Job searching is hard, and we’re all fatigued from posts about the misery or “hustle harder” expectations. I don’t have any big professional milestones to share, but check out these photos from recent hikes that helped me slow down, reset… and challenge myself. 😅
I’ve been reflecting on how looking for the next thing can feel like a full-time emotional marathon. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure: to be unkind to yourself, stress about the growing gap, or worry that your skills are fading. Sometimes, we forget that this time is needed – that it might be an opportunity to realign with our own spirit.
Being on the job market for a while has taught me a few lessons, and in the spirit of a semi-professional blog opinion piece, here’s what I’ve learned:
BE A MESSY FAILURE SOMETIMES.
Self-imposed perfection can drive us forward but also hold us back. It makes our output, confidence, and mental health more volatile. Let’s vow to stop subtly presenting it as some magical “weakness” in every interview. I’ve gone through numerous resume iterations and presented portfolios I’ll never be 100% happy with. Rather than blame myself for every setback, I’ve learned to find small lessons or reasons beyond my control that make the journey worthwhile.
🧘♀️ DOING NOTHING IS GOOD.
Constant productivity isn’t sustainable, and can distract from our true feelings and thoughts. Letting yourself rest, “be,” and focus on things outside of job-hunting is not laziness. It’s self-care. I believe accepting this balance will make me a healthier, more reliable, and more level-headed employee.
🧩 DOING SOMETHING IS ALSO GOOD.
You are more than your career. While job-seeking, rediscovering your lust for life (through hobbies, new adventures, challenging yourself) can heal personal and professional wounds, prevent burnout, and even improve your professional growth by shifting perspective and sharpening creativity. You won’t always have as much time for these enriching activities once you’re working again, but hopefully you can protect some space for them in your routine.
🖤 REDISCOVER TRUE CONNECTION.
Work isn’t the only place to find meaning or fun banter – a reminder I hope resonates with many of you. Being out of full-time work has reminded me how critical it is to nurture relationships with family, friends, and former colleagues (many now friends). That connection brings joy and perspective that work alone can’t provide.
And if none of that felt convincing, sometimes it helps to look at the stars. 💫They remind you of how temporary and minuscule our worries can be in the grand scheme of things.
All that said, I’m still seeking new opportunities! I’m ready to bring this wisdom, positivity, and energy to a fun, collaborative team – along with marketing, product, game development, creative leadership, and data skills. 🤹♀️ I’m open to remote roles, on-site opportunities in the Tucson area, and would consider relocating within the U.S. for the right position.
🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kovenmelissa/