By: Charity Crawford
I left my recruiting job of over 8 years a few months ago to become an unemployed a full-time world traveler. I enjoyed my job as a recruiter and I like to think I was pretty decent at it. I had always wanted to find a profession that involved helping other people and recruiting certainly gave me that opportunity. I enjoyed getting to know the travelers on a more personal level. I got a thrill out of surprising them with little things or even just saying thank you without them ever expecting it.
As good of a recruiter as I might have been, however, there was something important I was lacking that I believe I understand now that I’m out there traveling, myself.
I don’t believe I ever realized my true worth as a recruiter until now.
“Now wait a second, Charity, isn’t this all about the NURSES and healthcare professionals? Aren’t THEY the ones whose worth we should be worrying about?”
Of course, they are important, and without them, you’d have a tough time staying employed. But ask yourself this for just a second: Where would they be without you?
This isn’t meant to be a means for argument as to who is more important, because truly, you’re both equally important and need each other to succeed. This is intended for those recruiters who, like me, tended to believe that the travelers really were more important and allowed our thoughts and actions (and paychecks) to follow suit.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought to myself, “I sure wish I had my own recruiter!” At first I laughed to myself about it (never mind the fact that I often talk and laugh to myself), but it really got me thinking about how valuable having a recruiter is. Here is just a short list of ways a recruiter (and agency) would be valuable to me:
Find my housing for me.
I had NO idea how many options there were for backpackers when I first traveled, and let me tell you, not all housing options are created equal. I’ve stayed in the worst to the best, and if someone was there to do the research for me, I can guarantee you there would have been a few places I would have avoided. (I’m looking at you, stinky hot buggy motel with lizards in the bathroom EWWWWW)
Fix my issues for me.
Not everything has been smooth sailing for me thus far, and I’m sure to have more snafus in the future. But, I am responsible for putting on my big girl pants and handling it all myself, instead of calling up my recruiter and asking them to please fix my boo-boos and make it all better.
Be my expert.
When I was recruiting, I would research the best fit for my traveler based on location, housing options, transportation options, things the traveler enjoyed doing outside of work, pay requirements, licensing requirements, etc. and present them with the best options. “This is why you should go to XYZ location. Here is what you need to do for the license. Here is a platter with all your favorite snacks and a bottle of wine.” OK the last one is a slight stretch, but geez Louise, do you know how awesome it would be to have someone to handle all of that for me?
Be my friend.
I saved this one for last because I think it’s the most important one. Traveling forces you out of your comfort zone. I am learning that it can be very difficult to meet people and form friendships when you’re always on the go. I don’t know anything about where I’m going except maybe something I read on Lonely Planet or Trip Advisor. I don’t know anyone there. No one knows me, and I’m terrified that they won’t think I’m as funny as I think I am. I’m nowhere near my family or my friends. Do you know how scary that is? I think until you’ve experienced it yourself, it’s tough to understand, but I’m sure you can at least imagine it.
Traveling can be very lonely, guys. It’s an incredible experience and one that I’ll never regret, but there’s always a flip side and that’s one of the negatives. If I had my own recruiter, that one familiar voice in the midst of strangers, whom I could call and just share my day with – my struggles, my fears, my victories, all of those things you experience and just need someone else to hear about it – it would make a world of difference to me.
So, in summary, don’t ever underestimate your value as a recruiter. You bring much more to the table than you realize. Don’t allow anyone else to tell you that your job is less important. Because believe me, being on the other side of it, I know now more than ever just how amazing your job really is. Embrace it and be the very best you can be. Where would they be without you?
If you liked this article and want to read more, please follow Charity on her adventures at http://justgoc.weebly.com. Her travel and experiences are breathtaking and honest!
