“When we are at our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change.”
Avatar Aang, The Legend of Korra
It’s too suffice to say that life definitely kicked our ass this year, more so than ever. Well, at least mine. Every time I thought things were getting together, another surprise comes along the way. But it’s not about life being tough, it’s about you being tougher.
Over the past few months, I was constantly ghosted after the first interview. But, instead of getting frustrated, I decided to re-evaluate. Once again, I had to break it down, get help, and think outside of the box in regards to my job search. I was under the impression that I had moved on from that part of my life, but clearly, that wasn’t the case. So I had to reinvent myself professionally, once AGAIN. Here’s how I helped myself push through:
I Had To Stop Hiding Behind The Pandemic
Yes, the pandemic made job searching harder, but not impossible. Life continues on, even during a pandemic. Maybe even moving on more than we should be- like wearing a mask, you know?
I Kept Pushing Forward, Although Sometimes, I Failed
I refused to stop pursuing my goal, I knew persistence was the only way to get where I wanted to be. Even if I looked (and felt) like death I showed up for my interviews. Even if I bombed the previous interview, I knew I still had to show up and advocate for myself every day. I understood that it was up to me to put in the work if I desired the results.
I also understood that every day was not going to be a win. To prepare myself mentally, literally, putting mind over matter. I created mood boards and read inspirational quotes. It is important to note that none of those things replace doing the actual work , but these items help you get into the brain space necessary to achieve your dreams.
I Had To Change My Goals And Tactics.
Your goal may have to change, your strategy may have to change, you may have to change yourself, you may have to change your goals, maybe even your dreams. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have what you want or deserve.
I had to think outside of the box in terms of what I could do and offer. How could I transfer my current skills to the next job? Staying in the same title, volunteering my time and skills, and educating myself to keep moving forward. Finding a network and (re)connected with people and resources to help or give me some insight. Doing other jobs and pursued my dreams on the side until they were ready to be fulfilled full time. I was opened to taking jobs and roles that I felt like I’ve done before instead of moving up. I knew that I could still learn from the roles and jobs that I felt that I was “overqualified” for.
What I had to ask myself was, “Do I want to do this, or do I want to keep on not doing anything? Do I want to progress or stay stagnant?”
If you’re on the fence about this, ask yourself, “Would you rather deal with the pain of staying the same or changing?” What could happen if you persist and push through? You may never know if you don’t. Maybe one day, you’ll be at a place where you can help others to push through. You won’t know until you find out.
I had to Take a Break.
I was not going to be a good person, let alone an interviewee, if I was burnt out, frustrated, and angry all of the time. Taking time for myself, any time at all, to let go, not think about work (because yes, looking for a job is a job) and relax. I had to see a world outside of work, reflect on me and what I wanted so I could come back the next week and do what I was supposed to do. I had to re-energize myself so I could perform well in my phone and video call interviews.
When I worked multiple jobs and had little time to myself, I carved out little moments for myself. Whether that’s getting up extra early to get ready so you feel nice all day, taking a scheduled nap once a week (I would like to believe that we’ve all been there), or listening to your favorite song while on your 30-minute lunch break.
Tough times surround us all, it happens all the time and to every generation. Ultimately, our reaction to hard times is the only thing that we have in control. So what are you going to do about it? Oftentimes, especially with social media, we are in the dark about the difficult times that we and our friends, families, and peers face. But you are not alone and never will be in these times. You just need a space where you can find the strength to keep ongoing.
I Found Inspiration Through Others
I read and learned about people who persisted to achieve their dreams.
For example, Ali Wong, a stand-up comedian whom, for years, performed show after show selling tickets on Groupon, until she out-earned her Harvard graduate husband and got to kiss Keanu Reeves and Daniel Dae Kim in the same movie. Or, Lizzo, a musician who expanded from her flute and started singing to perform for years while living in her car until her song Truth Hurts became a big hit three years post its release. Another example is, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States who did not find her first job after graduating from Columbia Law School until a year later in 1961 and was nominated 32 years later in 1993.
I had to find what gave me the will to continue on and rediscover who I am and what I enjoyed. Who was I? What kind of future did I want? What did I enjoy? For me, that was: Reading, gardening, playing Animal Crossing, exercising, watching televisions and movies to learn about different perspectives and people, and listening to music. What’s your inspiration? What’s something that you could discover and relish in? What will give you the strength and motivation to keep moving on?
