She Strengthens

Breaking Free: How I Took Control of My Career

A Leap of Faith

Just before my 24th birthday, I made the bold decision to leave my job behind and start anew in New York City. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I was determined to pursue a career at a tech startup. With no job lined up, I knew it wouldn’t be a smooth transition, but I was willing to take the risk.

Buying Freedom

For a long time, I saw money as just a means to acquire material things. But as I prepared to leave my job, I realized that having money meant I could buy freedom and flexibility. I wanted to stop trading my time for money and have the autonomy to make my own choices. To achieve this, I saved up enough money to live on for a few months, giving me the freedom to explore different job opportunities without the pressure of a looming paycheck.

The Power of Unemployment

My period of unemployment was both a career move and a vacation. I didn’t feel pressured to find a job immediately, and I used the time to explore my new city, pursue my interests, and recharge. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. I learned that saving money can give me the freedom to take breaks and pursue my passions without worrying about the financial consequences.

Networking Naturally

As I began my job search, I realized that traditional networking methods didn’t work for me. Instead, I focused on building genuine connections with people in my industry. I talked to friends and acquaintances about my situation, and they introduced me to people who could help. I also used social media to share my story and connect with others. My organic approach to networking led to opportunities that aligned with my personality and values.

Challenging Conventional Wisdom

Most traditional job-search advice didn’t work for me. I was told to focus on the employer’s desires, but I decided to focus on what I wanted and had to offer. I didn’t fill out long applications or participate in intimidating interviews. Instead, I was honest about my unemployment and my expectations. This approach led to job offers from companies that truly valued me and my skills.

Salary Matters

During my search, I was tempted to take a lower-paying job for the right opportunity. But in the end, I realized that salary matters. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being underpaid, and I knew that I deserved to be compensated fairly for my work. I held out for a job that paid as much as my previous position, and I’m glad I did.

A Humbling yet Empowering Experience

Searching for a job can be both humbling and empowering. It’s easy to get discouraged by rejections and setbacks, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on your strengths and values. I learned to internalize and accept my strengths, and I gained confidence in my abilities. The empowering part of my job search had nothing to do with how others reacted to my applications; it was about discovering and appreciating myself.