Guest Author: Susan Liddy, MA, PCC, CPCC - Life Coach, Writer, Speaker
Job searching can be taxing, especially in this economy where companies are growing more cautious and conservative by the day. Maybe you were recently laid off, which naturally can be a huge hit to your self confidence. Or maybe you’re just getting the feeling that it’s time to do something else… something you’re more suited for which will sustain you for the long term.
I know from personal experience how easy it is to fall into a funk when you’re looking for a new job. If you’re like most, you probably have a full plate as it is… from working full time at your current position, to taking care of a family (and yourself for that matter)… making time for a social life, keeping the bills paid and your home clean and livable. All of this takes a ton of time and energy! It’s no wonder that none of us are really leaping for joy at the thought of a career change.
Yet as much as it can be a struggle to get going, the experience promises to be hugely rewarding once things take off.
Think about it: you’re readying yourself to leave a situation that you’re NOT happy about, in exchange for one that brings you great joy and fulfillment. How cool is that? Not to mention, any time you invite something new into your life, it’s invigorating – a learning experience that can impart newfound knowledge and wisdom.
If you’re feeling discouraged during your quest for the perfect career, don’t be! Use the tips below to help you keep your chin up and your eyes open for possible opportunities that may come your way.
- Acknowledge yourself. You’ve come a long way in life and in your career. Even if you were downsized yesterday, you must remember that it was a corporate decision — NOT personal. Everyone has special skills and gifts they bring to the table. So use this time to focus on yours.
- Get reinforcement from a trusted guide. If you’re having trouble remembering where you excel and what you have achieved… work with a career coach. He or she can create exercises and initiate discussions that will help you track your progress and cement your future.
- Give your resume a boost. It’s not enough to have the cookie cutter career profile anymore. Toot your horn using strong language and real-life examples of how you helped your company succeed, grow, make more money, save more money, train a first rate staff, and so forth. Again – a career coach can really help.
- Keep up the positive self talk. Even if you’re out of a job, it’s really no use dwelling on the negative. Instead of lamenting on what you could have done, or shouldn’t have done, strive to make a positive impact NOW.
- Fuel yourself. Think of your body as a plant in a garden. You need healthy food, water, fresh air and you also need plenty of exercise to keep on growing and thriving. Find time for cardio, yoga, nutritious snacks and activities that will rev you up for action.
- Keep your mind sharp and your spirit filled… with good friends, positive people, creative activities and new experiences. All of this will give you the buoyancy needed to continue on with your job search. Not to mention, exploring different activities can help you discover what you really want to do… and new people may have new career possibilities to offer you!
- Embrace opportunity. Even if the job interview or new connection didn’t pan out as you’d hoped, there’s still a lesson to be learned. Find all the “diamonds in the rough”. Every experience has an opportunity…
Job searching can indeed feel stressful, yet by keeping a positive mindset, taking good care of yourself and asking for help when you need it, you will enjoy the process more and find success more readily. Here’s to your new career adventure! Cheers!
Life Coach Susan Liddy takes women with big goals AND big fear to ultimate success. She is the author of “Secrets to Ultimate Living!”, Creator of the “Passages to Empowerment Bootcamp”, and founder of “Aspire Life Coaching.org.” Get a free copy of her eBook, “Secrets to Ultimate Living” here: http://www.TheSecretstoUltimateLiving.com
