Hey, You Got This: A Pep Talk for Job Seekers

Hey there,

I know things are tough right now. Finding a job in this market feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right? It’s frustrating, exhausting, and, let’s be honest, a little scary. But here’s the thing—this isn’t the end of your story. It’s just a rough chapter. And every great story has a few of those.

Let me share something personal with you. During the pandemic and the recession, I hit a low point too. Everyone I knew—friends, family, colleagues—every single person I thought would be there for me, wasn’t. The only one who stood by me was my mother. I felt completely alone, and that’s when I started to think maybe I was sinking into depression.

I thought depression was a disease, something that could completely take over. But one day, I stumbled upon a video of a 3-time kickboxing champion—someone everyone knows, but I don’t want to drop names here. In that video, he talked about how depression isn’t real. It shook me, but what really clicked was something his brother said: “If you feel depressed, Do 10,000 push-ups.”

I started doing push-ups, just a little bit of physical cardio every single day.

And you know what?

That dark cloud lifted. The more I moved, the better I felt. My mind cleared, my energy came back, and I haven’t felt depressed or procrastinated ever since.

First Things First: Take a Breath

Seriously, take a moment to breathe. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the stress and start doubting yourself, but trust me, you’re stronger than you think. You’ve already made it this far, and that’s no small feat. The key is to not let this setback define you. It’s just a bump in the road, not a dead end.

Finding the Silver Lining

Okay, so maybe this isn’t where you imagined yourself right now, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something valuable in this experience. This is your chance to hit the reset button. What have you always wanted to do but never had the time? Is there a skill you’ve been meaning to pick up? A hobby that could turn into a side gig? Sometimes, the best opportunities come out of the most unexpected places.

Upskill, Reskill, and Hustle

The world’s changing fast, and the job market is too. The jobs we grew up hearing about might not be the ones in demand anymore. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options—it just means you might need to tweak your approach.

Think about upskilling or reskilling. There are so many online courses out there that can help you pick up new skills or polish the ones you already have. And a lot of them are free or pretty cheap. It’s all about staying ahead of the curve and making yourself as marketable as possible.

And hey, if the jobs aren’t coming to you, maybe it’s time to create your own. Ever thought about freelancing? Or maybe starting a small business? India is full of stories of people who started with nothing and built something amazing. You could be the next one.

The Reality of 2024: Recession and Rising Competition

Right now, we’re in the thick of a global economic downturn. Recent reports highlight how the global economy is facing a challenging time with stubborn inflation rates and slower growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has noted that growth projections for 2024 are stuck at 3.2%, with no significant recovery expected soon(IMF).

In India, the situation is tough, especially for those entering the job market. Each year, millions of fresh graduates join the job hunt, which only intensifies the competition. With the economic slowdown, companies are becoming more cautious with hiring, which means fewer opportunities and more applicants vying for the same positions.

But don’t let this discourage you. It’s true that the job market is more competitive than ever, but that also means there’s a need for innovation and new approaches to finding work. It’s time to think outside the box—whether it’s developing new skills, looking into industries that are still growing, or even considering entrepreneurial paths.

According to the India Employment Report 2024, created jointly by the Institute for Human Development and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), India's working population increased from 61 percent in 2011 to 64 percent in 2021, and it is projected to reach 65 percent in 2036. However, the percent of youth involved in economic activities declined to 37 percent in 2022. Continued vigilance and effective policy measures remain crucial to foster sustainable job growth and secure the nation's future prosperity.

Read the article here

Don’t Go It Alone

I know it can feel isolating when you’re searching for a job, especially when you’re not getting the responses you hoped for. But don’t forget that you have a network of people who care about you and want to help. Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues—anyone who might be able to offer advice, leads, or just a little moral support.

And if you’re up for it, join some online communities related to your field. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to share tips, job postings, and encouragement. Sometimes, it’s who you know that makes all the difference.

Keep Your Head Up

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—this is hard. But hard doesn’t mean impossible. Every day is a new opportunity to take a step forward, even if it’s a small one. Update your resume, apply for that job you’re not sure you’re qualified for, learn something new, or just take care of yourself so you’re ready when the right opportunity comes along.

Remember, this is just a phase. It doesn’t define your worth or your future. You’re capable, you’re resilient, and you’re going to get through this. And when you do, you’ll look back and see that this tough time made you stronger, more adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next.

So hang in there, keep pushing, and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need to talk. We’re all in this together, and better days are ahead. You got this!

Take care, and keep moving forward.