The Courage to Persist
Like millions of others, I have been searching for work for months and I won’t lie — the emotional toll of being unemployed is real. Above all, a long-term job search requires persistence, and while the media continues to report on just how many Americans are in the very same position; what is not reported is the degree to which each person searching for employment is riding a continuous roller coaster of encouragement, disappointment, and potentially despair.
One thing is true — job hunting is emotional. On many days, an online search reveals nothing new in terms of prospects. Those days are disappointing and can literally leave me with chest pain as they quickly lead to a worrisome list of “what ifs” like: “What if I NEVER find a job?” “What if I fall behind on my bills?” and the ever popular, “What if I lose my home?”
On other days, a glimmer of light shines and a job post speaks to me. When this happens, I eagerly apply, but gone are the days when employers respond to receipt of applications, and so a sense of hope can easily evaporate into the ether when an otherwise strong application goes unrecognized.
And then there is the rare, and thrilling, day when an employer reaches out to offer an interview. Immediately, a sense of hope grows, and while the typical interview nerves inevitably creep up, having the opportunity to speak with a potential employer makes my heart sing. To date, interview opportunities have been few and far between, but I remain hopeful that each “no” is one step closer to a “yes”.
When unemployed, your sense of self is altered. You filter what is otherwise the background noise of a normal day in new ways. Television commercials for holiday gift-giving are difficult to watch. Days that normally pass quickly when employed, can feel endless, so creating a schedule of activity is essential. Mine includes eating well, exercising, spending time with my pup, reaching out to friends and family, and setting aside a chunk of time each day to pour over job posts.
Persistence is critical and can be difficult to muster. Job seekers need support, particularly during this Pandemic, when access to others is limited and the daily news is overwhelmingly negative. If you know individuals who are in this difficult situation, reach out. They need to know they are not alone and not forgotten. And if you, like me, are currently unemployed, be brave and don’t give up. Persist. There is most certainly a light at the end of this tunnel. I’d love to hear from you, because remember, I’ve got your back.
