I was thinking about this today. So many posts on LinkedIn, on blogs I read even on Facebook on being positive, learning something new, keeping active etc. during lockdown.
The concept I get, it is awesome, but let us put a little proviso on this. I think it is OK to take some time to wallow a bit. I am no psychologist, just a guy with a lot of recruitment, a smattering of HR and a fair amount of life experience, so take this with a grain of salt.
Allow yourself some time to grieve. It is pretty tough. Staying positive is pretty easy to say, but it is really hard work. Trying to quash those inner voices is tiring. I think as a Talent Acquisition Professional, it is a little bit harder.
You are supposed to know how to get a job, you coach people in this, you write resumes and give advice on such things. How is it that you are still not employed? Imposter syndrome kicks in. Some days it is a huge step to get up and get dressed.
It is important to have goals, a plan even, a target for when the light is on the horizon, but not every day needs to be in search of these goals. It is going to be a long road, don’t be afraid to sit down and take a rest.
I struggle in the house at the moment, where three kids are doing their schooling and my wife is working away. It is not fair for me to take a bit of time away from the job search, household chores etc. for just me and some me time out is it?
I think it is OK to be a little bit selfish once in a while, and look after yourself. But the important thing is to temper this too, movement is required, not specifically physically, but momentum to keep putting one foot in front of the other is really important. It doesn’t have to be fast just consistent.
I am not going to give job search advice as the internet is flooded with it, and maybe it is weird to get job search advice from an unemployed person, so I will finish with this.
Be kind to yourself, be a little bit selfish, believe in yourself and keep moving. Ignore Gandalf and his “you shall not pass!” bullshit. Believe me, I’m old enough to realise, this too shall pass.
Be ready!
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