But I guess every search is sort of like a snowflake and you can't really prepare yourself for the snowballs that will hurl themselves at your life.
I remember the year before I decided to go into graduate school. I was unsure if I should go back to school or find a job that I loved. I eventually decided that getting my Masters degree was a better use of the time, energy, and money. Yet, before I came to that decision I applied to about 30 jobs. I only landed a handful of interviews which resulted in zero offers. It was a pretty depressing time and I felt like I was playing a game of darts blindfolded. As someone who doesn't roll with uncertainty really well, it left me incredibly unsettled.
I imagined this time around would be a lot of the same feelings so I tried to mentally and emotionally prepare myself all throughout the Fall. And then, it was kind of like people were throwing jobs at me. I've had the opportunity to sit on both sides of the figurative job searching table and so I've gained a little more insight into what this whole process can be like. In many ways, people wanted me to be a part of their applicant pool even if they weren't sure if I would be the final candidate standing. I appreciated these efforts and am fortunate that people are able to see something in me I can't see in myself.
I recently had to turn down a job and have had to state that I wouldn't apply for other jobs. It always feels a little weird and I feel ungrateful. But it feels empowering to have a focus and a certainty about who I am and who I am not.
So, I guess, you may be wondering "so what?" Especially if you are in the process of playing a game of darts blindfolded. It can be frustrating to hear someone say "like omg people were just throwing jobs at me." Well, I think I did work hard. I mean people don't just throw jobs at people who are ineffective and useless. And people don't throw jobs at strangers. So I took away that it helps to both show up and be out. Show up in your activities and responsibilities and don't get caught up in the be everything to everyone race. And also get out and network and meet people. I did a lot of informational interviewing and I love keeping in contact with people from many areas of my life. It may be unhelpful information if you are in the pit of finding jobs and don't really have time to start shmoozing. But it is def something to keep in mind as you set yourself up for your next job.
I also felt that it was helpful to know what filled me up. My boss let me know this tidbit because it helped me say no to some pretty attractive set ups. A job doesn't necessarily have a deadline and you could be stuck in some crappy situation for a number of years. Been there done that and not interested. No job was perfect but I def had to keep track of what would allow me to use my skills and feel connected to something larger than myself. That kind of soul searching came out of a lot of heart to hearts with friends, mentors and colleagues. And I also trusted my gut which has rarely steered me in the wrong direction. It feels weird to say no but as I look back over my life I know I've always ended up where I needed to be. There were no wrong decisions.
Good luck out there,
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