There are good sides to the job-seeking process. And here, I outline 3 bright sides of unemployment.
For most of the Summer of 2019, I was working. There was even about two months where I was working two jobs, leading to around 14 hours of work a day. All to try to make ends meet, so I could pay my bills and any remaining credit card debt.
By the end of the summer, I was killing the game. Now, with a recent move to a new city, funds are running low, and I am on the lookout for a new job. Actually, I’ve been on the lookout for a job here for the last 4 months.
For months I’ve been floating in this strange, post-grad purgatory.
The first couple of weeks here were great. I received a lot of emails and calls from employers. I even landed a few interviews. This had been the most traction that I’d gotten since my Skype interview back in April.
Most days I’m left feeling nervous and scared because I’m afraid that I will crash and burn in a new position.
Which is ridiculous.
I’ve never crashed and burned. Especially when I’m working for an employer that I respect. In any job, I’m always trying to do my best.
More and more, I’ve been regaining my self-confidence. In the beginning, the job searching process took its toll on me. I took a lot of things personally instead of taking them as something to improve on. Now, I’m more invincible.
Side note for the reader: On this day, I was feeling very invincible, but that is not a daily occurrence.
A couple of weeks ago, a great company rejected me after the interview. It was a huge blow, but I bounced back faster than I have in the past. I am glad they rejected me because it wasn’t the right job for me. The job for me will be challenging and motivating.
After my last blog post, I’ve been reluctant to write a new post. I was hoping to come back with a great success story that highlights the power of persistence and shit.
No such luck, but I have come to terms with the fact that my luck isn’t all that bad. I dare say that I am lucky. I paid for the move to get here because of my hard work over the summer. And now, I have a second chance to enjoy the summer weather.
Because of this beautiful day, I thought I would share 3 bright sides of unemployment.
1. Freedom
What could be better than getting to sit outside and enjoy this:
The answer is probably nothing.
Being new to Alexandria, there are tons of places to explore. Being unemployed, I can go wherever, whenever, which is great. This small lapse of employment gives me a better understanding of what’s a few blocks away from my apartment.
Additionally, I’ve been able to spend my time how I want to. This has included picking up some of my old hobbies like yoga, being able to spend plenty of time reading, and picking up new projects like painting my coffee table.
2. Endless Opportunities
I can look at most any job and imagine myself working in those roles. It’s kind of exciting.
I’ve imagined sitting at a desk with a microphone coming around to the side of my mouth. Saying hello and then asking if the person on the line has considered what I’m selling.
I’ve imagined working in marketing for a large company. Every day is business suits and working on branding for yourself and for the company.
I’ve imagined being the personal assistant to a big shot lawyer at a law firm. Always being surrounded by serious men and women talking about their clients.
All the job ads weave their own imagery through my thoughts.
Of course, most of these are short-lived fantasies. Loads of them will never even contact you.
Another great part of being in my location is that I can imagine working anywhere within a 25-mile radius. This has led to the imagery of potential commutes that I can take to tons of new places.
3. Failure. Tons of it.
How is this a benefit? Well, if you’re a writer like me, then you know the answer.
It creates thicker skin.
You won’t become indestructible, but each rejection you receive will be a little easier to handle. Every step forward brings improvement.
You have nothing to lose. (Except maybe time and money, but eh.)
I changed my resume so many times during the last 6 months, but on my last big edit, I said eff it. I made my resume how I wanted to make my resume. This lead to the creation of something unique that showed more of me. And you know what? I’m proud of it. I’ve actually gotten compliments on something that at the time had seemed risky. This risk is what led to all the responses I received.
So remember, you have no job, so you have nothing to lose. Experiment to your heart’s desire, but make sure you keep the end goal in mind.
There’s nothing that will light a fire under your ass more than being rejected or ignored. These are clear signs that you messed something up and that the stars weren’t aligned. And that knowledge can propel you forward.
So yeah, unemployment isn’t all rainbows and gumdrops.
But it’s not as bad as feeling trapped in a shitty position with a shitty company. So live it up. Go down to the park you haven’t explored. Or to the place you’ve been waiting to visit. You’re probably low on funds like me, but there are so many things you can do at a low cost or for free.
And maybe you’re new to a city, too, and have a shortage of friends, join a group. This is the best time to explore new groups. When else will you have so much time? Who doesn’t love having more time?
Remember to look at the bright side!
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