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Navigating the Modern Job Search: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The job market today feels a bit like wandering through a maze with surprise turns at every corner. There's advice flying at you from all directions—some of it useful, some of it... well, not so much. You've got the January blues telling you to hibernate, Blue Monday reminding you it's the "saddest day of the year," and don't even get me started on the Black Friday emails that won't quit. But here's a thought: What if we flipped the script? Instead of letting the job hunt wear you down, make it a journey of small victories. Applied for a job? That's awesome—take a leisurely walk and clear your mind. Sent out two applications? Time to binge that series you've been eyeing. Landed an interview? Treat yourself to a meal that feeds your soul as much as your body. Rewarding yourself turns the grind into a series of personal wins, and trust me, January won't seem so gloomy anymore. Now, let's talk about recruiters. Yes, some might leave yo...

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

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  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...

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...

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

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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 o...