It’s been a while since we’ve had a guest post in the advice series. This post was contributed by Dorie Morgan, who blogs regularyly about navigating twenty-something suburban life.

I recently had the pleasure of applying for a new position within my company. And by pleasure, what I really mean is a brutally nerve wracking experience. The day before my interview for the position, I realized that not only did I have a five hour interview ahead of me but my five hours of interview fun were being crammed into one day, instead of the usual 2 to 3 day process. It was going to be a rough Wednesday.

The other tough part about this interview was that I was being interviewed by people that I have worked with day in and day out for a year and a half. Two of the interviewers were even hired after me. At first I thought that this could be a good thing. It would be a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere, they already know my work habits and they all have so much on their plates right now that it was possible that the interview could take less than its allotted time.

Wait a minute. They already know my work habits. Good, bad or neurotic, there was no hiding from that now.

These are the people who watched me turn a donut into a Voodoo Doll last spring and leave it on a coworker’s desk because I was tired of him leaving have eaten food on the break room table. FYI: You can write on a powered sugar donut with an ultra fine tip sharpie but a thicker tip will clog with sugar much faster.

These are the people who know about my neurotic tendencies when it comes to creating systems of organization. They’ve seen my FranklinCovey planning system and know that it not only comes with me everywhere but is color coded by event.

But, these are also the people who know that I frequently come in on a Saturday morning to clear away nagging projects that I don’t want to think about at the beginning of the next work week (I like my Monday mornings to be fresh, clean and pretty).

Who I am as a colleague and as a person were already out there on the table for my interviewers to experience.

Fortunately, no one asked me about the now infamous Voodoo Donut but they did ask me about how I developed my complex color coded planning system. It was still an exhausting day and I wouldn’t want to repeat it anytime soon. The upside to it all is that some of my colleagues now have a better idea of who I am and what it is I really do.

I still haven’t heard if I will be offered the position but right now, I don’t think I have anything to worry about.

One of the things that I love most about guest posts is that I’m able to have advice on topics that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to have input about. I have personally never had an internal interview. Have you? Was your experience similar to Dorie’s?

Did you know that women (on average) earn 77 cents for every man’s dollar? Or that showing cleavage at work can affect your career? I’m still convinced that the internet can solve almost any problem and obviously is a great source of knowledge. The downfall that I know of to the internet’s great span of information is that it’s not always easy to find information that’s applicable to directly to us twentysomethings. This is why I like to have round-ups fairly regularly. I follow a number of informational resources and I’m always wanting to share my findings with my fellow GenPinkers.

Looking Back - Things I Wish I Had Known When I Was 18

Just because you can pay the minimum doesn’t mean you can afford the balance. It took me years to figure that out. For a long time I was a creditor’s dream come true. I carried a large balance on my credit cards, and faithfully paid the minimum balance by the due date every month. I thought I was doing great, because my credit score was great. I never thought to add up all the interest I was paying on my purchases.

What Are the Best Jobs for College Graduates Today?

To all graduates and all other twentysomethings who don’t know what you want to be when you grow up (myself included): follow your dreams, but find a career that pays well and has long term growth prospects. The more money you make, and the more secure a job you hold, the more time and freedom you will have to pursue your life outside of work. In today’s rapidly changing and uncertain economy, what fields are best?

6 Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

Twenty and thirty-somethings have more flexibility when it comes to test-driving different careers. The process of self-discovery is much easier when you’re unencumbered by family responsibilities and substantial financial burdens, and when you haven’t yet reached a level in a career where it’s tougher to turn back.

Life After School: Advice for New Graduates

“You’ve got to find your passion,” Celia says. “I changed my major six times. That’s okay. Everything you do leads you to the person you’re becoming. As long as you have some goals, you’ll be fine.”

Celia stressed that it’s important to think about the sort of life you want to live. Some of what she said reminded me of Tim Ferriss’ notion of lifestyle design, building your life and career around what you want to do.

Men Earn in Nine Months What You Earn in a Year

The gender pay gap is definitely not a thing of the past — the 77 cents that women make for every man’s dollar in this country is a sure sign that gender inequality continues to plague the workplace. To put things in perspective, men make the equivalent of a woman’s yearly salary by the time the first of September rolls around.

Cleavage Could be Asking For Trouble When Colleagues Are Involved

The WSJ article called "Risky Business: Décolletage At a Work Dinner" tells us that for a businesswoman, "There’s no greater crime than to show cleavage." Jonscott Turco, a psychologist and consultant with Partners In Human Resources International, commented in the article saying, "They’re thinking it’s an empowering thing that they can be sexy and professional, but guys don’t see it that way. If she’s dressed sexy, that’s all they see."

Have some great resources you’d like to share for twentysomethings of twenty-something women specifically? Send it to for:elysa on del.icio.us.

