How To Find Hope In The Midst of a Brutal Downturn

Project 36Smile!

Hope. 

That is the one, of the many things that I am holding on to during this "brutal downturn." Job downturn that is. 

But hope is the thing that makes me smile today. 

I received the book, The Job-Hunter's Survival Guide, in the mail today, by none other than my mother. 

She is always there, rooting me along in this job searching, telling me to keep my faith, hold on to hope, be patient and let go and let God. 

Written by the infamous, Richard Bolles, author of What Color Is Your Parachute (FYI 10,000,000 copies sold), I knew I was in good hands. Immediately, I open to the chapter titled "How to find hope in the midst of a brutal downturn." To know that I have alternatives, as he calls it, is extremely helpful to say the least—and inspiring. He lists 18 alternatives that gives job hunters like me a starting place. Granted, I have tried the majority of the alternatives, some I have not.

But the "secret to keeping hope alive is to always have these alternatives."  

A big one that stood out to me—and one that I don't think job hunters think about—is Self Inventory. 

Once it actually hits us that "OK, so that really wasn't a bad dream, I don't have a job now," is when it gets real, yet we have no idea where to start. 

"Before you do anything else, do a thorough self-inventory of the transferable skills and interests that you most enjoy and do best, so you can define in stunning detail exactly the job(s) you would most like to have, to your family, friends, contacts, network and employers. And then use this knowledge to focus your search for work."

After we understand what it is that we can actually do, have a goal in mind—companies you want to work for—the end is easier to see and the job search wont be that bad. 

The same goes for when you actually land the job as well. Don't focus ALL your time on the "roles and responsibilities and impressing your boss." Take time to inventory—so to speak—the company. Get to know their mission, commitment, previous work and press. It shows that you not only know how to do your job well, but how the company in general works. 

If you're a fellow job hunter like me, take time and take inventory on your self and your skills. You'll feel a lot more confident about your ability to find a job and the experience you can contribute to that dream company you want to work for. I know I did. 

Dream job I know you're waitin' for me so here I come!

36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year.