ABSTRACT: Part 1 - Despite another declination and broken LED lamp, keep on truckin' (And no, I'm not really that much of a Grateful Dead fan). Things to remember when discouragement hits. Part 2 - A weeklong experiment. The power of momentum and the NFC Championship game.
Introduction
Even the most positive of us can get into a funk. For a good week or so, I've been in one. But as of today, really, I'm seeing a way out. The mosquito bites of regular declination emails, feeling like I'm applying to the same jobs over and over, and not seeing much interest in my new, shiny toys (my website and blog, namely) have worn me down a bit. Discouragement tried to set in, but fortunately, my resilience won out and positivity has been restored (for the most part). I don't think I'm unique in this. Nor am I unique in why - taking actual tangible action towards a goal is always a great remedy for a funky funk. But I have to remember that just like anything, without a consistent and repeated application of force (in physics that's called "work," I kid you not), unless you're in the vacuum of space, things will slow down and eventually become static.
Today's Opus
Part 1
Maybe it is me?
It's very difficult not to get discouraged. Choosing optimism and choosing hope can be hard sometimes. For any of you out there who are looking for work and are frustrated or saddened by getting yet ANOTHER declination from the email autobots, trust me, I know how you feel.
Right now, I'm not feeling very hopeful, myself. I'm just trudging along, doing the footwork, going through the motions... See a job, apply for a job. See a job, apply for a job. Over and over and over. And it's so silly, but something as mundane as my brand new LED desklamp (bought on Amazon for $13.50) no longer working (I got to use it once and it was great!) has sent me into a medium-grade "everything stinks" emotional state.
As of today, I've been looking for work for 259 days, I have sent out 658 applications and have received 321 declinations... and 0 offers.
I've got a host of friends and colleagues (and folks who don't even really know me but know of me through Billy) cheering me on, telling me that it's just a matter of time, that my "dream job" is just around the corner. 6 out of 7 days of the week, I believe them. Today is not that day. Today I'm wondering... What am I doing wrong? What am I not doing?
I thought that creating a portfolio of work examples (the More About Claudia! website) would create some traction. Even though I've included it in every job application and have had it on my resume since January 4th-ish, per Google Analytics, I've gotten... I was going to say zero views, but it appears I didn't set the analytics up correctly, so I've got no verifiable data to back up my negative outlook and poopy attitude.
Fine, Universe, I'll get out of my funk.
Maybe I'm just going through an emotional version of an "adrenaline dump?"
I watch a lot of true crime shows. Very often police officers talk about this phenomenon known as an "adrenaline dump," where they physically crash after an episode of heightened stress and activity, like after they catch a bad guy after a big chase, or save someone from a fire, or arrive at a crime scene and have to give life-saving aid to someone. Their adrenaline is pumping and their bodies are going full-throttle until the crisis is over, and then whoosh! They need to sit down and rest because they're truly spent.
I'm not saying that I have done anything even remotely resembling catching a bad guy or saving someone from a burning car, but I did have a few weeks where I was working 24/7 on creating my website and blog. Now that it's all set, I'm like... "What next? What do I do now?" So, I'm down in the dumps, I guess.
And, yes, I have to admit, I probably also had some magical thinking going on (unrealistic expectations), where I thought that once I set everything up, flocks of recruiters would be hitting my website and blog and fighting each other a la Thunderdome for my employment.
So, I'm a little disappointed to see that folks aren't hanging on my every word, beating down my door for the next blog article, taking my surveys and quizzes on my website, or breaking my blog feed with all their comments... In fact, I found out that not even Billy really reads these things. He skims, because he loves me, but he's just like the rest of the world. (Ain’t nobody got time f’dat.)
Get over it, already, Claudia! Sheesh!
I have to remember a few things:
1. People don't read anymore. They see a block of text and... Nope! So, I'm sure that my resume and cover letters are a bit of a turn-off for the uber-busy recruiter. And if they're already skimming those, they're going to miss the link to my site/portfolio and then definitely miss the link to this blog. I have to be grateful that I even get a skim, in today's day and age.
2. I don't know for sure that folks aren't visiting the website. Now that I've set the analytics up (as of 8PM tonight), I'll be able to see what, if any, traffic the site gets.
3. I could stand to advertise more. If I was a little more active with blogging, and posting updates on LinkedIn and Facebook (or the other gazillion social media outlets I signed up with), I'd probably get some more street cred with views.