There are a few people who I would consider to be big names in writing specifically about Gen Y, Rebecca Thorman is one of those names. On her blog Modite, Rebecca gives advice to "navigate beyond the line of work and play." Rebecca will be sharing her career advice today on a topic that is an issue for many twentysomethings — wage (as in salary).

This guest post was written by Rebecca Thorman, author of the blog Modite, which as been featured in several media outlets including the New York Times as the key community for Generation Y leadership

My first job out of college paid me $26,250/yr. It was the most ridiculous salary. I thought it didn’t matter because I would love what I was doing. Instead, I did the dirty work. Really.

Unbeknownst to me, we did a lot of deconstruction projects. That means we tore down buildings in such a way as to reduce, reuse and recycle what would have otherwise gone in the trash. One of our projects was deconstructing an old hospital so that a developer could put up a trendy condo development. I was in charge. I supervised day laborers wearing heavy work boots to avoid the old syringes, balled-up hospital gowns and other items from the hospital of horrors that lay on the dust-infested floor. Walking through the corridors, rooms that had been closed off from fresh air and light for months gave off a particularly interesting smell.

Oh, how I hated it. I hated every single second of it. There’s no way I’m getting paid enough for this, I thought, day after day. They could never pay me enough for this.

And therein began the downward spiral into complete job meltdown. Before I knew it, I could barely get up in the morning.

Money isn’t everything, but I think money in a job is a lot like sex in a relationship. It’s an indicator of deeper issues. If you get too much in the beginning, things may turn out to be meaningless later. If you’re not getting enough of it, things may turn into one big mess of frustration and anger.

The people who say money doesn’t matter are wrong. So, soon I began a new job where I received more money, more benefits, and was much happier. Soon after that, I started my current position making more money and became even happier.

That’s because money can’t buy you happiness, but the two seem to be inextricably linked, so as one rises or falls, the other follows suit.

Recently, with my newfound money and happiness, I bought one of those trendy condos that the developer was building in place of that old hospital. They’ll finish it and I’ll move in sometime in June. And that is one of the most satisfying circles of fate ever.

I always love when a good circle of fate comes about. There are people who stay in jobs they hate because the money is good and there are those who leave otherwise good jobs because the pay is not enough. The goal is, at least for me, to have a job that satisfies me and pays well.

One of my favorite parts of running this ABC series has been choosing the guest writers for each post. When I decided to have R be for Relationship, I knew I wanted someone who could write about all aspects of relationships - family, friends, work, as well as dating. The first definition of the term relationship is usually linked to romantic relationship. We already had a post about dating, so I was wanting this post to cover a broader range. The person that I chose to write this post is Erica of Five Blondes, a blog written by Erica and her 4 blonde sisters. When I wrote to her asking if she’d like to participate this was my logic "I figure someone with 4 sisters knows about creating relationships with people."

This guest post was written by Erica, who blogs regularly along with her 4 blonde sisters at Five Blondes.

It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.
Have you ever heard that?
I’m here to tell you that it’s completely true. My life is a testament to the fact! My job, my apartment, my fiance…none of these things would even exist if it hadn’t been for friends and family. Relationships help you get ahead in life, and can give your life structure and meaning. I would feel lost without my friends and family - wouldn’t you?

Although I’m only 25, I’ve known my boss for over 14 years (and we’re the same age!). How is that possible? We met in the fifth grade, both new students at a music school. We quickly became friends and remained close throughout elementary school and high school. We drifted apart a little after she got married and began her family - at the same time, she was starting a business with her husband. Just over a year ago, I noticed that their company was hiring. Feeling unchallenged by my call centre job, I thought to myself "it’s who you know!" Thanks to my longtime relationship with my friend, today I have a job I love and new relationships with great co-workers and clients.

Since turning 20, I’ve found that it has been easier to identify what relationships in my life are the most meaningful. I’ve traveled across the country and back and held nearly a dozen different jobs. My friends from high school have spread out across the country, making getting together a rare occasion. But the people who truly care about me are the ones I just can’t seem to get rid of - in the best way possible! They’re the friends who send notes every once in a while just to say hi. The cousins I see only once a year - but when I do see them, it feels like we were never apart. It is said that true friends are hard to find - I also think they’re hard to lose.

When it comes to your relationships with your family members, it might take a long time for you to recognize the true value in them. As is normal when siblings are growing up, my sisters and I fought. A lot. It wasn’t until they began moving away from home for university and for their own twenty-something adventures that I realized just how special they are to me, and how important it is for them to be a part of my life. Like fine wine, relationships only get better with age - I can’t wait for the future!

i·den·ti·ty
–noun
1. The collective aspect of the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognizable or known.
2. The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality.

