You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on race Dalton Risner Jersey , religion or sex. But when you make a career or business decision, do you still make decisions based on stereotypes?


"Insurance sales reps must be gregarious."


Hal, a successful insurance agent for many years, has developed a portfolio of loyal, happy clients. Hal can be described as an introvert. He rarely speaks unless spoken to Noah Fant Jersey , and then he speaks briefly and softly. His clients have learned that he's a caring, dedicated agent who never misses a detail.


"Accountants sit quietly and crunch numbers."


These days, accountants, especially those in the large firms, have to become experts at client relations. Often they're expected to steer business towards the firm's consulting division.


"Want to travel? Be a travel agent!"


Once upon a time Royce Freeman Jersey , when nobody worried about security and airlines gave us more than an inch of legroom, I loved to travel. When I sought ways to combine my love of travel with a career, I would often hear, "So become a travel agent."


Surprise! Travel agents rarely travel. After all, someone has to stay in the office and answer calls from clients. A major perk involves the "fam" or familiarization trips Courtland Sutton Jersey , when agents are invited as a group to preview a new resort or discover a new locale. There's rarely time for leisurely sight-seeing.


These days, a corporate travel agent is more like a traffic cop than a friendly guide, charged with enforcing regulations of the company who pays her commission: "The non-stop flight is two hundred dollars more than the connecting flight with the two-hour stopover. Looks like you've got two hours in Cleveland."


After dealing with hundreds of less-than-thrilled employees, one agent told me he was quitting the industry, probably for the more serene life of a bill collector.


"Big cities are unfriendly."


Any place will feel hostile to newcomers. I've lived in several of the largest cities in North America and found helpful Bradley Chubb Jersey , caring people everywhere. Often businesses are more helpful simply because there's more competition.


"The desert is all sand and cactus."


In the high desert of New Mexico, where I live, we have green trees, flowering plants, and snow in the wintertime. We have abundant fruit trees and sometimes we have to rake leaves in fall.


"Small towns are conservative Phillip Lindsay Jersey , you have to join a church and country club, and you must be married."


Probably some are. My town has less than twenty thousand people, yet I know lots of very happy residents who forego churches