She Strengthens

The Uncomfortable Truth About Job Searching

A Necessary Evil

Let’s face it, searching for a job is a daunting task that can be frustrating, defeating, and downright exhausting. Whether you’re a recent college graduate, stuck in a dead-end job, or returning from a soul-searching adventure, the job search process can be overwhelming. I’m not alone in feeling this way, but my mother, who recently landed a new exciting position after 25 years in the same career, seems to be an exception. She’s taken a liking to searching for jobs, not just for herself, but for me as well. Her enthusiasm is admirable, but it’s hard to understand why I’m not more excited about the process.

A Generational Divide

My friends and I, all millennials, have pointed out that our parents’ generation had a vastly different experience when applying for jobs. They often went directly from undergrad to grad school, landed a job, and stayed in that position for years. In contrast, many millennials go through multiple jobs before finding their “dream job” or a job they can tolerate for more than a year. The concept of a “side hustle” has become increasingly popular, with many people having multiple sources of income.

The Pressure Is On

When you’re unemployed, the pressure to find a job can be suffocating. I’ve experienced this firsthand, feeling anxious and stressed about my financial situation. My parents, although well-intentioned, don’t seem to understand why I’m not more excited about the prospect of getting a job. But I’m not thrilled about the process, and who can blame me? It’s a daunting task that requires a lot of effort and energy.

The Power of Connections

My parents have been keen to point out that connections are key to getting ahead in your career. They’re right, of course. Virtually nobody achieves success without the help of others. I’ve been guilty of being naive and proud, thinking that I can make it on my own without any help. But the truth is, connections can open doors and provide opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.

Embracing Help

It’s taken me a while to come to terms with this, but using connections and accepting help is not a cop-out or a handout. There are genuinely decent people out there who want to help and guide you through the process. They can provide valuable advice, introduce you to the right people, and even forward your application to hiring managers. It’s not about relying on others to get the job for you, but about using their expertise and connections to increase your chances of success.

Doing the Work

Ultimately, it’s up to me to do the grunt work and demonstrate my skills. Connections can get me an interview, but I still have to impress the hiring manager and prove myself. There’s no shame in capitalizing on your connections, and it’s admirable to want to do things by yourself. However, eschewing connections completely can be detrimental to your job search and financial health.

The Most Important Lesson

The most important thing I’ve learned so far is that there’s no shame in using your connections to get ahead. It’s a fact of life that connections help people land jobs, and it’s foolish to ignore this reality. By embracing help and guidance, I can increase my chances of success and find a job that’s a good fit for me.