4. Just because my inner circle peeps aren't all up in the Kool-Aid, doesn't mean they don't love me... they're not my intended audience, anyway. As much as I'd love them to do more than skim, that's just my ego talking.
5. What's the point? In the long run, it doesn't really amount to a hill of beans (I always wanted to say that, but still don't know what it means). I need a job. So, if it's my resume, my cover letter, my application, my portfolio, this blog... it doesn't matter what gets me in the door. I have them all updated and ready. I'll leave my expectations at the threshold and turn the outcome over to the Universe to handle. If I don't, then I'll get morbid and chagrined.
6. Remember that it's a super-saturated market. Most of the jobs I'm applying to are maybe within a 70%-80% match to my profile. So, it's no wonder I'm seeing so many declinations. Employers can be screening for a 90%-100% match and still have scores of candidates.
7. Stop comparing my "insides" to other people's "outsides!" Yeah, that's a big one. Just because someone says they've gotten a job in a couple of weeks doesn't mean it's true. I have to stop secretly blaming my former employer for "putting me in this situation," or even worse, thinking "Well, he got what he wanted." If anything, I was the one who put myself here, so I have to just accept it and get excited about the new path I'm heading down. Every time this kind of thing has happened to me (life throwing me a curveball), the end result has been bigger and better than I could have ever imagined. Why would this be any different? Each individual has their own journey and experience, including me. So, just keep on doing the footwork (chopping wood and carrying water) and eventually, it'll happen.
8. It is just a matter of time. I'll keep this up until something catches and then it'll be done. It's like people saying when they're looking for something they lost, "It's always in the last place you look." Well, duh! Why would you keep on looking after you found what you were looking for?? So, yes, this job search thing is just a matter of time. Eventually, a job will come my way, I'll apply for it, the screener will pass me to the hiring manager, the hiring manager will approve me and then I'll get an offer, which I will accept if it's a good one. I just don't know which application will be "the one." It might be the next one, or another hundred from now.
Okay, putting my nose back to the grindstone!
Side Note #1: You know, there are several pithy common phrases I often use that I'm curious about where they come from. "Hill of beans," being one. I guess hills of beans aren't very valuable for some, but they could be life-changing for someone who's starving. "Elbow grease," (from a previous blog post) is another... Just what is elbow grease, really? Sweat? I don't think I've experienced sweaty elbows, ever. If anything, most of my memorable elbow experiences have been with dry and flaky ones. "Nose to the grindstone," could be understandable, especially if there is a lot of effort needed and the mill has quite a bit of grain to grind... but are you actually putting your nose on it, or just pointing your nose towards it? I would hope the latter, since the former doesn't seem very necessary or hygienic in food preparation.
If there is anyone out there reading this, and if you've gotten this far, you're a marvel, for sure. Kudos to you, Reader!
To conclude this part of the blog, I'm seeking some advice from you, Reader. I recently created a little video to showcase my video-making abilities. I ended up making it a marketing video of sorts. The feedback I've gotten from friends and colleagues is that it's great. Thank you! But I now ask you, is it appropriate to add to a job application, or should I keep it as a fun little sojourn in my portfolio? I feel it's a bit sophomoric/juvenile to include in an app, but I'll take your guidance, which is appreciated.
If you haven't seen it, here it is:
So, if you are out there somewhere, actually reading this, leave me a comment with your opinion on whether or not I should attach this video as a separate item in my job applications. I'm not looking for feedback on whether or not you like it (because I'm sure you do 😉), but whether or not it's appropriate for a job app.
Part 2
So, one of my oldest friends, Allen G., is coaching me through some alternative media for job searching. Namely, Instagram and YouTube. He sent me a few links and I've checked them out.
Basically, and I definitely am using the info, the links point to folks who have already done the research and found lots of remote-only open positions available for filling. There's a wealth of good info in these channels and streams!
For many of them, though, I've already sent in applications (it's not finding the remote work that's a problem for me, it's getting those places to interview me, that's the problem). And for the ones I didn't know about, I am, indeed, quickly applying. I've even gone so far as to create a "non-Learning and Development" resume and cover letter for many of these jobs, since they would constitute a complete career change for me. For example, I just applied to a Data Entry position that pays approx $62K per year. Not too shabby! But also, not ideal. I don't want to change careers. I really love what I do!
