When I got my first full-time job after high school, I received some conflicting advice.
The first was that I should dress and act like I was my manager, or whatever other position I wanted to ultimately have in the company. The second piece of advice was that if you were hired as a menial worker, that is how the powers-that-be would always see you. Guess which was more accurate for me?
I earned an Associate's Degree, a Bachelor's and a certificate in sign language while I worked for that company and the end result? After five years, I was still a records clerk and I still made less than anyone else there, without ever getting a title change or more than a 3% raise. I got more responsibility, but none of the benefits.
It can be difficult to break out of first impressions, not just with employment, but in social circles, too. If you're known as the party girl, or the funny guy, people almost seem disappointed if you're feeling anti-social or depressed.
So, what do you do to encourage others to see you in a new light?
