The Importance of Resilience During Unemployment.

Let me begin with a disclaimer: I'm not a writer, so this could go well or go down like a lead balloon. Either way, I'd appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to give it a read.

Looking for work can be either straightforward, or very challenging. Some people walk into their next role. Others experience potential employers not showing up for interviews, being ignored, or getting ghosted, all while trying to make ends meet on $2 noodles, drinking crap coffee and worrying about finances.

So, why am I writing this? There are three reasons:

1.?????? To emphasise the importance of resilience when seeking employment.

2.?????? To encourage those in a similar position to persevere.

3.?????? To step out of my comfort zone by posting on LinkedIn in hopes of landing a job and showing my Australian network what lies beyond my CV (I steer clear of social media normally)

Resilience is a transferable skill. Not just in work life but life itself. Specifically, it is crucial when facing constant rejection or being overlooked in job searches. It is an important skill that builds strength both looking for work and when in work.

When crafting a CV, it's challenging to convey your personality and convince a potential employer of your dedication, adaptability, and suitability beyond your qualifications and certifications. You are initially selling yourself to earn a wage so that you can keep the roof over your head, spend $7 on organic ginger from Woolworths (I don’t do that) or take your partner to the Eastern suburbs for $18 avocado on toast with “cultured” butter (I didn’t know my butter was well travelled). It's about proving you're not just capable but a perfect match for their team.

In recent years, I have gravitated towards the delivery side of construction projects. Enjoying coordinating, responding to requests for information (RFIs), attending site meetings, and trying to deliver projects smoothly. This has spurred my desire to transition from design to project coordination, with a long-term goal of becoming a Project Manager. For some it was easy. For others its incredibly difficult. For me, it’s been the latter. Why? Perhaps a mixture of imposter syndrome, the actual logistics of making such a transition and worrying I would have to go back to University to get a piece of paper and a pocket full of debt. Oh, and also, moving to a country 17,000km away from home where I barely knew anyone.

I have found myself reaching out to employers and individuals in the roles I aspire to, seeking their guidance. I've sought advice from recruiters, taken online courses, watched YouTube tutorials, and have the AS4000 contract, material lists, and equipment costs next to my bedside for some light reading before bed, even reducing my salary considerably to get my foot in the door, often with very little luck. I suppose I resemble the John Travolta GIF where he's looking around lost.

It's easy to become frustrated or disheartened by setbacks and delays in achieving your career goals. This is where resilience comes in handy—alongside playing Creedence Clearwater and Oasis at full volume whilst stomaching mug after mug of instant coffee (To save money, not because I prefer it to Aussie coffee)

I am lucky to have a brother who is tougher than a coffin nail, who’s taught me the importance of resilience alongside a partner who has supported me through hardship, making me laugh and buying me the odd McDonalds to cheer me up. And to those who may not have that, find your reason why. Ask yourself where do you want to go, what do you want and why do you want it. As my mum used to say, "It's not about what you're going through, it’s how you manage it."

If you are in a similar position, hunting for work. Keep going. Risks, setbacks, tough times, only make your skin thick and with resilience by your side you will get past it. Remember;

Resilience is applying to over 300 jobs, but you keep on applying.

Resilience is enduring financial, emotional, and physical hardships yet showing up for work on time.

Resilience is being ignored by a handful of recruiters, potential employers, facing repeated rejection and still reaching out to new opportunities.

Resilience is being persistent and not slowing down when you get knocked back daily or deal with setbacks.

Books like Anna Lembke's "Dopamine Nation" and Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" have resonated with me because they explore the benefits of challenges and the importance of maintaining purpose. Recently, Steven Bartlett's DOAC podcast has significantly boosted my confidence in navigating setbacks and challenges as I transition my career from Design to Project Management. Embracing rejection as a learning opportunity is integral to fostering resilience.

I'll conclude by saying this: if you're currently on the job hunt, don't lose hope. The endless search can be exhausting, feeling like a recurring cycle, and sometimes demoralising. It's easy to slip into a routine where days pass without realising, seduced by TikTok, only to find yourself two days without a shower and high fiving your mates down at the job centre. Avoid falling into this trap. Stay resilient. Start your day early, exercise, learn new skills through YouTube or LinkedIn courses, read, and keep applying for jobs with unwavering determination. Stay focused on your career goals.

Feel free to share this with anyone who might benefit—whether they're job hunting, transitioning careers, facing job loss, or simply at a career crossroads. Best of luck to you.