The struggle of finding who you are is very common in your twenties. Trying to fit into the career world is a big part of figuring out who we are. For many twentysomethings their career becomes their identity. This is why choosing a career, or making a career change, can be so stressful. Your twenties are the time that you decide who you want to be and who you want to become.

Penelope Trunk frequently writes about finding yourself and how that can affect your success in career. I am honored to have Penelope share her wisdom with us GenPinkers.

This guest post was written by Penelope Trunk, a career columnist at the Boston Globe, who provides advice at the intersection of work and life on her blog Brazen Careerist.

I learn the most about identity when I’m lost and I have to make a tough career decisions. Here’s the first time it happened:

When I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to play professional beach volleyball, but I was actually in Chicago, being a bike messenger in the snow, and I had no idea how I was going to get enough money to get to Los Angeles.

So I answered an ad someone ran for posing nude. I thought I could do it and get enough cash to get to LA. I went to the guy’s apartment. Insane, right? You are thinking this was not a safe move. I know. But I was young and sheltered, and I had never been faced with the problem of not having money.

I knocked.

The guy opened his door, and while I was still standing in his hallway he said, "Nice legs. But I can look at you and see this isn’t going to work."

I said, "Huh?"

"Well. What can you do? You can’t just stand there. That won’t work."

"What should I do?"

"See. I told you this won’t work."

He told me to stand on my toes and toss my hair.

I couldn’t do it.

He told me to practice and then come back.

On my way home, I thought. "That guy sucks. And I should be in Playboy. In the centerfold. I could do a great job at the written interview."

But by the time I got home, I was thinking how stupid it would be to spend my time figuring out how to get into nude modeling. That is only a stop-gap measure. Not a long-term way to make a living.

And I asked myself why I was doing that? Why wasn’t I doing something I’d be more proud of? I realized that the ways I choose to make money reflect who I am and how I see myself, and I need to start seeing myself as smart and clever. I always knew I was smart, but I didn’t present myself that way in the world.

That’s the moment I decided to switch. It seems obvious in hindsight, right? Of course getting paid to be smart is better than getting paid to be naked because it’s getting paid to be who I really am inside.

But we each struggle with this constantly, throughout our careers. How to figure out who we are inside and what career will be right for how we see ourselves now. It’s a constantly shifting alliance — what is our identity and what is the career that will reflect that.

Don’t be so arrogant as to think you do not consider such mismatched career moves for yourself as my nude modeling was for me. It’s very hard to find what career honors our identity. Identity changes as life changes And it’s hard to know what’s true to us at any given point. It takes a lot of vigilance and honesty and a willingness to shift when we’re totally off base.

I am currently in the state of making a career decision that has definitely made me question how my career defines my identity. My biggest take away from Penelope’s words of wisdom are remembering to have a willingness to shift.

Does anyone else find it strange that I am about to go to my company Thanksgiving party that spouses are not invited to? Not that I have a spouse Even though I have no spouse it still bothers me that spouses can’t come to a company party that employees are expected to show up to. Did I mention that clients are invited and that about 500 people show up to this party every year?

This is bumping up against my gen y beliefs of balancing work and family life. One of the fellow designers is married and has 2 kids. I don’t see why a company Thanksgiving party wouldn’t be the perfect opportunity for her to enjoy both work and family at the same time. I spend 40+ hours a week with these people I think it would be nice to get to know the important people in their lives.

Anyways, stepping off my soap box now and headed down with my CO-WORKERS to said party.

I learned a new word today … knackered.

Knackered = buggered = stuffed = tired - alyndabear

That pretty much sums up how I feel today.

Since I’ve had a few people asking … yes I did end up going out last night for Halloween. I had fun, there was dancing and lots of laughing. Today on the other hand is not so much fun. I am not quite sure how I used to go out all the time and then go to class all day. I will tell you that sitting at computer all day is not fun when you’ve had 5 hours of sleep.

This has been my saving grace …

Have you ever had these crazy Monster Energy drinks? They make me feel hyper and drunk.

Fridays are usually reserved for fun times around here but I wanted to point you guys in the direction of a great resource my friend Andrea wrote. And by friend I do mean real-life-in-person-friend. We have known each other since we were weee ones.

Andrea’s post How to land THE Job of your Dreams is a great follow up to yesterday’s Twenty Something Advice: Is it time for a job change?.

A friend emailed me recently asking for my advice about her current job situation. Instead of writing her back privately I decided this would be a great post for our twenty something advice series. I am posting her question, with some details changed, along with my advice and I would love input from you as well.

Her question is should I stay or should I start looking for other jobs where I will have guaranteed advancement and more challenging creative projects?

