Wanna know a scandalous little secret? I’ve got two resumes: an active resume, and a future resume.
My active resume is the one I confidently hand to potential clients. It contains stuff I’ve actually done. Y’know, like a resume is supposed to.
My future resume is for-my-eyes-only. It’s got all the stuff I’ve actually done, plus all the stuff I’m gonna do / wanna do / Xanadu.
Both resumes are critical to my professional development. But I’m starting to suspect that my future resume is the real catalyst for growth and change.
See, once I’ve typed, formatted, spellchecked and saved a future accomplishment on my future resume, it sorta feels … doable. Something in the back of my reptilian brain shifts gears, and suddenly the most fanciful achievement is just another bullet-point. No biggie. Heck, it’s practically done!
Some examples of future resume items that I’ve successfully transferred over to my active resume: Licensed Helicopter Pilot. Published Poet. Public radio whizkid. Personal branding professional.
Of course, there are plenty of things on my future resume that I’ll probably never do (operate a mobile gourmet donut delivery truck!) and plenty of things I’ll probably never be (charismatic frontwoman of an all-girl band that only performs cover songs by Oingo Boingo!). But that doesn’t mean those things don’t deserve a line of their own. After all: if I won’t give my dreams the courtesy of a bullet-point — on a fantasy document, no less! — am I likely to give them anything else? Methinks not.
So, folks — if you’re willing to share (or at least cryptically allude) — what’s on your future resumes?
(Image via M is for Moxie)
Wow, I love this idea. love love love it.
As per the usual, you are a genius.
Expert and sought after antique and vintage fountain pen repair and restorer.
That’s a great idea.
What would be on my future resume? Internationally renowned globetrotter, expert in krav maga martial arts and a member of Quaker Steak and Lube’s Hall of Flame.
SAM: Thanks! But c’mon, the suspense is killing me … what’s on your future resume? A full-length comic book, perchance?
SARAH VON: ‘Tis only because I surround myself with fellow geniuses. Such as yourself. Truth.
MARK: YES! Can you please get a steampunk monocle and some magnifier-lens aviator goggles?
TARA: Welcome to Unicorns for Socialism! Traveling the world, beating people up (Israeli-style!) and eating copious amounts of chicken wings sounds like a grand plan.
Wait wait… you are a licensed helicopter pilot? Seriously?
ELIZ: For serious! Passed my checkride in ’05. But that’s a story for another blog post. :)
On mine?
In terms of work, well… definitely a published book, or two ultimately. And get to go to wonderful things like stumptown and APE to pimp it out.
Mid term aim is to keep the blog rollicking along for at least a year – at least.
And my short time goal is to get a strip in Original Plumbing magazine – http://www.originalplumbing.com – by the devilishly handsome and talented Amos Mac and Rocco Kayiatos.
And in terms of jobs; yknow, get something that pays me to be able to afford to do those things…ideas anyone?
SAM: All of those future resume items sound fantastic — and totally attainable!
Instead of getting a regular ol’ job, how ’bout getting a grant or advance commission to create a comic book-style educational handbook about transitioning? You could create different versions for kids & schools, for doctors, for employers, etc …
OK, I’ve heard of keeping 2 resumes (one for EVERYTHING you’ve ever done, one just relevant for the job you’re seeking), which is what I thought you were gonna say – but then you knocked me out with the amazeballs idea of keeping a FUTURE resume with all those big dreams that live in your head. I love getting those dreams out on the page, & putting them on your resume makes them extra official. I’m so stealing this for my clients, by the way.
On my future resume? I’d be a published author, a TV host, a speaker, the mayor of Awesometown……
Become a well-known children’s author.
Become a mother of two (I involuntarily took a deep breath at that!)
It’s a pretty short to-do list, but it sure packs a punch.
Louise
MICHELLE: I’m all about amazeballs resume concepts! Once you’re the mayor of Awesometown, I would like to be the Deputy Sheriff, and / or the Grand Marshall of the annual Pride Parade.
LOUISE: Those goals sound attainable and splendid. The best dreams are the ones that cause involuntary inhalations!
Acclaimed Murder Mystery Author, Mom-Baby Yoga Renegade, Accomplished Lockpick, Polyglot, Master Gardener…oh this is fun :-)
I’ve added your blog to my reader :-)
ps – I wanna be a Public Radio Whizkid! That would be badical!
EMILY: Welcome to unicorn-land! Lockpicks are useful to have around. A little unnerving, but useful.
I love this idea. Anything to keep my many, many professional goals in mind is helpful – especially since I’m a freelancer with a ton of interests.
On my list? Book author, screenwriter and film producer.
Are you perchance inhabiting a corner of my little brain? I have been working on my resume all day today. Time to craft the future one! Thanks for reposting.
I thought I was the only one who did this! (Ok, maybe not the *only* one, but it’s definitely not something I’ve shared with anyone.) I haven’t updated my future resume in quite a while though… it’s about time I did! :) Thanks for the reminder!
I sort of do this when I apply for jobs I write a little paragraph on my current CV as if I started it next month. “I do X since.. October 2011, and this involves …” – I embolden it so I know to take it off if I don’t get it but it makes me identify what I’ll need to do in the job if i get it which makes me feel like I already do it.
I do have a “future me” diary entry from my future-self in 5 years time – and in that I say that I’m working in mental health (I currently only volunteer doing that and I love it.).
Just discovered your site yesterday and have been skipping and looking. Really great amazing stuff!
On my future resume:
Developer and Director of plays that promote the Sense of Wonder (in the science fiction sense).
Writing coach for businesses and students.
Honest Science Marketeer – one for science and sciende for all
Thanks for this cool queston!