Mr. Gilbertie wrote that strange combination of letters on the dry erase board in micro-economics class one day and posed the question, "Any one know what that means?" Then he curled his lips into a wry smile partially obscured by his magnificent mustache, "Anyone?" We students sat in silence knowing that he was about to explain a new concept that we would be tested on in some formidable pop quiz. "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch". In my head I caught myself thinking, "Ain't ain't a word!" Mr. Gilbertie, oblivious to his egregious grammatical error, proceeded to explain success, work ethic and various other life principles that were always woven into his lessons about supply and demand graphs, capitalism and Adam Smith.
In that classroom, I connected with that acronym. I was very blessed growing up, my parents and grandparents were of the old school variety, valuing hard work and the good old fashioned tenacity of the American Spirit. I felt like I understood TANSTAAFL. Since that day in economics class, it has become apparent that I did not really understand it as well I as I thought. I assumed that because this acronym was used in economics class, it pertained to money. Somewhere, the connection of TANSTAAFL to life was disrupted.
This topic came up in the last few days because I applied for a position at work that will be coming available soon. The last time I filled out a resume was when I applied for this job nearly four years ago. So I asked a few other guys I work with, who are also applying for said position, if I could take a look at their resumes to get some ideas on formatting and what is important to include.
One look at those resumes and I knew that my chances of getting this position were greatly diminished. On paper, these guys blow me out of the water. In person and actual quality of work, I think the playing field is much more even. Unfortunately, I think this position will go to the person with the most lines on his/her resume and the most time on the job. Meaning I do not think I really stand a chance, but I applied anyway.
After realizing how lame my resume appears and how much time I have left in my career, I decided that now is the time to start pursuing some things. A phone call to a person who was very influential in my life for about 6 months, a talk with a supervisor about a few things, and TANSTAAFL popped into my head.
There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.
If I want to try some other things out in my career, if I want some specialized training, if I want to improve my work quality, no one else is going to give it to me. I have to step up and volunteer for things. I have to work a little extra to pursue training on my own. I have to put myself in positions in order to make a difference and become "known". That's how I get what I want out of this career. Nobody is going to give me a damn thing. No Free Lunch! If I want it, I'll ask for it. If that doesn't work, I'll demand it. Still not enough? I'll show you why your making a big mistake for not giving it to me.
I'm coming to get my lunch.
Do work son.
-dg
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