Chapter 42: Trying to Find a Job in Precarious Times!

This week on the blog, we will discuss the often-laborious task of finding a job when we are still determining what we want to do. 

This post is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out, but trying new things may be the way to figure it out. 

Ladies, I don’t know about you, but when I left high school, I had a completely different trajectory for my life. 

And I will be the first to admit that it has changed about 3-4 times since finishing in 2016. 

For most of my life, I thought I would be a lawyer, then I thought I would be a sociologist, and finally decided I wanted to do something in service for others around mental health. 

But, for years, my job has not reflected the area I hope to end up in. For example, I have been in radiology for the last 6 ½ years. 

While I genuinely enjoy the radiology field, I have known for a long time that it’s not the space I want to be in forever. 

I haphazardly entered the field after being offered an internship by one of my high school mentors and agreed to stay in it. 

Radiology has got me far, however. I have enjoyed my years in it, learned valuable information about the body, and met some wonderful people. 

But, the journey from Radiology to Mental health was challenging and not a choice I made overnight. 

And you may find similarities in your story. Maybe you’re working in a field where it is not the end place where you want to be, but you’ve been riding it out until you can figure out your next steps. 

While it is often an uncomfortable place, I also think it’s one of the best places an individual can be because they are open to the many possibilities. 

While I went back to school, it’s not always the road everyone may want to go on. So, today I thought about discussing the importance of using precarious times as an opportunity to find ways to figure out where to go next. 

Precarious times are often marked by one’s inability to control the events around them. For example, you may not be able to manage your chosen job, how you make $, and your living situation.

But, one of the positives of a precarious period is that it allows you to think about what the future could include if you want to step out of your comfort zone.

Now, let me be honest; This is a challenging place. And it doesn’t always feel comfortable to take risks in this stage. But Frederick Douglass stated, “Without struggle, there is no progress.” As a result, I think we sometimes learn how to make diamonds in the struggle. 

Being open is one of the best things you can do for yourself in precarious times. Job hunting is already a taxing task. Therefore, don’t be closed off to what is out there. 

For example, try a completely different field. You may need experience, but there are often entry-level positions that will train you. 

And, if training is an issue, many organizations will provide free training. For example, Google offers a lot of various online courses. Through these Google Professional Certificates, you could start a whole new career in Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, IT Support, or project management. 

Or, let’s say you want to own your hair shop one day and are working to afford cosmetology school. You could contact a local hairdresser to see if they will offer you an internship. I know it doesn’t help financially, but it does give you a glimpse of what life can be as you work towards your ultimate goal. 

Or, you may want to try fashion. There are many routes to start in this area. For example, you can apply for an internship, work at a clothing store, or create a social media page to build your fashion profile. And some internships will offer a stipend depending on whom you can get training with. 

Secondly, you must have your tool kit ready to apply for new jobs. For example, you will need an updated resume, a good interview outfit, and some good questions to ask the interviewer about the potential job. 

If you need help updating your resume, many organizations can help with this step. To demonstrate, the National Urban League works to help individuals of color get access to jobs that provide a living wage. They offer job training and resume-building help. 

Please check them out if you have time. They have resources for everyone. And, if you’re looking for another place to check out, please know that the NAACP is always a good resource. 

Thirdly, you will have to be willing to hear the word No. 

I know hearing no is not easy to hear, and it can often be discouraging. But, when approaching the often increasingly tricky job market, you must prepare to listen to the word at least once. 

I want to remind you that it does not define you in any form because I have been told no before, homegirl. 

I remember trying to find a job post-college graduation, and I heard about three to five “no’s” before I got a yes. 

So, please know that you’re not the only one, and you are not alone in these feelings. 

Finding a job, no matter what stage of life, can be challenging, but it is not a reason to give up. 

It’s a reason to try a different approach instead. 

Growing up, I always heard connections matter, and I am here to let you know they can make a difference. 

But if you don’t know anyone or have never been taught how to network, don’t worry. IHateAdulthood has your back, and we will talk about it in in our future posts. 

The art of networking can sometimes be tricky, but it’s possible. 

My last suggestion for finding a job in precarious times is to do your research. When you have decided you want to apply for a job or are considering stepping into a new field, search the web. 

Youtube, Google, Pinterest, and even IHateAdulthood can be a resource for you even if you don’t have the connections yet on what to do.

I promise you’re not the first to be curious about something; the answer may already be out there.

Search until you can find it, and if you can’t find it on the internet, come back to IHateAdulthood to see if we can help you find the answer or point you in the right direction. 

I hope to do a series in the future on IHateAdulthood’s website around the different jobs individuals can tap into and offer as much tea as I can about the jobs you may be interested in. 

Let me know below if any of this advice was helpful. 

And I will see you in our next post!

Peace + Prosperity, 

Jadis DeShong-Venay

References:

National Urban League: https://nul.org

NAACP: https://naacp.org

Google Certificates: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=google+certificates&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8