The Unexpected Detour –?Navigating Rejections, Reflections, and Recharging

It's been a whirlwind since my last post in the "Unexpected Detour" series. The path since redundancy hasn’t been a straight line — it’s had its fair share of bumps and twists. But, it's those unexpected turns that have made this journey interesting.

I dived headfirst into Webflow, as some of you might recall. The learning curve? Steepish, but incredibly rewarding. Just like every new tool or skill we pick up, it started with hesitation, but soon transformed into excitement. It reminded me of my days at Common Good, where the thrill was in exploring, making, and tinkering.

I also explored beyond the conventional boundaries of LinkedIn for job hunting. Websites like Otta, Dribbble, and others became frequent tabs on my browser. The conventional job boards, though saturated, became more navigable when approached with a clear mindset. I took some time to reflect, not just on what I wanted to do, but with whom and how.

Reconnecting with old colleagues was another highlight. Engaging conversations, reminiscing about past projects, and discussing potential collaborations. It emphasised the importance of an existing network, reminding me that relationships built over the years can be your guiding stars.

But what's next? Well, while I'm still navigating this detour, I’m not alone. Many of us are on similar journeys, looking for that next opportunity, or perhaps, creating one for ourselves.

Here's three topics I've been reflecting on in between the applications.

1. Embracing the 'No's

Rejections, while never pleasant, can often be a powerful tool for growth. It's a sentiment I've felt keenly since my last update. Every 'No' I've received, particularly for roles I was excited about, felt like a jab. But with each rejection, I found clarity. It reminded me of the need to adapt, to improve, and to recognise that every 'No' is one step closer to the right 'Yes'. It's a journey of self-improvement, understanding that feedback, however silent, is an opportunity to better prepare for the next challenge.

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

One key takeaway from my detour? The profound importance of showcasing. We often hear the advice, "show, don't tell" - and it couldn't be more relevant. Providing tangible examples of one's work isn't about presenting a glossy, polished portfolio. Sometimes, it's the raw stuff, your thinking, unrefined design concepts that speak the loudest. Tell a story, be authentic, and give context to your capabilities and experience.

3. Clarifying Your Value

Interviews are, at their core, a dance of clarity. The initial interviews post-redundancy were challenging. I grappled with articulating the balance between being a hands-on practitioner versus taking on a lead role. It's a nuanced distinction but an essential one. A lead may be less hands-on, but they drive strategy, guide teams, and make pivotal decisions. On the flip side, a practitioner is immersed in the work, crafting and shaping the final product or service. Being clear about where I fit in this spectrum, and where I can deliver the most value, became paramount. If there's confusion in how you present yourself, it can create a fog for those trying to understand your fit in their puzzle.

The Self-Care Detox

It’s funny, really. In our hyper-connected era, platforms like LinkedIn can sometimes feel like our lifeline, especially during job-hunting phases. Early on, I found myself drawn to it like a moth to a flame, each notification sending a red dot of anticipation. But as the days turned into weeks, I realised the importance of digital detox.

While the allure of the 'next opportunity' always beckoned from my screen, I decided to step back and reconnect with the world beyond screens and devices.

With summer in full swing and family around, the call of grey skies and non stop rain fall in a field was too potent to ignore. No, I couldn’t jet off to sun-soaked beaches, but I could pack a tent and embrace the simple joys of the outdoors this weekend. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back, breathe, and find grounding.

To anyone else on this detour, don’t underestimate the rejuvenating power of pausing and finding your centre.

I'd love to hear from others on their unexpected detours. What have you discovered about yourself, the job market, or a new skill you've picked up?

You can read the other articles if you missed them.

1. The unexpected detour: Embracing redundancy and reinvention
2. The Unexpected Detour: Making stuff & learning Webflow

Thanks for reading and to everyone's who's helped out, checked in and supported so far – way too many to tag here.