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

 

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 LinkedIn profile, or does it make me look desperate? If I reach out to network with my ex-employer, will they be happy I left, or do they still love me and want to help? If I buy that new dress, will my appearance help me succeed, or should I rely solely on my personality?

Striking the Balance:

Job hunting is a delicate balance of optimism and pessimism. One moment, I'm manifesting great things, convinced I'll get 'the' job and make my family proud. The next, I'm tempted to sell everything and revert to my pre-career self, thinking all the negative things I've ever heard about myself might be true.

Staying True to Myself:

The challenge is staying true to myself while navigating these complexities. It's essential to remember who I am and why I'm on this journey. I'm doing this not just for myself, but for my children and my late father. I'm determined to ensure we never face insecurity again. It IS time to shake off the chameleon's blindfold, straighten its crown, and sit on the throne, watching the crocodiles swim away.

Navigating the Highs and Lows:

Some days, I'm full of energy, placing pretend clothes orders for my new corporate look, having a glass of wine at lunch, and taking an afternoon nap. Other days, I struggle to get out of bed, stay in my pyjamas all day, and fight the urge to give in to pessimism.

Manifesting the S*** out of that recruitment site:

Manifesting: does it actually work? One moment, I'm deep in a cloud of sage, buying a beautiful career crystal and confidently 'manifesting' my greatness, certain I'm about to conquer the world. The next, reality sets in, and I wonder if I should stop fooling myself—turns out good old hard work and perseverance might just do the trick after all!

My Commitment:

I know what I want, and nothing will stop me from getting it. I remind myself of this daily and hope that through this blog, I can inspire others to keep pushing forward, stay true to themselves, and remain hopeful about the future. By sharing my experiences, I hope to help recruiters understand what job seekers are going through and show others in similar situations that they are not alone.



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