Navigating the Job Search Maze: The Reality of My Journey

7 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 27,2024 at 4:25AM UTC

   What helped me emmensely was to reduce my focus to manageable chunks of time and goals.

   Example:I would get up, do a load of laundry, shower, dress and make a cup of tea. Spend 2 hours on my job search. Then stop, fold laundry. Pick up the house. I would break down my errands and pick one to do. Come home, go for a hike and check my emails. Everything was broken down into bite sized tasks so I got things done and didn't leave much room to create suffering and worry.

   Every Saturday I would create an updated list of goals and things I needed to do for the upcoming week. It helped me be productive but also feel control. You break things down to whatever increments you could handle. You budget, you find whatever small ways to earn and manage your wellbeing. You practice mindfulness, you practice gratitude and you practice grace. It's all you can do. But in the end it was enough for me. After 92 weeks unemployed I found a great job, and continued with my practice to rebuild my life. I still use this practice 15 years later because breaking things down into manageable chunks works regardless of what is going on in my life. It gives me peace knowing I'm doing the best I can. I'm not creating worry about things I can't control.

   Good luck to you. Nothing lasts forever. This too shall pass.

2. AnonymousOctober 27,2024 at 3:56PM UTC

   I can tell one thing about you: YOu are professional and an excellent communicator- this comes across in your posting here. So Bravo! Now, as far as the job hunt goes- It sounds like you've done alot of "this and that"- but I'm not getting the vibe that you have a strong and clear skill set. Rather, you have excellent organizational and people skills (at least, I'm interpreting this way- and perhaps employers are also). And this crummy economy, "people skills", marketing and working in support roles are very few, sparse, and aren't paying so well. There are lots of folks out there with Bachelor's degrees (or less, but with experience) who can't find a job. What to do? Well, for the short term, we hve to get you working. Your unemploymet ends soon. Have you considered working as a substitute teacher at the High school (or lower?) level. I just feel like you would command respect in a classroom. I know the school districts are crazy for subs- and yes, it does't pay great, but it would get you some cash flow- connections- and fill in the blanks in your resume right now. It does't sound as if you are in a situation to take some courses (such as IT/programming, tech related or healthcare?) but if so, these would open doors for you. Please consider my suggestions with warmth and concern. you radiate excellence and somethig will pop up, but it's going to take perseverance due to the current market

3. Angelinaisela ArandaOctober 28,2024 at 6:42PM UTC

   You put a bright light on my approach, and I really appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to offer such thoughtful advice—I feel encouraged and have some fresh ideas to consider. Thank you again for your warmth and support

4. Star7October 29,2024 at 3:49AM UTC

   It's not you..trust me. I also feel like some companies are becoming too brazen for their own good what is going on with the American people. Too much like 2008-2016...u g h

5. AnonymousOctober 29,2024 at 2:40PM UTC

   You are not alone. It has been a really shitty market this year. Despite the hardships you've shared, you have a roof over your head and people who love you. Everything is temporary. I have a few versions of my resume depending on the role I'm pursuing. Please ensure you're targeting companies and roles by heavily highlighting your accomplishments within your account mgmt vs project mgmt roles, etc. If your information is trying to cover too many skills for a specific role, it will not be seen as a benefit. Keep us posted. There is genuine care and support here!!

6. AnonymousOctober 30,2024 at 4:07PM UTC

   I have not personally dealt with the magnitude of your current issues but would suggest you make time within that to just sit and do nothing but take care of you. What does that mean...simple things like taking a walk, reading a book, watching a movie with no interruptions.

   You are clearly the caregiver for the whole lot of folks that need you. But you need you too...

   As for the job search, see if you can find an employer who is family friendly and advocates for this. You might also find an ally in another single mother who is dealing with childcare and other issues where you can share the load and give each other some grace. This too shall pass....you will see better days ahead.

7. GirlBossanova934974November 2,2024 at 1:31PM UTC

   At the very least, make sure you have a DIFFERENT resume for all three of your major skillsets...... 1) strategic sourcing, 2) project management, and 3) customer success. Make sure your financial accomplishments are clearly spelled out in each resume. Make sure your LINKEDIN (LI) profile is up to date and COMPLETELY filled out because that is where RECRUITERS will find you. Recruiters are hitting LI accounts each and every day in large numbers. Two things that are BIG NON SELLERS these days? Vague resumes with lots of flowery language and resumes which are too general aka don't have singular purpose. Recruiters want to see specific words and phrases. If this is done, your LI messaging light should be popping off. Mine is lit up 5-6 times per week.