A Job Search Journal Entry
A small note: I typically like to use Medium articles as a place to express more technical opinions or topics, but a lot of this week I’ve found myself reflective. I wanted to take some time to write an article that mirrors this and puts reflections on paper.
As I am deep into the job search, much like any current or former “open to work” folks may be able to relate, I find myself starting to feel bogged down by the pressure of landing a gig. With the holiday season now in full swing, it’s easier than ever to be dealt a huge bag of mixed emotions regarding the current situation. Luckily, I’ve attended some Meetups and read articles that have given me a few insights and tips to help maintain momentum and not feel helpless job searching during the holiday season.
Work on the Things You Can Control
While this might seem simple, there’s a subtle under current to help reinforce the job search. As job seekers, we can’t be responsible for who responds to our networking outreaches, which job applications we may or may not hear from, whether we get an interview, or if we land a position. That said, we can establish goals for ourselves that help us continue productively working in the search but also serve as tangible, accomplishable tasks — things like committing to contacting one new person a day, working on algorithms for an hour a day, applying to two jobs a day. These are all things that are within our control, and they’re all productive tasks to help better our network and skill set. As an added benefit, it ties into the second point.
Take Time to Look Back and See How Far You’ve Come
Whether this is at the end of the week, and seeing all the tangible tasks we’ve accomplished or looking back and realizing all the new topics we’ve learned over the course of the last few months(new frameworks, testing, data sets, etc.), this allows us to not feel stagnant in our academic/professional life.
Practicing Self Care
Again, a simple one, but, also, easier said than done. While we may feel like we need to be spending all available time to the job search or feel guilty for taking time for something else, this mentality very quickly leads to burn out and fatigue. Some things that help me:
Celebrating Small Victories
This aligns with the previous topics. Taking time to reward ourselves, whether that’s walking to get a coffee, or taking an hour to watch YouTube(you be the judge of your reward), for achieving our weekly goals, having an interview, or completing a tough algorithm helps boost confidence and also acknowledges attainable goals, growth, and momentum in the job search.
Exercise
As a boot camp grad, I became accustomed to the 10–12 hours a day spent sitting at the computer. While I still try work from 9–5 on the job search, I’ve realized how much better I feel after going on a mid-day run. My head feels clearer, frustrations worked out, and I’m ready to get to business. Again, as an added benefit, this adds to our attainable goals for the week/month. I do understand this is easier said than done, but setting aside time everyday just to go for a walk will help.
Be Kind to Yourself
The job search can be entirely deflating. Questioning self worth is something done daily, if not hourly. It’s a hard pill to swallow. It’s also not easy knowing that most job searching is a long game, with very little immediate results. Keeping our heads held high while feeling rejection can be very tough. It’s okay to feel mad, sad, and frustrated. While living in these head spaces long term won’t be good, I find it’s good to acknowledge these feelings and then let them go. Maybe let them out in run you’ve scheduled for later on today, and then check that off your list. There’s more going on in the job search than we think and we’re not responsible for most of it. So, always be kind to yourself.
Conclusion
The important thing to remember — it is a long game. As long as we maintain our tangible, attainable goals, are kind to ourselves, keep looking forward, and grind out the work, results will fall in to place. And if nothing else, try to take this time to realize all the things we’ve done and are currently doing. I believe in us, and think we’re doing great things!
