Navigating the Job Hunt: A Journey of Optimism, Pessimism, and Everything In Between


Navigating the Job Hunt: A Journey of Optimism, Pessimism, and Everything In Between

Embarking on a career transition is like setting out on a blind date with your dream job – a mix of excitement, nerves, and the inevitable highs and lows. After 20 years in law and education, building amazing connections with a diverse group of people, raising four incredible children as a single mum, coping with bereavement and abuse, and earning a law degree, I found myself ready to take on a new challenge. The kids are grown up, and it's time to use all my knowledge, experience, and skills to find "the" job.

Little did I know, the job search in today's digital age would feel less like a thrilling adventure and more like a blindfolded chameleon tiptoeing along a twig over a river full of hungry crocodiles. Gone are the days of chatting and getting to know each other; now, it's all about finding the right example, fitting it into your STAR format, and writing it in the language of whichever organization you're applying to. It's about morphing and adapting to public and private sectors, navigating unknown personalities, and hoping your words hit the mark, all while trying to feed the kids with no income.

Let me share a few funny stories and tips from my journey. Picture this: applying for the same job with four different companies – one wants a PhD, another has an internal candidate, one asks for four pages of competency examples, and the last just wants a cover letter (optionally!). Each application feels like a first date – hoping to make the right impression but unsure if you'll get a second chance.

Despite the challenges, the possibilities and opportunities are endless and exhilarating. I've met so many people, drawn from a wealth of experience, and expanded my numerous "transferable skills." This journey has taught me so much about myself – my tenacity, optimism, and ability to communicate and organize on multiple levels.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the job hunt:

  1. Be a Chameleon: Adapt your skills and experiences to fit the job you're applying for. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight the most relevant aspects.
  2. Network Like a Pro: Reach out to connections old and new. Sometimes, it's not what you know, but who you know that makes a difference.
  3. Stay Positive: It's easy to get discouraged, but remember why you started this journey. Keep your end goal in sight.
  4. Embrace Feedback: Every rejection is an opportunity to learn and improve. Use the feedback to refine your approach.
  5. Self-Care is Key: Job hunting can be stressful. Take time for yourself – go for a walk, jump on a paddleboard, or play some football to refresh and come back with a clear mind.

As I continue this journey, I remind myself that nothing will stop me from achieving my goal. Through this blog, I hope to shed light on what many of us are experiencing and let others in similar situations know they're not alone. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs of job searching and emerge stronger on the other side.

Stay tuned for more stories, tips, and insights as I continue my quest for "the" job. 🌟💼📚



 https://vivgroskop.com/

https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits 

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/197636392-the-zen-monkey-and-the-lotus-flower

https://www.lowndes.com/

https://www.ciaraeastell.co.uk/

https://www.skylite-associates.co.uk/managing-partners/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Rollercoaster of Job Hunting: Balancing Optimism and Pessimism

 Navigating the job market is an emotional rollercoaster, especially when you're transitioning after two decades of success in law and education. One minute, you're riding high on optimism, convinced that the world is your oyster. The next, you're spiralling into a pit of doubt, questioning your past decisions and future prospects. Optimism vs. Pessimism: The Eternal Tug-of-War Every job application feels like a new opportunity to prove yourself. You remind yourself that you’re doing this not just for yourself, but for your children, your late father, and a future where insecurity is a thing of the past. The world is my oyster, you say. I'll make my family proud. The chameleon from my previous blog? It's time to shake off its blindfold, straighten its crown, and watch the crocodiles swim away. But then, reality bites. You start to wonder if you've been arrogant all along. Have you overestimated your abilities? Should you have stayed in your lane? What even...
Read more

The Job Hunt: The Parallels with Dating and the Quest for Authenticity

Image
  Embarking on a job search, especially after a long and successful career, can feel remarkably like dating. The parallels haven't escaped me—Good Sense of Humour (GSOH), matching personalities, worrying about how I look, and saying what they want to hear to "attract" you (or is that just me?!). There's the pressure of long-term commitment, the occasional fake flattery, and the ongoing struggle to be authentic without putting you off. What Even is a Transferable Skill? When crafting my applications, I often ponder, "What even is a transferable skill?" Should I tell potential employers that I've been a single mum? What if that puts them off? Do I mention that when I get really stressed, I get up at sunrise, dive into the freezing cold sea, sink and scream? It works for me! My chameleon spirit animal is hiding its eyes behind its hands, unsure of what to reveal. The Dilemma of 'Open to Work': Should I put 'open to work' on my Linked...
Read more