What’s On Your Future Resume?


Guest blogger ALEXANDRA FRANZEN has been lauded as “Spock, but with a sense of humor. And better hair.” At the mo’, she’s co-writing a digital book called “Lifescripts for Hustlers.” Contribute your “I-dunno-what-the-eff-to-say” story, and get a copy of her Self-Promotion Toolbox as a “muchas gracias” gift.

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?

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13 Comments

  1. Carrie Rosalind

    I love this! I don't have a future resume, but I am going to have to create one now! 🙂

  2. naturally nina

    i love this too!! i haven't ever created one, but i think i will now!

  3. Bridey

    What an awesome idea!

    Some ideas for my future CV:
    + cryptozoologist
    + published author
    + freelance editor
    + travel writer
    + harpist

  4. Daniela

    Hmm…. my future resumé includes (not limited to):

    * Published author
    * Founder of [insert magazine name here]
    * Certified by the Cordon Bleu
    * Graphic designer
    * Professional eater & traveler 🙂

  5. Lovers, Saints & Sailors

    DEAR GOD THIS IS AMAZING!

    Sorry, but the caps are totally justified. Did you hear that? Girl, you just blew my mind.

    I am doing this immediately.

  6. Georgie

    I'm totally up for joining that band!

  7. shade of whim

    i am now creating my first future resume. 😀 love it

  8. Alexandra Franzen

    Howdy, Yessirs & Yessettes!

    Alexandra here (guest-author of this post).

    Your contributions are most amusing, and much appreciated!

    To nab your "thank you" gift (a free copy of my Self-Promotion Toolbox) kindly shoot a missive to: [email protected]. I'll hook you up.

    XO.

    :: A

  9. Andy King

    I loved your post. I have a future resume, but i didn't know until i read your post. I will type it, recheck it, spellcheck it and save it.

    My First idea of Future Resume would be :

    An Author of International Best seller Book

    Thanks for inspiration.

  10. The Dame Intl

    I'd have to go with professional eater and luxury resort reviewer thanks!

  11. Anonymous

    Like others, I have one of these, but didn't think of it in this way before. I try to keep a list of conferences I plan to go to, certifications I want to get, etc. You're right – it really helps with goal-setting/achievement!

  12. vanessa

    I love this idea. My future resume would include:

    published poet
    professional blogger
    rock climbing extraordinaire
    world class barista

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