Are You Stuck In Frustration?

I spoke to a job seeker this morning who just had her temp to perm job cut in half. She was on track to go to work full time when they announced a hiring freeze. She went from getting a full time job, permanent placement to 20 hours per week as a temp employee. She is frustrated because she wants to pay her bills. She wants to work and she was hoping that things would work out with this organization.

Like many people, she is back in the job market and frustrated with the process. She has applied to a multitude of organizations. And no one is calling her back. Her question, “what do I do next?” What a great question. What should she do next? Let me respond this way – Frustration is a real emotion in the challenging employment market. The problem with frustration is that it doesn’t get you results. Which in this case is the need for a job.

Hiring managers aren’t going to hire a frustrated job seeker. That would be considered a negative emotion. So though it is understandable, and even for a moment may be justifiable in this climate, it doesn’t serve you as a job seeker. Choose out of frustration. Choose to take frustration and place it on the back burner of your life and deal with the frustration after you get a job. I know that sounds a little backwards, but I am totally serious.

There is an old axiom that says, “When you are stuck, take action?” In other words, rather than feeling like you are a victim or at the mercy of the employment climate, make a decision to do something that will move you forward in your job search. Set attainable goals. Focus on those goals and reward your self for accomplishing the goals.

In order to find a job in this market, you have to continue to look for work. Set up networking appointments. Get out and talk to people. Do something, anything. And choose not to give your self permission to be frustrated. Instead choose to look at each and every setback, every frustration as a speed bump on your way towards your next job opportunity.