“Dan, I’ve been struggling with feeling super depressed. I have been doing everything you teach in your book and I am diligently putting my name out there. However I am truly losing hope at times. This job search attacks my self esteem in huge ways and I simply feel God won’t bless me or help me. I am pleading for your daily prayers. 1/ Pray I do not lose hope, 2/ I sense God and 3/ that He brings me to the RIGHT place of employment.” Discouraged
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I know not getting the results you want can be discouraging. But don’t let your work be the only source of your
self-esteem. Make sure you’re making deposits of success in physical, personal development, spiritual and relationship areas as well. And being strong in those areas will make you a more attractive job candidate. We all tend to be pretty transparent in how we are feeling about ourselves so you don’t want to let low self-esteem sabotage your presentations for work. Also don’t overlook creative ways to put legs on your skills. A 40-hr job may be just one of many possibilities – and some of those may not require that someone “offer you a job.”
Here are some additional tips for moving forward:
- Release Your Anger. It’s OK to be angry at the unfairness of the boss, the company or the world. But don’t stay there. While you may have been treated unfairly, sharing that will only make potential new employers uneasy and prevent them from wanting you on their team.
- Evaluate Your Life. Take advantage of these transitions to take a fresh look at your life. What is unique about you? How important is time flexibility? What income do you want? See this as a time to move up and forward; not down.
- Network Constantly. Start each day with an action plan. Get out there and meet people. Talk to anyone you can who might offer suggestions on how to improve your job search. Don’t be embarrassed to let people know you are looking for work. You are selling a product, and that product is YOU.
- Don’t Make Excuses. You are not too old, too short or missing a degree. Excuses tend to become self-fulfilling after a while, and mentally you can become your own worst enemy in the job-search process.
- Stay Balanced. Our success tends to spiral up or down together. Career success leads to financial success, more social and family success, etc. The opposite is also true. Don’t allow a job loss to turn you into a couch potato. Stay sharp physically and mentally. Keep developing your important relationships.
And yes, we’ll pray with you that your best God-given talents will shine through.
