I debated whether to share this post on HB&O, considering it is closer related to my career transition than my hobby-centric content. Ultimately, I decided it was important to share my thoughts on this subject since we are amid mass layoffs and a relentless job market. Additionally, the "O" in HB&O represents feeling overworked, a significant factor in my decision to change careers in the first place! With that said, let's dive into this week's post.
-J.C.
A seemingly hopeful statement that can be spotted at the bottom of countless Linkedin profile pics.
This statement signals that you are a professional who is ready to take on your next role with determination. But it bears a heavy burden. Each day that little green sticker is stuck on your profile is another day you are without work. It starts to feel like less of a statement of dignity and more like a call for help.
In my delusional dream world, I thought this sticker would attract hiring managers like a bottomless mimosa brunch special to millennials. In reality, my job hunt has been a rough ride. The countless hours revising my resume. The work I've done for free to build my portfolio. The numerous cover letters I've written to pledge my allegiance to prospective companies.
All that work only to get the dreaded rejection email or worse yet, no response at all.
If you're also trapped in the endless job hunt cycle, toxic questions begin to invade your internal dialogue. Should I have left my job that provided me security? Was it really that bad? Am I good enough to do anything else?
These questions, while valid, are better discussed with a friend who can reassure you that being stuck in a job that caused constant stress and anxiety is a clear sign that your last gig wasn't meant to be your forever thing.
Job hunting can be soul-crushing but there are ways to keep your sanity through the process. And I won't lie; this advice is just as much for me as it is for you. So let's make a deal. We promise to check in with each other often, stay supportive, and give the following tips a try!
Time Limits
Many a time, I find myself scrolling on Linkedin after hours, obsessively searching for a job posting that I may not have seen earlier that day. No good will come from this bad habit. NO GOOD WILL COME. If you are also a job-finding doomscroller, stop now. There is only so much mental energy we have to devote to one thing in a day. Research has shown that a lack of structure and routine in your day can lead to chaos. In a post titled, "Health Benefits of Having a Routine", published by Northwestern Medicine, researchers found that creating a routine can help you manage your stress, sleep better, eat healthier, and get active. To make your search more intentional, schedule a weekly time frame for your job hunt and stick to it. Not unsurprisingly, there are optimal times to apply for jobs.
Job hunters aren't the only ones exhausted. Hiring teams can only devote so much mental energy to looking at candidates' resumes, portfolios, and cover letters. Career experts on FieldEngineer.com, suggest applying to jobs Tuesday-Thursday during the first half of the workday. Sounds like "Monday Blues" and that "Friday feeling" exists in the realm of hiring managers too!
Being unemployed can make you feel like you're floating in the ether, but understanding hiring trends will help you regain control of the process.
Networking
As an introvert, I've battled with this fact for a long time but networking is the best way to find a job and gather helpful information in your respective field. In the digital age, people are growing more distant from one another. Without another person who can vouch for your work ethic, qualifications, and personality, you are simply a name on a page. Having a personal reference can help you stand out amongst the sea of other applicants.
This year, I made it my mission to employ any means necessary to find a job. With the encouragement of friends, I began to reach out to professionals in copywriting. I cast a wide net by searching for different types of copywriters on Linkedin. To date, I've gotten a few responses from people who were more than eager to offer their tips for breaking into the field. This process has helped me better understand the duties of copywriters depending on their niche and how that applies to my aspirations.
Steps to initiate the conversation
Step 1: Introduce yourself and why you are genuinely interested in connecting with that person. The keyword there is "genuinely". This requires some research and thought. Are they in the field or at the company you want to work for? Do their social media posts inspire you? Did they write a book that you love? By keeping the conversation natural, you will create lasting connections.
Step 2: Ask important questions that will help you learn more about the career you want to break into. Below is a list of questions that have proven helpful in my discussions:
What inspired you to get into this field?
How did you land your current position?
What did the company feel you brought to the table that others didn’t?
What does a day in the life of your job look like?
What helps you do your job?
What are the problems you experience in your position?
Are there any tools I should learn to use to make myself a desired candidate?
Step 3: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback. If they're open to it, share your work with them. It could be your portfolio, website, or even an idea you have to present to them. Asking for constructive feedback from a seasoned professional will only heighten your chances of landing your dream job. Some people may say no but I've found that people are more eager to help than you think!
IRL Networking
On top of digital discussions, networking with people you meet in person is extremely beneficial, especially for jobs outside of the digital space. You can search for networking events near you or strike up discussions with people you meet at a get-together. After all, you are a hot commodity so put yourself out there! You never know who knows who unless you're willing to share and ask questions.
Hobby and Wellness Time
You knew I'd bring this up at some point! Make sure to give yourself time in your well-structured schedule for hobbies. A career transition is a full-time job in itself and with that comes the inevitable burn-out.
Hobbies are a necessary escape in times of uncertainty. My favorite hobby during my career transition journey has been hiking and working out. These activities get me off my laptop, and into the fresh air, providing a much-needed release of serotonin. After hours of sitting in front of a computer screen, a hobby that gives you the freedom to move around helps reinvigorate your mind.
Other wellness activities such as therapy, journaling, and meditation further promote a healthy mental state. Nurturing and caring for your wellness is essential, or you will quickly lose steam in your job hunt.
Final Thoughts
The job market is a scary place right now but you can't let fear of the unknown stop you from going after a new role that will make you happy. Job hunting is a grind, but you can improve your odds of landing your next role. Continue to brush up on the required or desired skills in your respective career. Keep your resume, and portfolios updated. Continue to apply and network, network, network. Oh, and please do not rely on ChatGpt to write your entire resume and cover letters!
You are going to face rejections and doubts, but these growing pains are part of the process.
And you know what else is part of the process? The wins! No matter how big or small. Maybe you got the job (yay!). Maybe you finally got an interview. Maybe you met a goal that has nothing to do with your job hunt. Save space during this time for joy and celebration.
Focusing only on negatives will stifle your motivation.
Friends, you're not alone in running this marathon. Each fail and win you experience demonstrates growth. You are worthy of a career that you love so be patient with the process, give yourself grace, and ask for help when you need it. Don't stop believing!
Follow my blog and my socials for even more helpful posts on how to find your perfect hobby and more!
-Julie C.
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What a great write up! Everyone should read this, very insightful and good tips for staying sane. Good luck on the hunt out there!