A Holiday Message for Job Seekers

Season's Greetings!

Here we are! Once again, we find ourselves in the middle of another holiday season, full of hustle and bustle. How are you coping with it? Although it should be a time of peace, joy, and celebration, being in career transition can alter your appreciation for this time of year. It can dampen your spirits and inhibit your enjoyment. I know. I've walked in your shoes. I've been in transition during the holidays and I will admit that the uncertainty that I faced, did limit the joy I felt in my heart. However, I did learn some things from the experience. Maybe those lessons will help you, during this season.

I learned that all my anxiety didn't do a thing to move my search forward. Although I put a fair share of effort into my continued search during the holidays, I learned to balance that work effort with opportunities for getting out with friends and family; to let their joy of the season raise my spirits. 

I learned to make peace with my need to feel better about myself, by doing my share of working and waiting to get re-employed, but I also realized that I could not control all the factors. I discovered that by being patient and having faith, I would ultimately find the right job, or it would find me. That was a huge paradigm shift for me. 

I learned, that being unemployed over the holidays allowed me to do things I hadn't been able to do in years, while employed. Suddenly, I had the freedom to volunteer and to give back at a time of year when there was so much need to do so. Volunteering allowed me to do some good and to help others, which helped me in two ways: 1 - It took my mind off my concerns as I focused on the needs of others. 2 - It allowed me to find the true joy of giving back. What a great boost that was for me! I always came home feeling invigorated following an afternoon of volunteer activity.

I learned that I was truly blessed in so many ways and there are many out there who are less fortunate than I am. I became more aware of the great blessings of caring family and friends and the most important things in life.

So my friends, wherever you are in your transitional journey, discover what I did while walking in your shoes, at this time of year. That no matter what, it's a wonderful life. It has much to offer and you will find there is a job out there with your name on it. Commit to your search, but find time for yourself and for your family. Appreciate the journey, its challenges, frustrations, and rewards. Allow yourself to embrace the delights of the season. Finally and most importantly, know that you are greatly appreciated for who you are. 

Bob is a Career Coach with Tampa Bay Job Links, now a program of Gulf Coast JFCS, and part of Workforce Development.