Hey, This Is My Story!
I am just now concluding that narcissism is a virus that has infected everybody in the world that is breathing air. I even apply this to my own life with a great deal of regret.
Nobody wants to admit they have narcissistic leanings in their life. And yet, if you listen to them, and even listen to yourself, you will see it. I did not know how aggravating it was, but I was to learn pretty soon.
Recently I had a heart attack and had a stent put in one of my arteries, the widow make her. It was this experience that showed me the level of narcissism in my own life.
When anybody would call me and ask how I was, I would mention that I recently had a heart attack and had a stent inserted in one of my arteries. Before I can even get to the end of that sentence, the person on the other end of the line will say, “Oh, a couple of years ago, I had a heart attack and had two stents put in.” And then they would go on and on and on about their condition and experience.
When I thought we had come to the end of that conversation, they then mentioned, “And I have a cousin who had a heart attack and had several stents put in him I can’t remember how many.” Then, were all down another rabbit trail. I sure would like to catch that rabbit.
Coming to the end of this conversation, I said, “Well, I hope you’re doing well.” To which I got the reply, “Thank You, I appreciate that.”
Hanging up the phone, I thought a bit that the person on the other end of the phone did not allow me to tell my story.
For me, this heart attack was quite an experience that I never expected to experience. I know my father had several heart attacks, but I never assumed he had willed it two me. It’s during these times that you think seriously about dying.
I have been tempted to spread the rumor that I won the million-dollar lottery for the week. Once that got out, I would get all kinds of calls to hear my million dollars’ story. But, of course, I know that they would want to be put on my Christmas list.
The discouraging point is nobody wanted to know the story of my heart attack. My heart attack was an opportunity for them to brag, or so it seemed, about their heart attack or their uncle’s heart attack or somebody else’s.
After going through a heart attack why do I want to hear about someone else’s heart attack and how they got through it.
Of course, that is my narcissism coming to the surface. I want everything to be about me and center on my life. I’m not sure what to do or how to deal with this narcissistic virus that seems to be penetrating my life.
I don’t think I will bring this up with my doctor the next time I visit him. I suspect he would send me to his psychology friend, and I certainly don’t want that kind of examination. I don’t think I could pass.
The one thing I have learned about this narcissistic virus is that there comes a point where it explodes. I didn’t know that before, but I found out just recently.
Another friend called and asked about me, and I said I just had a heart attack and had a stent implanted in my artery. Again, before I could get to the end of that sentence, they began explaining how they also had a heart attack several years ago, and they had four stents put in. Then they went on and on about their heart attack and how it changed their life, and what they did to keep from having another one.
I don’t know what triggered my explosion, but all of a sudden, I heard myself saying, “Hey, stop right there. This is my heart attack, not yours. This is my story, not yours.”
Then without hesitating, I went into my story in every detail I could think of at the time. I only wished I had recorded it so I could know what I actually said.
Just before I hung up, the person on the other end said, “Well, I’ll be praying for you, and I hope you get better.” Then there was that infamous “click.” And the conversation was over.
I hung up the phone and turned around only to see the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage staring at me with one of her “stares,” and I heard her say, “What in the world did you just say?”
At that moment, I knew I was in for some trouble, so I said, “I’m not sure; what did I say?”
I knew she would tell me what I said, so I didn’t need a recording of it. But I kind of lost control because of that narcissistic virus that has infected me.
Interviews For Legal Jobs Need Not Be Stressful
Job interviews are stressful for nearly everybody, especially if they involve the first step on a career path such as that for a trainee solicitor, but there are lots of techniques to help you with interviews for legal jobs.The law is such a formalised profession that having spent three or more years learning at university or college preparing to join the world of work, it will come as a shock to the system after the more casual world of further education to think about how to make the right impression with a potential employer.Even if you managed to get a first job without too much trouble, you may now be ready to progress in your career, perhaps into a specialisation, a bigger firm or to take a more responsible position.There are also job interviewees who unexpectedly find they have to make a career change, perhaps through redundancy or a geographical move to another part of the UK, which means they need to brush up on techniques to come over as confident and competent, especially in today’s competitive environment.The legal profession is not the only one with a reputation for correctness in appearance and behaviour and when applying for a professional position in many offices, including finance, banking and public bodies, there are a number of aspects to consider if you want to give yourself the best chance of landing that coveted position.Planning and research are the most important tools you can employ in making the most of the short time an interview takes. Some employers deliberately set aside only half an hour per candidate for a first round so you don’t have long to show why you should be given further consideration.Obviously, you will be dressed as smartly as possible but, without being so over the top as to be uncomfortable, then you can be more confident and natural. Dark suits are still the norm but they don’t have to be black – grey or navy are quite acceptable.Research where you’re goingBe 100% sure of where you are going and how to get there. Far better to be half an hour early and wait in a nearby coffee shop than ten minutes late, arriving sweaty and anxious. If possible, visit the building beforehand to check the layout and see if you can gather clues about the firm and its business.Is there bustle or is it quiet? How many employees are there? If there’s interaction with the public, do people smile when entering or leaving the premises? Is there a positive vibe about the place?With the internet, you can do a lot of research about the law firm, business or other organisation which is recruiting and this should pay dividends at the interview. Libraries will have reference material, too, so that you will be prepared with knowledge on the past, current and future activities of the firm.If you know who you will be meeting, try to find out something about him or her from a professional point of view and, if you are unsure of how to pronounce any names, ask the receptionist when you arrive.As regards the job vacancy itself, don’t go to the interview with preconceptions unless every detail of the post has been specified in the advertisement.If it is a trainee position: Who will be supervising your work? Will there be other trainees? If so, how many and will they be at the same stage of responsibility? What is the structure of the firm and what career progression can you expect?After the basics have been explained, either volunteered or because you asked, look for more details of what will be involved on a day-to-day basis and where your education or experience will be used.Don’t forget about your other life-skills at interviews for legal jobsAlthough young people, in particular, may not be able to offer a huge amount of relevant experience, there may be other areas outside of work, such as IT competence, amateur dramatics or charity interests, which could show life-skills and abilities that would be of use to a potential employer.If you don’t seem to quite match the job description, think beforehand how you could turn this to your advantage by pointing out how your talents could be used. Be prepared for the usual interview questions, which most people find intensely irritating to answer.These include: Tell me about yourself; why do you want to be a lawyer; why do you want this position; what are your ambitions; what are your strengths; what are your weaknesses; what will you contribute to our law firm.Some of these answers will be covered generally in your cv and this will give you an opportunity to expand on them. The others are not necessarily trick questions but you need to practise and prepare to give sensible answers.Another question which needs a ready answer is ‘why did you leave your previous job?’ Presupposing you did not leave under a cloud, give an honest but positive reply. In many professions, especially in one geographical location, gossip about companies and individuals in a particular field can be enhanced by Chinese whispers at every repetition.Even if you are desperate for a job, any job, don’t reveal negative issues such as this and, equally, if, having seen the dreary solicitors’ office or taken a total dislike to the senior partner you couldn’t bear to work in the place, do your best to secure the situation – after all, you don’t have to commit until you have replied to an offer in writing.The main advice, however, for anyone who is facing the big interview for a legal job (or another career) is: smile, be confident and one day you will get the position you deserve.