Unfortunately, so far there's no secret trick or formula that these Instagram and YouTube folks are providing. I've got my job search alerts so delicately fine-tuned with all the major job boards, that I get daily emails of remote-only positions in the US with approximately 3 to 12 new positions every day. And I've also got my supporters sending me random remote L&D jobs that come across their feeds. At last calculation, my average application-send per day is still hovering from around 5 to 7.
Another one of my dear friends, Nicole A., has recently told me that I should start posting my own chain of videos on YouTube or TikTok or Instagram regarding my job search. While I'm definitely flattered, I don't know if I have the wherewithal, motivation, discipline, gumption or cojones to do that. At least, not yet.
First off, I see that there are plenty of folks out there who are already posting videos and shorts (is that what vlogging is?), so, what new could I bring to the table? Dunno. I could share the benefit of my experience, which, though occasionally humorous, isn't very unique. And as of right now, I've got no solutions to offer. It goes back to that responsibility thing I mentioned in a previous post. I can't come to the public table with a bunch of complaints and whining with no solution. That's against my core values. Sometimes I think I have an insight or lesson learned to share, but when I sit down to write, either I get writer's block, or it seems to fade from being remarkable enough to discuss in a public forum, or I'd rather watch The First 48 with Billy.
Secondly, I also know that setting up a social media video factory takes time and funding. Time, I've got. Funding, not so much.
We'll see. More will be revealed!
Now that I've embarked on the public media journey, I have to get it out of my head that I'm destined for stardom. My ego LOVES that idea. With every HTML coding, or click of a "Publish" button, my ego whispers in my ear, "This could be the one that turns you into an 'influencer,' with all sorts of followers, you know." That is not my intent with any of this. I'm trying to market myself to get the job I want. I'm using all of these channels to meet my intended audience where they are. The website, the blog, the YouTube channel, Quora, Facebook, LinkedIn, yadda yadda yadda. I have to remember to tell my ego to stand in the corner and get back to the point.
Get. A. Job.
So, per the YouTube vids, the advice from my little Recruiter Think Tank (remember them?), and the answers I'm seeing on Quora (I frigging love that site), my next course of action is to truly create a whole new resume and cover letter specifically for each and every job I apply for. That's going to be a LOT of work.
But it might just make the difference.
Allen G. says that there's got to be a lesson in all this. I'd like to believe that, too! As of right now, I'm reckoning that quantity is NOT the same as quality.
That's a repeated theme in many aspects of my life, so it's not surprising that the same would be true, here. And in theory, it does make sense that a laser-targeted approach would yield a greater response rate. So, I'll test the theory this week and we'll see.
Experiment afoot!
I’ll be honest, I’m not looking forward to the extra work. I really liked the little application assembly line I had created. It was very efficient! But what good is the efficiency if there’s not enough yield?
And I’ll continue to be fully transparent… I’m not looking forward to the side-eye or comments from my mate that might come with even MORE time devoted to this effort. He means well, and I know it comes from a place of love, but I also know that he already thinks I’m obsessed with this job search adventure (he’s right), and feels neglected. I know there’s a double meaning to “Don’t get burned-out, now, babe.” He’s also saying, “You’re in that blasted computer all day and night, what about me?” It makes my soul ache! Because he does deserve more of me. But I know in my heart that the Universe wants me to press on and not be cavalier or take this lightly. I have to be all-in on this and see it through to the end. As one of our favorite podcast speakers says…
“Welcome to the NFL.”
And actually, it is like what pro-ball athletes have to go through to achieve their goals. It is an all-encompassing, singular mindset and focus. Until the season is over, they have to live, breathe, eat, sleep, and bleed their sport. They have practice and workout and study plays and meet with coaches and watch films of other teams and of themselves. Simultaneously, they have to create and sustain their goal-centered trajectory, be open and ready for opportunities where they can see a potential momentum shift, and seize those opportunities, immediately.
You know, I’ll tell you this, it’s kinda like the NFC Championship game that just happened this Sunday (Billy’s SF 49ers versus the Detroit Lions)... Stick with me now, I promise there’s a connection…
I think success and mood have a lot to do with momentum. If you watched the game, you know what I mean. If you didn’t, I’ll explain.
The Game.
