10 Most Important Lessons I Have Learned During My Job Search

Unfortunately, I have hit the 10-month mark of being unemployed. As I mentioned in a previous post, this is an extremely difficult job market, and I would not wish my current experience on ANYONE. I am hoping (and praying) that this begins to turn around soon! Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported and continued to be in my corner with me throughout this challenging time. There are too many to thank here, but you know who you are. You are one of the primary reasons why I continue to hold on to hope (even if it’s only a tiny little mustard seed) that I will land the right role.

I have done a lot of reflecting and soul searching. Inspired by my new friend Matt Taylor ’s recent post on the topic, and to recognize hitting the 10-month mark in my job search, here are the 10 most important lessons I have learned along this arduous journey.

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1.???? It’s okay to be in your feelings, but don’t let it change who you are.

In the immediate aftermath of being laid off, I felt a whole range of emotions. I even went through the major stages of grief both individually and simultaneously sometimes. First, there’s denial that this happened. Then there’s anger. Then there’s depression, and then lastly, but most importantly, acceptance. What I have learned is that it’s okay and actually necessary to experience and process these feelings. However, it is not okay to let these feelings of bitterness and anger become your identity. Because resentment weighs a ton and it’s not worth harboring. I have finally accepted what has happened and am hopeful that brighter days and even better opportunities lie ahead!

2.???? Tell your story because no one else will.

Craft a compelling story around your professional journey and explain your value proposition. It goes back to the saying, “facts tell, stories sell.” The interview is an opportunity to sell a potential employer on the vision of why you are the ideal candidate. If you don’t have a story, don’t expect anyone else to come to your rescue and tell it for you. Only you know yourself best.

3.???? Know your worth.

Oprah Winfrey once said, “we do not get what we deserve. Rather, we get what we believe we are worth.” There is a huge difference between self-worth (the internal belief you have about yourself and your abilities) and self-confidence (what you portray outwardly to the world). Think of self-worth as the foundation of your home and self-confidence as the outer structure. If you don’t have a strong foundation, the home collapses and falls apart. The same thing happens with your self-worth and self-confidence. Without a strong sense of self-worth, we can’t go out into the world and live as our true, authentic and confident selves. When you’re chosen for an interview opportunity, or call, recognize and believe that you are enough and fully worth it. Because YOU ARE!

4.???? Rejection is not personal, it’s just redirection for a greater plan.

I am a firm believer that things in life happen FOR us, NOT TO us. I used to have a very hard time dealing with rejection and thought it was a reflection of me. Now, I consciously choose not to take rejection personally and embrace that this opportunity was just not meant to be. I am also a believer that rejection is bringing me one step closer to the right opportunity. More often than not, when you finally receive the one yes you are looking for, you will realize that all the past rejections and closed doors were worth it.

5.???? The importance of having a strong support system to lean on.

My immediate family has been incredibly supportive. They have provided a shoulder to lean and cry on (yes, literally). I am truly fortunate to have their love and grace. I am also blessed to have a great group of friends and training partners at the gym who have provided the inspiration for me to keep going. You may be replaceable in the workforce, but you are not replaceable to your family and friends. And, as Clarence the angel told George Bailey in the iconic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “no person (man) is a failure who has friends.”

6.???? Keep growing and improving.

I have been using the last 10 months to take some online learning courses and attend webinars discussing search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, AI, and social media marketing trends. I have also built a website from the ground up and have continued to maintain and track its performance month over month. Additionally, I have enjoyed continuing to read books on personal development, important people in history, and personal finance. My favorite books I have read so far this year (in no particular order):?Meditations?by Marcus Aurelius,?Winning?by Tim Grover, and?The Wealth Money Can’t Buy?by Robin Sharma.

7.???? Take care of yourself.

A good friend of mine once told me several years ago, “health is wealth.” He is absolutely right. Don’t neglect self-care. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and meditating frequently have been several cornerstone habits I have implemented to stay balanced and focused.

8.???? Disconnect and unwind.

It can be so easy to sit in front of the computer on LinkedIn or on another job board for endless hours (I am still guilty of doing this). What has helped me is only devoting at max 3 hours a day to looking, applying for and following up on jobs I have already submitted for. Then, I shut down my computer and take a break from electronic devices. I’ll either read from the book I am consuming, visit with my grandmother, or go on a walk outside. This helps me unwind and take my mind off the grind that is the job hunt.

9.???? Keep getting up and never give up.

Even when you feel like quitting, even when you feel like throwing in the towel, don’t. I have come so close on several occasions to just giving up. But then I was reminded by a quote from Steve Harvey, “if you give up now, the guarantee is that it will never happen.” I want to live with as few regrets as possible and do not want to stay stuck and live a life incongruent with my hopes and desires. This is what drives me to keep moving forward.

10. Lend a helping hand.

Renowned children’s television host Fred Rogers said it best, “look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” There have been several family members, close friends, and former colleagues who have been a constant beacon of light and support. Their empathy and compassion have meant so much to me and have been extremely helpful, whether it’s a simple conversation checking in on how I’m doing, sharing a job posting, introducing me to someone in their network, or even providing a referral to an open role at their company. It’s these kind gestures, both big and small, that have truly confirmed my belief that there are good people in this world. Once I find and begin my new job, I will do my absolute best to pay it forward and reach back to pull the next person who is struggling in the job search up.

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If you have taken the time to read this article, I sincerely appreciate it! If you or someone you know is looking for an experienced brand and digital marketer with a proven track record of turbo charging business and consumer acquisition and retention, I invite you to check out my website here and connect with me.