STOP before you apply for that job!

Have you ever found yourself hitting ‘apply’ on a series of job listings in order to feel productive in your job hunt? We’ve all been there - whether it’s because our current gig is sucking the life out of us or because the bank account is on the verge of sending SOS signals. Before you dive into that next application, let’s just pause for a second. Ask yourself: Do I really want this job, or am I just scrambling to grab anything that pays?

It’s tough when you’re in a job that’s eating away at your happiness or when you’re not in a job at all and the bills are piling up. Decisions feel urgent. You might think about grabbing any job now and sorting out the details later. We fantasise about being able to pick the perfect job instead of leaping at the first thing that comes along. But here’s a bit of real talk: if you can afford to be a bit choosy, even in hard times, it’s usually worth it.

To be clear, I understand, we don’t all have that luxury - and to be extra clear, I do not have that luxury, all I’m saying is if you can, then wait, but if you can’t, then let me share this little trick I’ve been using to help stay sane during this madness that is the current job market.

Whilst it’s just another step to do whilst applying for job, it truly is worth spending some extra time sorting potential jobs into three categories:

1. The stepping stones: these are jobs you’d be okay with for the short haul whilst you keep looking for your next opportunity. They’re not dream jobs, but they’ll keep the lights on without making you miserable.
2. The dream jobs: these are the gold standard - jobs that light a fire in you and fit your long-term career goals like a glove. You’re not just excited about the work, you’re excited about the direction it takes your career. And the organisation isn’t anything to turn your nose at would be worth extra points!
3. The hard passes: jobs that make you go “uh-oh” just thinking about them. Maybe they clash with your values, or maybe they demand sacrifices you’re not ready or willing to make. Remember, desperation can cloud your judgement so it’s good to have a list of big no-no’s to hand. Try not to compromise on what truly matters to you. The kinds of jobs that would go here are ones that probably don’t match your salary expectation by a long way and therefore the salary to the difficulty level required of the role don’t make the opportunities worth taking.

This method keeps you organised and focused. It stops you from scattering your energy all over the place and helps you have a clear idea on what opportunities actually make sense for you. You avoid falling into roles that drain you and potentially prolong your job search misery. 

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t ever roll the dice. Sometimes a leap into the unknown can land you in a really amazing new place. If a job in a new field piques your interest, why not explore it? Just balance the excitement with a healthy dose of reality - what are you not willing to put up with, no matter what? Keep those deal-breakers in mind even when you’re tempted.

If the job hunt is wearing you down, consider hitting the pause button. I’ve set a timeline for myself to find and secure something that will really excite and challenge me. If it doesn’t work out, I’m planning to switch gears and go into care work for a little time to take a break from the hunt. It’s something I am professionally trained in, it pays the bills and it’s flexible enough to let me regroup for my next career move. That’s okay too, not every move we make in our professional lives has to be directly related to our career aspirations. As long as we keep moving, we keep evolving.

Taking a job outside your career path isn’t a sign of defeat, see it more as a strategic move. It’s about buying yourself time and mental space, so you can come back stronger. Remember, sticking to your non-negotiables isn’t stubborn, it’s smart. It keeps you from a cycle of job-hopping that wears you down and gets you nowhere.

So, next time you’re about to apply for a job, take a moment to think about what you’re really signing up for. Are you moving toward something you want, or are you just trying to escape something you don’t? Either way, it’s okay, but making that choice consciously is key to not just surviving, but thriving in your career.

Keep pushing forward, stay true to yourself and trust that the right job is out there. And hey, sometimes the journey itself teaches us what our ‘right job’ looks like, Keep going - you’ve got this!

Always cheering you on,

Jessy x