Let’s be honest, running around jobless is not fun. It is frightening and humbling, not to mention soul-crushing at times. I know, I’ve been there. But it isn’t all that bad. Yes, that’s right – not all bad. I’ve learned that the most important weapon to carry with you on this hunt for employment is a positive attitude. No one wants to hire a dreary, sad sap with low self-esteem and no hope in the world. So I’ve laid out a couple simple reminders to help keep your morale in check while you wade the waters of uncertainty. They’ll recharge any job seeker! Plus, some of them actually increase your chances of finding a job. Ready to perk up now?
You have time to start that new, awe-inspiring side project you’ve been dreaming of.
Have you always wanted to start a blog, write a novel, or run a business of your own? Now’s your chance! This is the most insane chunk of free time you’ll ever have to devote to gaining followers on your cooking blog (or ahem, starting your tarot business). A new project reminds yourself that you’ve still got some spark of life, but it also adds depth to your resume. Consider what it will show employers when they see you’ve boldly taken on this massive project: you’re entrepreneurial, innovative, motivated, and multi-dimensional. Hired.
You can finally devote more time to relationships with your friends, family, and significant other.
Having a time-consuming, toxic job is like having a time-consuming, toxic boyfriend. It craves attention, energy, and your entire schedule. Soon you’re thoughts spiral so tightly around it that by the end of the day, all you can think about is getting home to let it unravel so you can do it all over again tomorrow. Gone are the days of casual TV, cooking, and more importantly, time with friends and loved ones. But with your now free schedule, you can finally reconnect with your hometown girlfriend, call your mom, or think of ways to surprise your loving boyfriend. They’ll appreciate it more than you know and you’ll feel almost as priceless as the money you’re not getting.
You can choose the exact career you want.
This is something very important to remember, and oftentimes overlooked: jobs certainly choose employees, but you also choose the job. Employers may have the ability to deny your application, but you also have the authority to say “No” to them if the job is not the perfect fit. There is some measure of power that comes with being the only one who truly decides your fate. Your wellbeing is the top priority in this hunt – your job is supposed to be the one benefitting you, right?
You’ll really appreciate your next job – and as such, be more likely to rock it.
I’m hearing the echo of the old adage, “you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone”…
You can completely reinvent yourself – mind, body, and soul.
Mind: I began searching for employment right around the holidays – probably the worst time to look. It was slow and I had little to no responses. So during this time I decided to make myself a better and more professional candidate. I took the time to create my own website, order business cards, and cultivate a business on Etsy. It kept my mind working and also raised my spirits knowing that I had more to share on such an accessible platform like the Internet.
Body: Remember when you used to say it’s too early to workout before work or that you’re too tired after? Just saying: nothing gets the positivity going like pumping those endorphins.
Soul: This is probably the most important part of reinvention. Decide who you want to be, what you want to do, and where you want to go. There’s no better time for deep, meditated, self-reflection than the turning point of a new era in your life.
With this newfound inspiration, an energized mind, and a rockin’ body, you’ll be a whole new YOU! You’ll love yourself so much that employers will end up loving you too.
You’re learning how to become someone’s hero one day.
You’re meeting professionals all the time, right? Buying them coffee, chatting them up, asking them questions… ** By the way if you’re not doing this, you should be! It breaks the monotony of applying to endless jobs and you’ll gain contacts who can help you get in touch with other people ** Do you remember how much you appreciated that one girl who agreed to meet with you? After the meeting you thanked her, added her to your LinkedIn network, and somehow felt a smidge closer to real recognition in the industry. She became your hero for the day – a little bit of happiness that waltzed unexpectedly into your life. Appreciate those people willing to devote a portion of their schedule to meet with you, so when you get your very own awesome job, you can do the same for someone else. And suddenly, you’ll be a hero too.
