How Blizzards, Dogs and Job Search Relate

My dogs are a lot of fun to watch on the ice and in the deep snow.

After the Kansas City blizzard last week, we had to "throw" them out the back door to get them to do their "business." Brrr! The icy cold wind hit them in the face, so unfamiliar to their senses.

The first time out, my 20-pound Zeva proceeded with her normal drill, wrapping up with the ritual of pawing the ground and then scooting her bottom. Yeow! She jumped up quickly and turned around to see what was that ice-cold thing she'd scooted on - certainly not dirt and leaves! The surprised look on her face was priceless.

Zeva's 17-pound brother, with the stand-up comedic ears, entertained us with his own show acting like a newborn calf trying to get up and walk for the first time. No matter what he did, Cal couldn't find his three-legged footing on the ice covered patio. His legs splayed in all directions! I could see his brain whirring - this whole thing was a lot more work than it was worth! But he persevered until he was successful, choosing to improvise and squat like his sister. I don't think dogs know how to give up.

As a job seeker, do you ever feel like my dogs - blindsided from the back and/or shaky on your feet? If you do have these feelings, do you forge ahead anyway - or do you give up? These feelings are all quite normal, as far as anything in a job search can be labeled normal. As much as you try to prepare for this new and uncertain landscape, you will get surprised many times along the way. Some experiences will teach you lessons that will help you to not repeat mistakes, while others will make you feel as if you have absolutely no control - and you don't!

For instance, job interviews are great training sites. With each interview, you'll gain more skills with the process. This is one example where practice does make perfect - or at least a lot better. Never say no to a job interview! In fact, going to an interview about which you are lukewarm will let you "practice" with little investment on the line.

But after the interview, you have no control over when the employer will make the hiring decision. That is so frustrating! Just hang in there and keep moving toward the next interview. Never quit the job search until you have accepted a real offer.

One more thing - if you're happily employed, don't be like my dogs and become so comfortable in your surroundings that you don't see the tumultuous blizzard right in front of you! Things do change. That's what this world is all about.

Wishing you career success in 2011!

Meg

Comments

[MAXSOFT Papers]

Wow !! really nice blog. It will be very useful for me. So, thanks for sharing this post.

[Meg Montford]

Thanks, Jacqui, for your always-wise comments. We all just need to keep moving so we can get to that good change heading our way.

[Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, Master Resume Writer]

Hi Meg,
I love this post! What a great visual metaphor to the uncomfortable, out-of-control struggle of job search. And as you illustrated with Zeva, often, folks are stunned by the seemingly suddenness of their situation, the steep change in their career temperature.

What I most like about your post is the closing line: "Things do change." And your encouragement to 'never quit the job search until you have accepted a real offer." It WILL happen! Just as bad change interrupts our lives, good change often is around the corner.

Best,
Jacqui

[GoOctopus]

If you are frustrated on job search, take a look at Meg's dogs, maybe they will give you power, things really do change!