Here’s some background:
I work as a “Graphic Artist” at a XYZ company, I’ve been there for about a year and half. There is only one other designer in the department and she just got promoted to Design Services Supervisor, they didn’t give her a Manager title so that they wouldn’t have to pay her as much. Her recent promotion made me realize that this job might not be as nice as I thought initially. Her promotion didn’t put her above me so I still technically report to the Sr. Director of Marketing Communications (she’s a total micro manager … worst-people-skills-I-have-ever-seen kind of boss). BUT the boss doesn’t want to deal with me, or anyone else, so she asks the other design girl to review some of my work, but then the other girl has to get approval from the boss. It’s a circus.

The boss doesn’t hate me, but she’d also rather we never spoke. She doesn’t even say hi to me and either cancels my one-on-one meeting with her or just doesn’t show up. She’s the only director who doesn’t hold staff meetings, so our entire team is always in the dark. It’s amazing that we get everything done on time with absolutely no direction.

Other bad parts:

I feel like I have lost all of the innovative design skills I learned from art school because I do the same thing over and over again. It’s always the same style because 99% of our work is conservative, only occasionally do I get to design something a little bit different for special events.

The good:

· I get to create custom illustrations, 4 a year (wish it was more). The other design girl and I have created two issues of a magazine … because they wanted to leverage my illustration skills. And the girl and I have complete creative control on the look and feel. We design the whole thing, pick all the photos, create all the ads, and work with the vendor to get it published.

· I have my own office, the location of our headquarters is breathtaking (on the lake), I have stocks and the company is still private which means I’ll (hopefully) make a good amount of $ if/when we go public, the benefits are great, the pay is decent, most of our is around my age and fun to work with.

So here’s my question:

Should I stay or should I start looking for other jobs where I will have guaranteed advancement and more challenging creative projects? Have you had experience working in a corporate environment? My boyfriend works at a very good advertising agency and a job there sounds like heaven compared to where I am. But I know no company is perfect, and there will be difficult people everywhere. So I am torn.

So here is my advice in a nutshell … trust your instincts. I am a firm believer in doing what feels right for you. I can sit and weigh your options for you and say that it sounds like you have more bad than good but if you are learning something, enjoying yourself or don’t feel like you are quite ready to make a change then I say stay, at least for now. We are beyond the days of growing old with a company, but that also doesn’t mean you need to change jobs just for the sake of changing.

I am a list maker so I like to make lists to help me make decisions. For me I’d put creativity pretty high up on the "ideal job list". If you made a list of everything you’d want in your perfect job and compared it to your current job, where would you end up? Is your current job leading you down the right path or steering you in the opposite direction?

If you feel like you are ready to make a change I would start by checking out your options. I would definitely make sure that you are making a move up and not lateral. An upward move can manifest in many different ways including financially, a move on the career path, adding more creativity, flexibility, etc. Again, what’s important to you is what matters most. Though a great view is a nice perk it’s not a selling point for me to stay at a job that I don’t like.

I do know that not every job is perfect and some people completely hate their job. So I am not saying that you are going to get that ideal job on your list but it’s important to know if you are settling for something that’s not aligned to your ultimate goals at all.

In order to keep from driving yourself crazy making this decision I recommend that people make a decision and set a time limit for when that decision will be reevaluated. For example, let’s say you think eventually you would like to find a new job but for now you will stay at XYZ Company. My suggestion would be that you decide a date to reevaluate this decision - December 1st for example. That would mean for the month of November don’t even allow yourself to question back and forth should I stay or should I go. Your decision is not permanent, you are just deciding for now this is the decision I am making. Constantly second guessing yourself and your decisions creates unnecessary stress and angst.

I’d love to know what you guys think. And to the person who wrote me this you are welcome to comment anonymously if you like.

Photo Credit: lynnmwillis

I have been doing a lot of thinking and discussing our generation’s desire for a work/life balance. I am on a constant search for the right balance of business and personal life. In this moment I have decided maybe it isn’t balance we should be working to achieve. I think we need to work on our juggling skills.

At any given time I am juggling:
my career, spending quality time with my fiancé, keeping up with my friends from college, spending time with my family, building my freelance business, a continual search of knowledge, learning to cook, budgeting, having fun time, blogging, and wedding planning.

In response to Tiffany’s post A Generation of Paradox. I wrote that one of my biggest issues is learning how to deal with separate areas of my life.

I think it is ok to love cooking and also ok to love your job but when you spend your cooking time thinking that you should be working then really you don’t get to enjoy either aspect.

Do you think that learning to balance/juggle (whatever you want to call it) is a generational thing? Or do you think that is something everyone goes through at this particular stage in life.

It’s hard to say for me, because I don’t have much to compare to. I would imagine that when my mom was first out of college and recently married she struggled to find time for everything. I think probably that our generation has taken on a little more than those before us so we are dealing with the same juggling issue but we just have more balls up in the air at once. It is not uncommon for Gen Yers to have a full time job as well as do some sort of freelancing on the side.

What do you think? How do you juggle your life?