Move from Depression and Job Loss to Empowered Job Seeker

By Sandy Prock, M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

The researchers put a marshmallow out on a table for a child and told him/her that she could eat the one marshmallow immediately, or if they waited twenty minutes until the researcher returned, he/she could have one more marshmallow. It turns out that the children, who delayed their gratification and waited for the second marshmallow, became the most successful adults.

What does this have to do with you and your job loss? Could be nothing or could be everything, depending on what you decide and what you do.

Consider this idea while you are out of work: hire yourself and work full time on your job search. Imagine you are like the children postponing the gratification of just one marshmallow now (a job now). Reframe your current job loss as an opportunity to receive a second marshmallow - your new job. However, as an adult you don’t just wait - no, you hop in the driver’s seat - hire yourself - work full or part-time on your job search.

Commit to this goal and work every day on your job search, and you will outdistance most other job seekers who spend very little time on their job search.

Consider taking some time out first and looking within. By that, I mean ask yourself what you enjoyed and what you did not enjoy on your last job, or jobs. Make a list. Why not create a goal for a new job centered in what you really want and like to do. 

Then apply, apply, apply. Make sure your resume, cover letter and other documents are in tiptop shape. Invest in yourself.  These are not just a piece of paper or random words on a page. These documents must serve you and serve you well! These important documents represent YOU and YOU want to stand out.

Master your interviewing and job search skills. Read books, sharpen your skills and research your favorite companies. Knowledge in this case is power. Empower yourself and start moving toward job you want to land.

Allow for change and the mystery of life to guide you in tandem with your take-charge efforts.

We wish you the best in mastering your job search skills and in reaching your career achievement goals.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters Degree in Education – Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com