You had a really bad day at work and the thought of having to return to the same desk in the morning is enough to make you want to quit. The problem is most of us can't just quit. Bills have to be paid, health insurance is important, and having a job is part of our identity. Instead, you go home, search for companies that are hiring, and begin applying to every job posting you can find.
These are what I like to call angry applications.
Angry applications are the applications we submit from a place of frustration. They are hastily put together without any critical thought about our long term goals, values, or interests. They are submitted in desperation and unfortunately are very common!
Have you ever submitted an angry application? Great, me too!
In fact, at one point in my career I had submitted over 250 angry applications.
Yes, you heard that right, over 250 applications.
Were these jobs I was over qualified for? Yep! Were these jobs I was under qualified for? Also, yes! Was I interested in the fields? Not always. Was I desperate? 100%! Could the recruiter on the other end tell? Probably.
I was in a job that I was no longer passionate about. I wanted to remember what it felt like to wake up in the morning and be excited about my work. I wanted to help people. And most importantly, I wanted to feel like what I was doing mattered!
Why am I telling you this?
Because I hear this same story from almost all of my clients.
I also know that this may be your story, too. You are desperate for change, you are submitting applications every night, and you just can't seem to make any traction. Your self esteem is declining, you are wondering if it's even possible to find another job, and you are questioning your worth.
If this is you, please hear me when I say this...
STOP APPLYING.
I can hear your racing thoughts from here...
What if I miss an opportunity? How will I ever make a change? What if the dream job is being posted right now? Are you NUTS?!? Do you know how bad it is??
Yes, I know how bad it is. Yes, I know you are scared. And yes, I want you to stop applying.
Please, take a break.
The reality is you are applying from a scarcity mindset. You are in a place of desperation. Just humor me and take a week off from applications. I promise there will still be jobs to apply to in a week!
Instead, take the time you normally spend applying and go on a walk. Listen to your favorite band. Read a new book. Try a new recipe. Do something that is just for you!
I want you to remember how awesome you are! I want you to reflect on all the great skills that you have, the problem solving you are able to do, and remember the things that matter most to you.
When we are aligned with our worth, our interests, and our values we make decisions from a place of empowerment.
Your career decisions should be made from a place of empowerment.
I want you to find the job that capitalizes on your skills, keeps your interest, and helps you live a life that is in alignment with your value system. If you need help finding that career, reach out to a career coach. We are happy to walk beside you on that journey to find a career that is a great fit for YOU!