Creating Structure Through Unemployment

There is nothing fun about applying for jobs. It's an emotional roller coaster. In the past year, I've been a finalist for every single company I interviewed with. It's so easy to think there's something wrong with me.

Some days I believe it. Some days I acknowledge those roles weren't for me. Other days I remind myself that the job market is tough for a lot of people right now. I'm not alone but that's not enough to comfort me.

I refuse to let the world "happen" to me. This is my life and I have a say in it. That's why I had to create a happy system.

1. At 9 pm my Echo Dot plays the 'Dreamtime Playlist.' The sound instantly tells my body it's time to wind down and center thoughts. It plays until the next morning.
2. I journal under a colored light (red, blue, purple, green, orange) til I fall asleep. It's the perfect time for me to unload onto God. Also gives me a clear headspace in the morning.
3. Around 5 am my Echo Dot softly wakes me up to nature sounds. I journal. I don't touch my phone until it's time for me to leave. This is my 1:1 time with God and myself. I also script during this time. I tell God how I want the day to go. I ask God to speak through me. I write without thinking. There's nothing wrong or right to say.
4. Food routines help ALOT. Most of 2022 I made the same meal for breakfast- avocado, toast, eggs and bacon. It helps with choice overload. I don't have to question if I'm making the wrong decision. This meal is based off of efficiency. I know what to expect, how long it takes.
5. Go to gym before 8 am. Honestly, 6 am workouts are amazing. It's something so exhilarating about being the first one up. I can think, while other people AREN'T thinking. I can proactively think, verses reactively.
6. Podcasts and worship music is a must for early morning workouts. It gets my mind right. Pick a topic and be inspired. I also use this time to make my to-do list.
7. I'm working on my relationship with lunch lol. Just insert a protein shake or leftover breakfast sandwich.
8. If you need "company," I recommend using cartoons or some inspirational documentaries as background noise. Beyoncé, Big Sean, Tinker Hatfield, etc keep me grounded. I'll probably watch Quinta Brunson's Oprah interview this week too.
9. Don't shy from passion projects during this time. Find an outlet that you can build skills with. Mine is BLK FRVR? . Just be mindful of how much time, is too much time to contribute.

After I shower, I drink tea, read and journal. There's a lot of thoughts to let off from the time I wake up, to when I go to sleep. Keeping my journal handy keeps me sane.

I use OneTab and Teal HQ to organize my job hunt. They're true lifesavers. I don't get overwhelmed as much.

Something that's been also relieving is being extremely honest with friends about finances, where we want to be and what we're doing to get there. We no longer hide or shy away from discussing money. That's huge growth because I wish our generation talked more about it.