After going through a long and intense job search, I’ve had some time to reflect, not just on the process itself, but on the emotional rollercoaster it brings, the strategies that worked, and the common pitfalls I wish I’d avoided earlier. If you’re currently in the middle of your own search, or considering a career move, I hope these insights can help.
Get clear on what you are really looking for
At the beginning, I was a bit scattered. I applied to roles where my skills were somewhat aligned, thinking casting a wide net was the best approach. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Once I took the time to reflect on what kind of role I truly wanted, and more importantly, where I could deliver the most value, things began to shift.
Also, a quick note on entrepreneurship: I’ve seen many people (myself included) flirt with the idea of starting something from scratch during career transitions. Unless you have a plan, a product, and a deep understanding of the market, be careful as it can end up being a distraction at best, and a money pit at worst.
Don’t use side gigs as emotional Band-Aids
Driving Uber or picking up quick easy jobs might feel like a productive way to cope with the stress of unemployment, but more often than not, it’s a time sink that pulls you away from your main goal. Unless it’s absolutely necessary for survival, focus your energy on preparing, networking, and strategizing.
Interview preparation is NOT optional
Even if you’re confident in your skills, companies don’t know you yet, and all they have seen is just a two pager that sounds like a very overproduced version of yourself (when they actually have read your resume). Your resume alone won’t speak loud enough. You need to prepare, practice, and position yourself like a top-tier product. Think of yourself as a solution to a business problem, then market that solution well.
Here’s an analogy: Imagine a Formula 1 driver taking a regular driving test. You’d think they’d ace it, right? But that’s not necessarily the case… the road test has different rules, expectations, and conditions. The same goes for interviews. Don’t assume your experience alone will carry you, prepare to be tested in a different context.
Rejection hurts… But you can’t let it define YOU
No matter how experienced or emotionally mature you are, rejection stings, especially the ones that come without feedback. It’s easy to internalize them, but don’t.
Learn to separate your worth from the process. Feel the disappointment, then keep moving forward.
Stay Sharp, Stay Present
The waiting game can drain you, especially when bills are piling up or uncertainty creeps in. But staying relevant whether by learning something new, following your curiosity, or just being present with loved ones, keeps your mind in the right place.
If you know what you’re going after, keep aligning your energy toward that. Consistency will carry you through.
Stop Blaming the Market
Yes, the job market is weird. Yes, there are fake job posts. Yes, some companies ghost candidates. But blaming external factors won’t help you move forward.
You don’t need every opportunity to work, you just need one.
Focus on what you can control: your preparation, your positioning, your mindset.
Ask for help… Seriously!
This one took me a while to embrace. Don’t let pride, ego, or fear of “bothering” someone stop you from reaching out.
Former coworkers, mentors, friends… they’re often more willing to help than you’d expect. A referral, a connection, a simple recommendation can change everything. But it starts with you asking.
I’m grateful for what I’ve learned during this chapter—some lessons came the hard way, others came through support from people who believed in me when I was doubting myself. If you’re still in it: keep going. Your opportunity is out there.
And if I can help you in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out.