Loyalty vs. Layoffs

I already have an offer for a summer job, but it entails getting up early and riding the metro to work. After the recent rape cases in and around the city, I'm really concerned about being outside alone at 6 am. So at the bank yesterday, I was quite happy when the teller began to recruit me on the spot. She was a lovely person, and she noticed from my information that I have some experience in the financial services sector.

Today I received a call from the HR manager at the bank.

"That's an interesting combination", she said about my study and work experience, "Perhaps it could lead you to X direction."

"Interesting" was most likely code for "I'm confused, where is this leading to?" But does it matter? You guys have a labor shortage, I can sell you hours, I'm not half bad, so it might just work.

When she asked me about my future plans, I candidly said there is no five-year plan (I stopped making them about five and half years ago when I literally saw with my own eyes how life can change in an instant.) It doesn't mean I'm not focused, it just means I'm less stressed out and much happier (that I didn't say.)

I also implied that ten years ago I used to have five-year plans, and I followed through meticulously. And let's say I do have some plans -- would I share something so personal with a human resources manager I have never actually sat down with? My five-year plan includes more than just work. (Hint: one of these days I swear I will get that dog!)

Presumably, it sounded as if she hoped to hear that I was really interested in building a career with this company and very excited about the opportunity. What I'm saying is, in my book that would sort of be akin to meeting someone on the subway and on the following day telling him I'm in love (and that, my friends, would make me a bit kooky -- and not just a little bit.)

Anyhow, when I hung up, it occurred to me that more often than not, it seems a candidate is expected to show an insincere degree of interest and loyalty from the get go ("I don't know who I'll be working with or what I'll be working on or where, but YES, I would LOVE to work for you!"), while knowing that many profitable businesses return neither their loyalty nor their affection, but lay people off without so much as an explanation.

No wonder many people are feeling sick of it. Geez, it's just work!

I swear, if they ask me where I see myself in five years, I will thank them for their time and go outside into the sunshine. And take that metro ride in the a.m.