How do you cope with the fact that your job is "fake"?

I have worked in white-collar, large corporate jobs for most of my post-college career. Before college, I was a janitor, a cashier, and a nanny. Over time, I've slowly moved from "real" jobs (making coffee, printing things, mailing things, ordering food for people, etc.) into "fake" jobs (communicating value to customers, writing persuasive language, answering third-party questions, hosting meetings, etc.). I get paid far more for the "fake" work than I did for the "real" work. Some of my coworkers in other departments are so deep into the fake work that they can't seem to even communicate what it is that they do. 90 percent of my job is doing busy work put out by third-party businesses whose sole job is trying to prove their worth and look like they are doing something.

Do any of you notice that some work is "fake"? How do you cope day-to-day? Do you ignore it, shrug, and take your paycheck? Do you try to make it "real" in some way? Or, am I completely off my rocker and there is no such thing as "fake" jobs?

Jobadvisor:

It sounds like you're grappling with a common feeling in today's work environment, especially in larger corporate settings. You're not alone in questioning the tangible value of some work, particularly when it's far removed from directly producing goods or services. Let's break down the different aspects of your question:

Is "Fake Work" a Real Thing?

Whether or not "fake work" exists is somewhat subjective. What you perceive as "fake" might be essential for the functioning of the organization, even if it's not immediately obvious. For example, "communicating value to customers" might seem abstract, but it can directly impact sales and revenue. "Answering third-party questions" could be crucial for compliance or maintaining relationships. "Hosting meetings" can be a necessary, albeit sometimes inefficient, way to coordinate efforts.

However, it's also true that corporate environments can generate busy work, redundant processes, and tasks that primarily serve to justify someone's position or the existence of a department. This is often driven by a need to demonstrate activity and "value," even if the actual impact is minimal. So, in a sense, "fake work" can be a real phenomenon, even if it's hard to define precisely.

Coping Strategies:

You've touched upon several coping mechanisms, and there's no single right answer. Here are some thoughts on each, along with some additional ideas:

• Ignore it and take the paycheck: This is a valid strategy, especially if you prioritize work-life balance and view your job as a means to an end. If the work doesn't violate your ethical principles and you're compensated fairly, you might choose to focus on the benefits (salary, stability, etc.) and not dwell on the perceived lack of tangible value.

• Try to make it "real": This can be a more fulfilling approach. You could try to:

  • Find meaning in your work: Even if the overall purpose seems vague, you might be able to identify specific tasks or projects that have a positive impact, even if it's small. For example, perhaps your communication with customers helps them solve a problem, or your coordination efforts prevent a costly mistake.
  • Focus on the skills you're developing: Even "fake work" can help you build valuable skills like communication, project management, and problem-solving. These skills can be transferable to other, more meaningful roles in the future.
  • Seek out projects with a tangible impact: Volunteer for projects that have a more direct connection to the company's core mission or that benefit the community.
  • Look for ways to streamline or improve processes: If you see inefficiencies or unnecessary tasks, try to find ways to eliminate them. This can make your work more meaningful and demonstrate your value to the organization.

• Seek a more meaningful job: If the feeling of doing "fake work" is persistent and significantly impacting your job satisfaction, it might be time to consider looking for a new role or even a different career path. This could involve moving to a smaller company, a non-profit, or a role with a more direct connection to the product or service being offered.

• Find fulfillment outside of work: If you can't find meaning in your job, focus on finding it elsewhere. Cultivate hobbies, spend time with loved ones, volunteer, or pursue other interests that bring you joy and purpose.

Your Situation:

It sounds like you've already made a conscious shift from more tangible "real" jobs to more abstract "fake" jobs. This is a common transition, and it's understandable to feel conflicted about it. Your experience highlights the changing nature of work and the challenges of finding meaning in a complex corporate environment.

Ultimately, the best coping strategy is the one that works best for you. It's a personal decision that depends on your values, priorities, and circumstances. Reflecting on what truly matters to you in a job can help you decide whether to stay, try to make a difference within your current role, or seek out something new.

How do you do a resume when anything impressive is behind that 10-year limit?

I keep getting rejected for jobs because, for the last 7 years, I have been doing just gig work. Uber looks like crap on a resume. No one cares if we were an essential worker during the pandemic and helped doctors, cops, and others get to and from work, no one cares that we were delivering medical supplies, and food, doing people's shopping, taking their pets to vets, etc. None of it matters. You'd think it would speak volumes for driving jobs and customer service jobs, but it apparently doesn't count even if you have a 5-star rating over tens of thousands of trips.

