Surfing Unemployed: A Guide to Surviving the Waves of Life

Surfing and unemployment. One involves saltwater, balance, and living in the moment; the other involves sitting at home in your pajamas, scrolling job boards, and wondering if you should’ve picked up that call from an unsaved number. But bear with me—there are a surprising number of parallels between these two experiences.

Both teach you patience, persistence, and the importance of keeping a sense of perspective when things feel like they’re going south. Both worry my mother, but I won't get into that here. So, here’s what I’ve learned from the ocean that applies to the grind:

1. Patience is Key

Who turned off the waves? Is it the same person who turned off the jobs?

The ocean doesn’t always deliver the perfect wave right when you want it. In fact, it almost never does, but that’s kind of the point. Sometimes, you’ll sit on your board for hours, waiting for a wave that never seems to come. Unemployment feels exactly the same. There are stretches of dead air when it feels like every opportunity is just out of reach, but eventually, things do start to move again. Both surfing and unemployment are exercises in patience. Some days are better than others, but you’ve got to trust that with persistence, the right wave—er, opportunity—will come.

2. There’s Always Another Wave

One of the first things any surfer learns (aside from the stingray shuffle) is that there’s always another wave. Missed the last one? Don’t sweat it—another is already on its way. The same thing happens in unemployment. Sure, it can feel like you’ve missed out on every job posting that comes your way. But the truth is, there’s always another opportunity just around the corner. The job market is constantly shifting, and if you’ve got the persistence to keep paddling out, you’ll catch the next wave. Because all it takes is one.

3. Share Space and Be Nice

When you’re out in the water, learning how to share space is crucial. The waves belong to everyone, and no one can claim ownership of them (so, seriously, check the big mad energy, okay?). In the world of unemployment, sharing space with others—whether it’s supporting fellow job seekers or networking with those in similar situations—can be key to survival. Like surfers, we have to take turns, collaborate, and learn from one another. The job market isn’t a zero-sum game. The more we help each other out, the better everyone does. I guess you could say "a rising tide lifts all boards."

4. Balance is Everything

In surfing, balance is everything. Too much weight on the front foot, and you nose dive; too much on the back, and you lose control (I'm still working on walking my longboard). It’s the same with unemployment. You’ve got to strike the right balance between being proactive with your job search, taking care of your mental health, and staying connected to the world around you. If you tip too far in one direction, you’ll wipe out. But if you maintain your balance, you’ll keep moving forward, even when the ride gets rough.

5. Embrace the Falls

Let’s be real—surfing is hard. The waves can knock you down, the ocean can be unpredictable, and falling is basically a given. But here's the thing: every wipeout teaches you something. The same is true with unemployment. Rejection is hard, and it’s easy to feel defeated after an unanswered interview or a rejected application. But like surfing, every fall is part of the process. Every rejection is a lesson that brings you one step closer to the job that’s right for you. If you can learn to embrace those falls instead of fighting them, you’ll come out stronger in the end.

6. Focus on the Present Moment

When you're surfing, you have to stay in the moment. A split-second distraction can mean missing the perfect wave or, even worse, a face full of kelp. In the world of unemployment, it’s easy to get stuck obsessing over past failures or worrying about what comes next. But like surfing, staying focused on the now is the key to moving forward. Focus on what you can do today—send out that application, get that coffee chat, or just work on your resume. When you keep your attention on the present, you’ll feel more in control of your journey.

7. Some Days Will Be Better Than Others, But You'll Never Regret Trying

Some days you’ll ride the wave of your life. Other days, you’ll wipe out spectacularly. It’s the same with unemployment. Some days, everything will click, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Other days, you'll get ghosted after sending out a dozen applications. But here’s the thing: you’ll never regret getting out there and trying. Whether you’re paddling out to the waves or sending out resumes, the act of putting in the effort makes all the difference. Even on the tough days, the experience itself—of just showing up—adds value to your journey.

TLDR:

Both surfing and unemployment require resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to ride the wave, no matter how gnarly it gets. Whether you’re catching waves or riding the ups and downs of the job market, remember: success isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. So keep paddling, stay balanced, and trust that another wave is coming.