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 is your lane? The job search is no longer about meeting people and sharing experiences; it's about algorithms, STAR examples, and trying to become a chameleon that fits into every organization's mold, all while worrying about how to make ends meet.

Highs and Lows: A Day in the Life

One day, you're on top of the world, placing pretend clothes orders for your new 'corporate leader' look. You're having a glass of wine at lunch, imagining the thrilling future ahead. The next day, you’re in your pyjamas, struggling to get out of bed, feeling like all the negative things you've ever heard about yourself are coming true.

Manifesting Greatness vs. Succumbing to Doubt

The journey swings between manifesting great things and feeling like selling everything and reverting to your pre-career self. But it’s essential to remember why you started this journey. You’ve been successful before, and you’ll be successful again. Fight the urge to succumb to doubt and pessimism.

Tips for Staying Positive:

  1. Celebrate Small Wins: Every application sent, every interview secured, and every connection made is a step forward.
  2. Lean on Your Support System: Reach out to friends, family, and mentors. They can provide encouragement and remind you of your strengths.
  3. Self-Care is Essential: Take breaks, exercise, and indulge in activities that bring you joy. It helps in maintaining a positive mindset.
  4. Stay Organized: Keep track of your applications, set realistic goals, and create a routine. Structure can provide a sense of control.
  5. Visualize Success: Picture yourself in the job you want, doing what you love. Visualization can be a powerful motivator.

Remember, this journey is about more than just finding a job. It's about discovering your resilience, your ability to adapt, and your unwavering determination. You’re not alone in this; many are navigating the same path, facing the same highs and lows. Together, we can emerge stronger, ready to take on the world and sit on our thrones with pride (you know the throne I mean!!).

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

Pic: my morning walk, and reminder there is (some) serenity in my life = gratitude. And it is true - exercise is important.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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

Image
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...
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