spent 150k on my MBA 
.
Srini-
Love it! A “Masters in Bullshit Administration” haha.
Yes, the more I think about it, you are quite a contraversial man. Kudos to you! I have loved following your activity online and your career since we first chatted a few months ago. I have no doubt you will do great things. And it’s probably because you’re taking the road less traveled, which you happen to enjoy.
You’re right, they never leave a legit email address. For example “susie@susie.com” above.
Nicole
Haha. Any the lady silhouette when I post here is very nice by the way.
haha if you register for a free wordpress account, you can load your own picture in which will come up when you comment
It’s funny because I do work in the professional services world that centers around talent, and you’re more spot on than most. I think if you get critics in our age group about the Master’s thing, the hard part is you may have years of experience to back up what you say…not everyone who’s been in school for 6-8 years can. It’s just a timing issue. And beyond that, it also depends on where the experts get their experience. I think you’re totally honest about your own, but I see where there are experts in business who’ve never learned how to read a balance sheet. That’s just wrong. Keep it up, we love you!
I’m inspired to say, “you go girl!” as I sit here in my pink sweater, guzzling coffee to keep moving the same frantic way you do. This is actually inspiring me to stop reading your blog and get back to focusing on my work!
Coffee and pink are a must- they are both energizers (in my opinion). Good luck getting all your stuff done!
Nicole, let your haters be motivators! Like some people said above, when you’re talked about that means your succeeding! People don’t talk smack to people who they are not jealous of.
So keep doing what you are doing, if some don’t like it….guess what? they don’t have to tune in. It seems like instead of praising and encouraging other woman , some woman get caught up in the negative and they to bring others down with them. Honestly, what happened to..if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all?? Btw, all successful bloggers that I know have hateful comments they have to deal with.
Plus, does a masters really prove you are the ultimate expert on a subject? I beg to differ. Some people think sitting in a classroom is the best education, but I would much rather learn from someone who has experience in the field they are talking about and are living it day to day. We can sit and learn all we want, but getting out there is what matters to me.
The haters will come out of the woodwork the more success you see. Just don’t try to pretend to be someone you’re not (you don’t do this, just don’t fall into that trap). There are some who are still in the old school train of thought that if it’s not on your resume you’re not qualified to speak about it – but this is more and more becoming just that, an old school, outdated way of thinking. In today’s world – self education is huge, and you can be anything you want to be if you have the desire to become that. Keep learning, keep growing, and keeping doing what you do.
You’re an inspiration for a lot of people and you have an incredible attitude that is contagious. Negativity is NOT sustainable – it won’t last – it will come and go, come again then fade away. As long as you are staying positive and you “own” where you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you are going to accomplish, you’re set.
It’s going to be a fun ride, I’m thrilled as hell to have a front row seat as you continue your journey. We’re going to make some big things happen individually and together.
Don’t let the haters get you down girl. They obviously have anger issues. I think the advice you offer is great and it doesn’t matter that you don’t work in HR or have an MA in HR. You have other credentials to back up what you say like real-life experiences. This morning I was listening to KIIS and a girl called to ask Ryan Seacrest for relationship advice. Now, Ryan Seacrest does not have a Master’s degree in relationships but he offered her great advice, nonetheless.
I love that picture of the pink heart, it would make a really cute ring.
Aimee,
If you like that pic, you’d love these cufflinks: http://bit.ly/9vppOh. Naturally I have these and they are my fav.
Very true, very true! Oh Ryan Seacrest…
PS- I always love our emails. I’m using your 1st email to me and the story about how you landed your current job in the book.
Nicole
I agree with everyone else! Take those negative comments as a sign of success! As a young person preparing to graduate and start my career, your blog and commitment to reaching out to others has truly helped me. It’s a big, intimidating world out there and it’s so nice to find someone who cares about bridging that gap and can offer truthful, realistic information. I think it’s amazing what you do and I’m so glad that you can realize that! Thank you for all you’ve done to help me in my career search (and screw those who don’t agree)! You are wonderful at what you do!
Joette! Thanks for all of the compliments! I’m glad I have helped you in some way. If you want me to look over your resume or talk about your search, email me anytime: nicole@mscareergirl.com.