If I could go back behind the ten years, I had a restaurant I owned for a few years. I did jobs stocking. I worked in IT. I painted commercial properties, but I can't list any of them. So I'm stuck as a 52-year-old Uber driver looking for work.

What do I do?

Jobadvisor:

It's frustrating when your recent experience doesn't seem to count, especially when you have valuable skills and a strong work ethic. You're right, simply listing gig work like Uber can be perceived negatively, even though it demonstrates many transferable skills. The key is to reframe your experience and highlight the skills you've gained, not just the tasks you performed. Here's a breakdown of how to approach your resume and job search:

1. Focus on Skills, Not Just Titles:

• Identify Transferable Skills: Think about what you did in your gig work, not just that you did it. Driving for Uber/Lyft involves:
  • Customer Service: Handling diverse passengers, resolving issues, and providing a positive experience.
  • Navigation & Logistics: Efficiently planning routes, managing time, and navigating various locations.
  • Communication: Interacting with passengers, clear communication, and potentially handling difficult conversations.
  • Problem-Solving: Dealing with unexpected situations, traffic, or passenger requests.
  • Time Management & Independence: Working independently, setting your own schedule, and managing your workload.
  • Financial Management: Tracking earnings, and expenses, and managing your finances related to the gig.
• Quantify Your Achievements (Where Possible): Even in gig work, you can quantify things:
  • "Maintained a 5-star rating over X number of trips, demonstrating consistent commitment to customer satisfaction."
  • "Successfully navigated diverse routes and traffic conditions, ensuring timely arrival for thousands of passengers."
  • "Developed strong communication and interpersonal skills through interactions with a wide range of individuals."
• Use Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., "Managed," "Resolved," "Communicated," "Navigated," "Developed," "Optimized").

2. Reframe Your Experience in the "Professional Experience" Section:

Instead of listing "Uber Driver," create a section titled "Professional Experience" or "Relevant Experience" and then use descriptive titles that highlight your skills. Here are some examples:

• Customer Service and Logistics Professional: (This is a broad title that encompasses many of your skills)
  • Provided exceptional customer service to a diverse clientele, consistently maintaining a 5-star rating over thousands of rides. (Quantify if possible)
  • Successfully navigated complex urban environments, optimizing routes for efficiency and timely arrival.
  • Proactively addressed passenger needs and resolved issues, ensuring a positive and comfortable experience.
• Independent Business Operator: (This highlights your entrepreneurial spirit and self-management)
  • Managed all aspects of the independent transportation business, including customer service, route planning, and financial administration.
  • Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills by effectively scheduling and completing numerous trips daily.
  • Maintained meticulous records of earnings and expenses.

3. Address the 10-Year Gap (Subtly):

You don't need to explicitly state "I can't list anything before 10 years ago." Instead, focus on the present and future. In your resume summary or cover letter, you can briefly mention a period of self-employment or independent work, which can subtly explain the gap without dwelling on it. For example:

• Resume Summary/Objective: "Highly motivated and customer-focused professional with a proven track record of providing exceptional service and logistical expertise. Seeking a challenging role where I can leverage my communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills to contribute to a dynamic team. Following a period of independent business operation, I am eager to transition back into a full-time position."
• Cover Letter: "For the past several years, I have successfully operated an independent business, honing my skills in customer service, logistics, and time management. This experience has equipped me with the adaptability and resourcefulness necessary to thrive in a fast-paced environment."

4. Focus on the Future:

Your resume and cover letter should emphasize your eagerness to work and the skills you bring to the table now. Employers are more interested in what you can do for them today than what you did 15 years ago.

5. Network:

Networking is crucial. Let friends, family, and former colleagues know you're looking for a job. Attend industry events or online meetups related to the types of jobs you're interested in.

6. Consider Additional Training or Certifications:

If possible, consider taking short courses or obtaining certifications related to the jobs you're targeting. This can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and help bridge the gap in your resume.

7. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:

Customize your resume and cover letter for every job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific job description.

8. Don't Give Up:

Job searching can be challenging, but persistence is key. Keep refining your resume and cover letter, networking, and applying for jobs. Your skills and experience are valuable, and the right opportunity will come along.