If you’re looking forward to kicking off a job search as much as this forecaster appreciated a spider wandering on to his set, you’re not alone. The mere thought of having to start a job search can be enough for people to stay put in a job they can barely tolerate. However, we’re going to encourage you to figure out what is the scariest part of a potential job search and give you ideas on how to conquer your fear.
1.Getting started is the most difficult part (and what if my boss finds out I’m looking)
When you think about kicking off a job search, and your brain is rushed with thoughts like: “I don’t even know where to start,” or “I haven’t searched for a job in years,” or “no one is looking for my skillset,” or “I’m really not THAT unhappy,” your brain may be subconsciously reminding you that you don’t like looking for jobs. Yes, making excuses is actually easier than starting your job search, but would you ever have gotten your driver’s license if you refused to put the car in drive? Instead of focusing on all the un-fun parts of the job search, think about all the things that could happen once you start looking. You could discover an amazing company that you didn’t even know existed, your dream job might actually exist, or a position might be open that will allow you to work with someone from a former company that you’d hope to work with again. And if you’re worried about your boss finding out that you’re on the lookout, don’t act like you have something to hide, do your best to meet with people outside of work, and don’t announce your plans to your co-workers. Those are the biggest three actions that can lead a boss to wonder what you’re up to.
2.#FOMO
This hashtag is “fear of missing out,” and that’s a real thing. Let’s say that your boss has been talking about a promotion for you for 6 months. However, it always hinges on something happening that you have no control over. For instance, in order for you to get a promotion your team has to get through tax season, budget season, or just out of this ugly season. However, no matter how many “seasons” you get through, there always seems to be another season standing in your way of getting that promotion. You really want that promotion, and that’s the reason you’ve stuck around for so many “seasons.” If other people in your department are getting promoted and you have to wait for another “season,” you may see the rest of your peers move up before you get the chance. Give yourself a deadline for how much longer you’re going to wait for that promotion, and if it doesn’t come your way, it’s time for you to look at going another way. Don’t let the promise of “someday” determine what you’re going to do for yourself and your career today.
3.Crickets
So, we’ve convinced you to move ahead with your job search, and you start sending out resumes. However, you’re not hearing anything. No one is getting back to you. You’re applying online, you’re leaving messages for friends and family, and nothing. It can feel that way when you start putting a lot of effort into one area of your life, and you feel like you’re not getting the same response. Remember that all of the people in your life want to help you in your search in some way, it just might take them a minute to figure out how they can best help you, or need time to try to connect you with someone in their network that they need to track down.
4.They don’t like me, they really, really don’t like me
This one is related to point number three. When you don’t get immediate encouragement or see a return on your job search investment, it can feel like no one loves you. It can feel like all your time, effort and energy are never going to pay off, and you’re just spinning your wheels. We know it doesn’t help to hear that every job search reaches a point where it feels like nothing good is happening. But right when you feel like giving up is the best option, chances are, you’ll have three great things happen to you. Why couldn’t one good thing happen each week and you can spread out the positive? Because. The universe is unpredictable, and trying to understand why things happen when they happen will just drive you crazy. Keep talking about your job search, keep figuring out what you want out of your next job, and the universe will bring you something good.
5.I already have a full time job, where am I going to find time for this?
Your Netflix account may have to take a break for a few weeks, and you may find yourself eating or preparing fewer homecooked meals, but you can squeeze in happy hour with an old co-worker to do some networking, or a resume review session with a friend after dinner. Yes, you’ll likely have to be a little more creative on how to fit everything in each week, but a few weeks of a busier-than-usual schedule could pay off in the form of a new job!
6.2nd place
If you’re thinking, “I don’t want to have to face coming in second place,” that’s 100 percent natural. Being the runner up should be a compliment, but it tends to feel like you were “almost good enough.” That’s an icky feeling, we know. However, do you know what happens when you come in second and they open another position with the same title and manager? You get the call. Yes, that means you likely have to go through some version of the interview process again, but you’ve got a good chance as the front-runner that this new position will be yours. The momentary ickiness you may have felt as the temporary “runner up” was all worth it!
7.Getting out of your routine
Whoa. What if you get the job? This means you’ll have a different commute, different places to eat lunch, new co-workers and you might have to explore new coffee shops in the area to find your favorite new cup of joe. We are creatures of habit, and sometimes the thought of having to change our routine makes us want to stay right where we are. Instead of focusing on what’s painful about changing your routine, open yourself up to getting a shorter commute, experiencing a new part of your city and meeting new people. You’re not having to give up all parts of your old routine, you’re just adding new things into it.
Yes, job searching can be scary, and not just for these seven reasons. But if you start your search by entrusting friends, family and a good recruiter with the information that you’re ready to leave your current role, you’re taking the right step toward getting through the job search process “spider free.”