Thank you for reading
Nicole
We live in a world where anybody can be an “expert” on anything. Dozens of “social media” conferences happen all year long, with hundreds of “experts” and “professionals” and hacks speaking about topics they’re clueless about. They have no experience to back it up, no case studies to demonstrate, and no evidence whatsoever to justify them being on that stage.
With a world like that, you’re bound to get some initial criticism and questions, as people will seek to differentiate you from the thousands of other twenty-something-career-girls out there. As long as you have proof to back your story up, then you’re fine. Forget the naysayers. But if you’re full of fluff, then you’re right to be scared.
That being said, having naysayers is just as important as having fans. Because it means you’re creating impact. If nobody’s taking the time out of their routine to approach you and disagree with you, then you’re not making a big enough of a difference.
It appears you might be…
You know what I say. F*** the naysayers and do what you believe in and are passionate about! I think you are awesome!
I would also love for “Susie” to elaborate. It so easy to throw jabs but you should be able to back them up.
Thano
And THIS is the man I am madly in love with.
The emails suggested that I was somehow being fraudulent to my readers because I don’t have a masters in Human Resources, I don’t work in HR and I’m not a recruiter by day. Side note: I never claimed to be a career expert.
This is the expertise fallacy. It’s bogus. On this topic, if you haven’t yet read this book review, I think you may enjoy it.
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/12/05/051205crbo_books1
Kudos to you for looking past the criticism! I am a firm believer that you can become an “expert” in your chosen field, without the official training or job title to back it up. Sometimes the ones with real life experience are the true “experts”. There are a lot of extremely successful people out there who were self-educated, just by getting out there and living it (just a short Google search turned up the likes of Richard Branson, Simon Cowell, Coco Chanel, Walt Disney – none of whom went to college for their area of “expertise”).
Keep doing you, Ms. Nicole. The haters are there to show that you’re doing something right. This quote I found the other day gives me much courage. Hope it encourages you too.
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” (it’s credited to Theodore Roosevelt)
Hey Nicole,
First of all, thanks for the shout out. I don’t think people would read this blog – or reach out to you on new projects – if you weren’t doing something right. The career space is crowded and you have a compelling, unique voice. I love how you “live out loud” here. It’s a brave, and inspiring, thing to do.
Second, I see a lot of this type of thing too. We can talk more in person but the bottom line is that there are way more critics than there are creators. By that I mean it’s easier to sit on the sidelines and judge than it is to roll up your sleeves, jump in, and contribute.
Chin up. If they’re paying attention to what you’re doing, you’ve won already.
This is something that I have to continually remind myself of – that it is much easier to be a critic than it is to..well, actually do something. Which means there are a TON of critics and very few people actually making things happen – but the one unanimous thing that you see is that the people who are sitting on the sideline is that they’re success is limited, they come and go and fade away. But the people who are focusing on themselves, focusing on “ME” instead of everyone else are the one’s who make waves.
Nicole’s said nothing but good things about you Emily. Hope you and I will chat one of these days.
“But the people who are focusing on themselves, focusing on “ME” instead of everyone else are the one’s who make waves. ”
Not sure “ME, ME, ME” is always the answer.
I think what Matt means is not to let other peoples’ criticisms ruin your focus. In other words, I can one can spend their day on Twitter getting into social spats or instead shut it down and focus on writing books (or achieving whatever work they desire).
Exactly.
“Chin up. If they’re paying attention to what you’re doing, you’ve won already.”
Bingo.
Just stay true to what you believe in and what you feel is right – you’re not writing to please everyone and that’s all that matters! Much success to you…
This writing is DEFINITELY not for everyone
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Nicole
Rock on witchya bad self, Nicole.
“The silence of the envious is too noisy.” – Kahlil Gibran.
Good thing the envious are not silent in this case. Let them air their envy. Like Emily implied above, you are a creator (and my guess is that some may be envious of your ability to create). Grow from here and continue creating.
Hi Nicole!
I’m a little late to this post’s party, but I wanted to say: YOU ARE FABULOUS! You have a fresh, fun perspective on careers, job searches, life, etc and you ADD positive, wonderful things to the conversation. The trolls are jealous because you’re here and you’re having FUN, and they aren’t. So please delete their comments, because people like me don’t come here to read what the fugly trolls have to say, we come here to read what YOU have to say, gorgeous girl!
Much Love,
Holly
Cheers pal. I do appreciate the wirntig.