Job Searches Suck, But You Don’t!

Happy New Year, Friends! 

Okay, I know, I’m a little late, but listen - January was rough for those of us in Southern California. So, let’s have a new year’s re-do starting right now.

The beginning of any year is often marked with reflection and motivation. For those of you setting goals, making resolutions, and planning for the year ahead, I wish you every success and can’t wait to see what you accomplish. You’ve totally got this! 

I realize that for some, those plans may include a new job which means the dreaded job search. Whether the search is by choice or necessity, it feels like a good time for a pep talk. Job searches bring up a lot of fear and can really do a number on your self-esteem. It’s scary to put yourself out there!  Every “no thank you” letter, every unacknowledged application, every post-interview ghosting, becomes death by a thousand paper cuts. The self- doubt creeps in. “Maybe I’m not as skilled as I thought. Maybe my background is not relevant. Maybe everybody else is better than me.” 

Stop! 

Stop the negative self-talk. 

Stop the shame spiral. 

Stop doubting yourself.  

If you are embarking on a job search then we can safely assume that you have a resume. You have a resume, right? On that resume you see reflected all the amazing things you’ve done in your career, right? That. That right there is the evidence you use to push back against your fears because all of those accomplishments still belong to you. Leaving a job does not change who you are because you take all of your experience, accomplishments, and value with you. 

You take your value with you!

The job you left behind is not who you are.  You are still you. You are still capable and worthwhile. I need you to hear this: You were not valuable because you worked at that company. You are valuable and you worked at that company. 

Now would be a good time for you to pause and think about what you are most proud of, professionally. Think about how hard it was to get that thing done. Some days it probably felt like you were pushing a boulder up a hill.  Now, think about the impact that it had and how good it felt once it was done. Finally, think about all the skills and strengths you had to tap into in order to get that boulder up the hill.  Maybe it required meticulous planning or strategic visioning. Did you have to lead a team or influence senior leaders? It may have required you to learn a new piece of technology.  Whatever it took, those are skills and strengths you own and a new desk at a new company does not remove them from your personal toolbox.

You take. Your value. With you!

Do whatever it takes to keep this idea front and center. You may need the reminder when you are having bad job search days. You will also want it front of mind when you are interviewing and negotiating a salary. You are not starting over, you are building on. 

You are awesome and valuable because you are you. 

If you would like to continue this pep talk live, you can set up a discovery call here.

If you want some practical tools to help you not lose your mind while job searching, check out my mini-workshop here.