When​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Traditional Job Searching Stops Working: Finding a Different Path

Not having a job for a long time, whether it is months or years, makes one lose their confidence. Contrary to what is expected, the e-mail box does not bring good news all the time. Thus, the tedious thing about opening e-mails and seeing the same results initiates. Deficiency is a feeling that, along with time, gets stronger. At some point, one can no longer rely on traditional application methods and understands that the change has to come from within.

What You Already Know Might Help

In many cases, the aforementioned skills (writing, design, tutoring, administrative work, and social media management) are considered by their owners as self-evident, and this is why these are often overlooked. However, these skills can open a world of doors to anyone who has them. The first step in realizing that you know a lot and that what you know has value is by asking different types of questions:

  • What do people most often ask for your help with?
  • What have you done to a high standard even if you have not been formally recognized or paid for it?
  • What can be learned very quickly to satisfy short-term needs?

Most people do not realize their innate abilities and go after jobs that match traditional job descriptions instead of forming their current skills in a way that is both useful and marketable. There are numerous free learning platforms such as YouTube, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning, where one can take new courses at no cost. Certificates should not be the focus but the skills that come along with them.

Stop Waiting for Someone to Hire

Silence is usually the only answer when one uses the traditional methods. Therefore, it is a must to create a path different from others by oneself. Immediate action becomes possible through providing services, promoting one's skills, or becoming a member of those platforms that connect suppliers with consumers. Freelance sites such as PeoplePerHour, We Work Remotely, and Freelancer are great tools that bring together the supply of skills and the demand for them. The first few jobs can be of low value, but each one proves the worth, develops the firm's confidence, and sets the drive in motion.

One step forward does not necessarily mean that you have to devise a complete business plan, it may simply be your starting point. The situation is changed from a status of waiting to acting when you decide on one service that you are going to offer and actually do it, even if it is only to a small extent. Moving to the next step gets easier and easier with every-new project and interaction, as they build your capacity to move on.

Resilience Beats a Fancy Resume

Consistent, small, and regular actions will yield great results over time. The very first project can lead to good reputation, and in turn to new customers. You get new opportunities through a number of small and consistent actions such as approaching a small number of people in your desired work area, finishing one course, or sharing your work publicly even if you feel that it is too early. One cannot build on success but on the tenacity of the people who keep on following their path without ever waiting for their next lucky strike.

Being open to different options (i.e., doing the usual job application and also exploring ways to make a living) not only increases one's chances but also helps one to keep a positive mindset. Who would have thought that a single connection, message, or comment could bring about such a significant change in your life's direction?

The Real Pivot Point

Joblessness is neither the end nor the last word. Transitioning from dependence on a regular job to the generation of income in your own way is a change rather than a quick fix. There may be some difficulties, slow progress, and lack of certainty along the way but steadfastness eventually grants you access to places where mere planning cannot. Jobs missed or not gotten are not final stops; they are story changes that make room for one's rebirth.

The real pivot point is about moving from being lost, stuck, or waiting to actually exploring new possibilities, selling the unused services of oneself, leveling up skills, and taking steady but small strides forward. The progress may be barely visible and the doubts may come, however, those who keep pressing on will eventually experience their breakthrough moments. The surest way to alter your situation and get back your initiative is to take action, even if it is far from perfect and only in small ‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌increments.

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