Uncertainty breeds grit and innovation: A Personal Guide for Job Seekers and Switchers
In crafting this blog post, I approach it with a measured sense of pride for the achievements I've swiftly realized. Departing from my role as Director of Integrated Marketing at Smartsheet was a decision made in a time of uncertainty — an economy in flux, jobless claims at unprecedented lows, and a job market that felt like a competitive arena, where even securing acknowledgment for an application or an initial screening call was akin to a bloodsport.
Embarking on this journey in early January, I couldn't escape the weight of self-doubt and the questioning of my choices. It's a familiar sentiment, one that the Navy Seals encapsulate with "embrace the suck." While I'm no Navy Seal (just a joke!), this phrase genuinely resonated as an inspiration to confront the challenges at hand. Here's a breakdown of the steps I took to embrace the difficulties and secure my dream job in under six weeks:
Embrace Discipline Rapidly:
Discipline emerged as a critical factor I needed to cultivate swiftly. Acknowledging my own lack of natural discipline, I resorted to creating routines, mapping out my week day by day, specifying tasks, locations, and defining success metrics. This structured approach added rigor to my discipline and reinforced my strategies.
Change Your Environment:
Recognizing the importance of a change in perspective, I found it beneficial to conduct career reflections and job searches from different locations. Whether in cozy coffee shops or vibrant city spaces, leaving one's usual environment can refresh the mind, spirit, and body.
Invest in Yourself:
While being cautious with resources, I realized the importance of balancing austerity with enjoyment. Allocating funds for small pleasures like a coffee, lunch, or a drink became essential. Consider these as rewards for your hard work and a way to enhance your day.
Turn It Into a Game:
For motivation, I gamified the process. Creating a dashboard to track key metrics, such as job applications, network connections, callbacks, and rejections, turned the monotony of the job search into an engaging game. While my method involved spreadsheets, the key is to make it personal and tailored to resonate with your own motivations.
Accept Help in Various Forms:
You're not alone in this journey. Utilize the friendships forged over time, seek one-on-one conversations with friends, and benefit from external perspectives. Memories and recommendations from past experiences can be powerful assets.
Patience is Key:
Acknowledge the challenges, frustrations, and stressful moments. It's okay to have bad days. Prepare for the dark clouds, take time off when needed, and return with a more objective outlook. Reach out to supportive individuals in your life; their willingness to help might surprise you.
Navigating this process requires a blend of discipline, changing perspectives, self-investment, a touch of gamification, accepting help, and, above all, patience. Embrace the challenges, stay resilient, and remember that you're never alone in this journey.