The game started off with the 49ers on their home turf in Levi Stadium (Santa Clara County, CA), looking like they felt pretty good. They had their full roster back, after suffering a series of injuries that sidelined some key players. The Lions were looking good, too. They hadn’t been a contender for the Championship for a LONG time, and were quite obviously “thirsty” for the win. It was a good match-up. Both teams were definitely deserving of being there, with their season’s stats and demonstrated abilities. The line-callers gave the 49ers a slight advantage and predicted them winning, but there was unanimous agreement that the Lions were a dark horse and could pull something out of their hat to disrupt those predictions.
So, the kick-off starts the game and the Lions immediately dominate. They score first, with a crazy 42-yard run by Jameson Williams, just 2 minutes into the game. And so we have the beginning of momentum for the Lions.
They continue to dominate, both in their passing and running games for the next 3 quarters. 3 quarters! At the end of the third quarter, the score was 24 Lions, 7 Niners.
You see, it didn’t matter that the Lions were the visitors. It didn’t matter that they weren’t favored to win. Not even the big halftime break disrupted their momentum. You could look at the players and coordinators on the sidelines and see the magnetism of the winning “vibe.” All smiles and lots of chatter. The announcers started talking about how long it had been since the Lions were last in a Championship game (2016) and that this would be their first time EVER going to the Super Bowl. And that same vibe that must have been saturating the stadium was truly contagious, even for us at home watching the game. Billy, a die-hard Niners fan (with the tattoos to prove it), was losing his mind. He soured, got cranky, started yelling at the referees and being the arm-chair quarterback, telling the offense what plays to run… It was intense.
But then, just about at the end of the third quarter, something happened. After a Lions turnover on downs, the Niners got the ball, drove down the field (doing what they do best, hammering their running game against super-human defensive secondaries) and scored a touchdown through Brandon Aiyuk. 7 points on the board for the Niners. That caused a ripple. A small one, but a ripple, nonetheless.
There wasn’t an immediate momentum-shift, but the ripple had been strong enough to stop the chatter on the Lions’ sideline. The smiles faded from those players. The pride of Lions coordinators started roaring furiously into their headsets. Then the ripple, as it neared the shore, got bigger. The Niners recognized the opportunity for a true momentum-shift and seized it. With about 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, the Lions fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Aarik Armstead of the Niners.
Wait. What just happened?
Now, we’re feeling the tide roll and we know that something is different. The stadium is getting louder. A lot louder. The announcers are talking, now, about how many Super Bowls the Niners have been to and won (5). No one is sitting on the Niners' benches, they’re all standing on the sidelines. Quarterback Brock Purdy is catching onto the wave and getting hot. His pocket is protecting him a little more fiercely, so he’s spreading his gaze more and is, play over play, hitting all his marks. In short order, George Kittle, Debo Samuel, and Chris McCaffrey each get a turn with the ball as they drive up the field. The shift has taken hold. Touchdown. Tied game, 24-24.
4th quarter. As many times as the Lions got the ball, they could not convert on downs. The Niners got a quick field goal and then another touchdown through Elijah Mitchell (who was subbing at the time for a bruised McCaffrey). And though, with less than a minute left in the game, the Lions managed to score another touchdown, the surf was already crashing against the shoreline. The score was 31 Lions, 34 Niners and there was nothing that could be done to change anything. The momentum had carried the Niners to the win and they will be making the trip here to Vegas for the Super Bowl on 2/11/24.
So, what’s the point?
You cannot discredit the power of momentum.
Some say it’s the “Law of Attraction,” which I tend to believe. Others say it’s a kind of “groupthink,” which I also believe. Still others, yet, will credit the divine. Okay, why not? Or will credit the inherent laws of nature/physics. You bet! But regardless of the source, and I’ll leave all that to the philosophers and clerics, momentum is a thing. A very real thing. And if you recognize it as such, and seek it out, you can leverage it. You can even influence it. That’s my experience, at least.
Sir Isaac Newton calls this the “impetus.” It’s the moment an external force is placed upon an inert object to make it move. For me, the impetus was reading such a beautiful and moving (literally, in this case) recommendation from Skye B. on my LinkedIn page. That led to me finally heeding the advice of my recruitment gurus to create a web-based portfolio of work. And I’ve been caught-up in the momentum of that event ever since.
So, I guess my next check-in will be after I run through my experiment and start waiting for the results. Hopefully, I’ll have something to share with you right then, but I’m predicting that there will be a brief wait between my weeklong sending of super-targeted resumes/cover letters and when responses start coming in.
Until that time, kiddos, take good care and make good choices!
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