She Strengthens

Navigating the Job Hunt: A Guide to Landing Your Dream Career

From Freelance to Full-Time: My Journey to a Career

Not long ago, I made the leap from freelancing to a full-time career. I went from writing for peanuts online to securing a job with a substantial salary and health benefits. Many of us have been or will be in the same shoes, searching for a grown-up job. During my application process, I devoured every resource available, trying to figure out what was normal and if I was doomed to fail. Now, I’m sharing my own guide for those who are just as scared and confused as I was.

The Right Amount of Education

There’s a common misconception that a Bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma. While pursuing higher education, I was encouraged to attend grad school, convinced it was necessary for a good job and competitive salary. But I learned that it’s essential to be honest with yourself about what you want. Don’t pursue a graduate degree just because; it’s a significant investment, and it might not be necessary for your career goals. I landed a job that only required my four-year degree, and it pays just as well as what I could have made with a law degree.

Gaining Valuable Experience

The cruel joke of the ambitious millennial is the trend of requiring non-entry-level experience for many entry-level jobs. Building a strong portfolio of experiences and skills is challenging, especially when balancing school and part-time jobs. I started exploring different opportunities in 2014, from writing clickbait to serving as a law clerk. The only paid gigs I secured were a brief editor position and a remote copy editor role. The experience was both my greatest asset and a weight around my neck. It taught me to manage stress, timelines, and serve real people in various situations.

The Job Search: A Waiting Game

I started my job search after Christmas, hoping the new year would bring new hires. It sucks. Searching for a job is a waiting game, filled with rejections and uncertainty. Even with a lucrative side hustle, the pressure and fear are real. We often forget how long these things take. You can have a good interview and still wait weeks to see if you’ve advanced to the next round.

Reevaluating Yourself

Job hunting brings out our worst insecurities. It’s okay to mourn, be disappointed, and fearful. Rejection is part of life, and it doesn’t negate your skills, education, and personal touch. Remember that, and should you fall off the wagon, keep remembering it.

The Application Process

Filling out job applications became my job. I was fortunate to be searching in a city with growth and opportunity. There were many applications to fill out, and I filled out every last one of them. It’s exhausting, and the worst part is getting excited about possibilities, only to be turned down or never hear back.

Interviews: A Love-Hate Relationship

I have a love-hate relationship with interviewing. On the one hand, I’m comfortable in conversation, and my mixed bag of experience helps me break it down per situation. On the other hand, it’s scary. Phone interviews are awkward, and the first round is the worst. You have no idea how they feel about you, so you get nervous and ramble.

Heartbreak and Perseverance

Searching for a job is like dating. You’re out there, single and ready to mingle. Sometimes you get your heart broken, like I did with “The One That Got Away” and another job that ticked all the boxes. Heartbreak is important because it’s an opportunity to get real with yourself and evaluate where you are. Just like in actual dating, it sets you up to fully appreciate it when “the right one” comes along.

Finally, 1 Awesome Opportunity

Things had a way of working out. One of the last places I applied to and interviewed for ended up being the one. They gave me a job with the best salary, flexible hours, and a rad culture. Sometimes it’s the breakup that sends you into the arms of someone who is good for you. Love is patient, and you should be patient with yourself and your job search.