"The position has been put on hold. We will get back to you."

One term has consistently tested my patience and resolve throughout my corporate journey:

‘on hold.’ It's a phrase that can evoke frustration and demoralization, hinting at a lack of progress, stagnation, and uncertainty.

Origins

The term ‘on hold’ originated in the telecommunications industry. It refers to temporarily placing a phone call in a waiting state where the caller is not connected to the intended recipient but is instead held in a queue until someone is available to assist them.?

The term has since been adopted in various contexts beyond telecommunications to describe a temporary pause or delay in a process or activity.

Life Experience

While 'The position is put on hold' phrase has been part of multiple conversations over the years, one particular instance stands out. Nearly a decade ago, I went for aninterview (which I realized later was a series as per their processes) for an E-commerce start-up.?

8 rounds of interviews over 2 trips (to their corporate office, where I was flown in & out off) and 4 months later?when I noticed a JD in one of the job portals with a different profile/qualification requirement, when I contacted the HR team, and pat came the answer, 'The position is put on hold.'

Most of the time, this lack of transparency and clarity has been disheartening and demoralizing, with all the time invested in the process coming up to nothing! Over the years, some things have remained unchanged in this corporate world.?

But amidst the challenges, I almost always embraced a positive mindset and sought opportunities for growth and progress. Rather than dwelling on the setbacks caused by being put "on hold," I strive to find ways to navigate these situations and maintain momentum.

Professional strategies to overcome disappointments

Delays are inevitable in the dynamic corporate world, but they need not define our journey. Instead, let's focus on a few professional strategies to overcome the disappointments associated with being on hold:

1. Explore the reasons behind the disappointment

Consider what you have learned from the experience thus far. Reflect on the factors that led to your position being on hold. Reflect on any insights or new perspectives gained during this time. Consider any internal or external circumstances that may have contributed to this situation.

2. Skill development

Utilize the extra time on our hands to enhance our professional skill set. Engage in online courses, workshops, or self-study to acquire new knowledge and capabilities. Expanding our expertise prepares us for future opportunities beyond being ‘put on hold.’

3. Networking and Collaboration

Connect with like-minded professionals in our field, both within and outside our organization. Engaging in meaningful discussions, collaborating on side projects, or participating in industry events can help us stay connected and contribute to our professional growth.

4. Personal Development

Embrace personal development initiatives during these moments of pause. Invest in activities promoting well-being, such as mindfulness practices, physical fitness, or hobbies. Nurturing our personal growth positively impacts our professional mindset.

5. Goal Setting and Adaptability

Set clear goals and milestones for ourselves, even when things are on hold. Break down larger objectives into smaller achievable tasks, and adapt our plans accordingly as the situation evolves. This allows us to maintain focus and progress, irrespective of external factors.

6. Seek support from mentors or peers

Reach out to mentors or peers who can provide guidance and support during this challenging time. Their insights and perspective can help you navigate disappointments and provide valuable advice for your career advancement.?

7. Maintain a positive mindset

Focus on maintaining a positive attitude and outlook despite the disappointment of your position being on hold. This will help you look at the situation with resilience and optimism.

8. Seek feedback and learning opportunities

Take this time to seek feedback from supervisors or colleagues on areas for improvement. Engage in learning opportunities such as online courses or professional development programs to enhance your skills and knowledge.

9. Stay updated and adaptable

Be informed about industry trends, changes, and advancements. This will position you as a knowledgeable professional who can adapt to evolving circumstances, making you a valuable asset to any organization.

10. Keep a long-term perspective

Remember that setbacks are often temporary, and opportunities will arise in the future. Maintain a long-term perspective and keep working towards your goals, even if they need to be adjusted or delayed temporarily.

Adopting these strategies can reframe the narrative of being on hold. Instead of perceiving it as a setback, we see it as an opportunity for personal and professional development, preparing us for the next phase of our journey, seeking new opportunities. Our perseverance will lead us to success.

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