Back in May I went through a multi-day junket of tweeting about little else but Big Omaha. It’s that energizing, inspiring, thought-provoking conference in my fair city that recharges my creative batteries and allows me to meet new people. The experience can sometimes be hard to define, but the memories and take-aways are unforgettable, year after year.
Antonio Neves and I became fast friends: first on Twitter, then at Big Omaha. When I learned our emcee this year was a journalist, I leapt at the opportunity to connect with Antonio. And since that fateful week in May, I have devoured Antonio’s work sprinkled across the web and studied up on the young professionals he routinely profiles.
Because I love writing, it seemed only natural to ask Antonio (who also loves the written word) to pen a post for my blog.
And he did!
Read on for surefire suggestions from Antonio when searching for a job, during this economic climate or whatever comes next.
-W.T.
Three Tips to Stay Motivated | By Antonio Neves (@theantonioneves)
If you read the headlines and listen to the newscasts, you might as well not even get out of bed. The economy sucks and you don’t have a chance.
With that written, here are my thoughts on the economy for all the twenty-somethings out there.
Get over it.
It’s not that I don’t accept that it’s tough out there. (It is.) It’s not that I don’t accept that you’ve busted your butt to earn a college degree and now there seems to be no jobs. (I do.) And it’s not that I don’t accept that it’s so tough out there that many of you moved back in with your parents. (I do, and it’s OK.)
Right now, I ask you to take a deep breath and accept. Accept that this is the way that it is right now. Accept that these are the cards that you’ve been dealt. We know the problem. HOWEVER … what’s the opportunity?
Now, it’s time to get curious. Get curious about the opportunity before you and get ready to play the $hit out of your cards.
Here are three things you can do to stay motivated in your job search during this touch economic climate.
Build Relationships
This is a perfect time to build relationships and get your face out there. One surefire way to do all of this is through informational meetings. Further, when you’re not working, it can be an emotional drain. So, it’s important to build an awesome team that supports you. If you find yourself down, reach out for encouragement. When you need that extra push, that’s what your team is for. A solid team will get you through a rough patch.
Get A Job (Or 13 Of Them)
Unless you have a trust fund or substantial savings, you may have to take some short-term jobs that you don’t necessarily love. Why? To get by until the job that you do want arrives. During the many rough patches early in my career I sold cheese, held numerous temp jobs, was a caterer, worked at bars, and much more. What I didn’t do was take a staff job that was “good enough.” Those are the positions you can get stuck in and before you know it, three years have passed. Lastly – and a good way to build your resume – is to volunteer. Seek out local opportunities and check out organizations like Catchafire.
• WATCH: Author Jenny Blake discuss finding your passion and getting unstuck
Since You Have The Time, Finish Something
Like Outkast rhymed, “You got to get up/get out and do something/don’t let the days of your life pass you by.” Lucky you, you have a lot of free time on your hands. It won’t always be like this, so right now is the perfect time to finish stuff. Thinking about getting a personal website up? Do it. Wanting to write a business plan? Do it. Want to learn how to code? Start here. Want to produce a video for Funny or Die? What’s stopping you? Question: Would you bet on you accomplishing your goals?
• READ: Go from FOMO to JOMO
• WATCH: Colipera founder Bassam Tarazi and I discuss goal setting and accountability
Everything I suggest above, I’ve experienced myself. The key is taking action. Instead of problem solving, identify opportunities for yourself. And when that economy does turn around – and even if it doesn’t – you’ll be good to go.
About Antonio Neves
Antonio Neves is a career coach, speaker, and award-winning business journalist. He is the founder of THINQACTION where he works with young professionals to produce exceptional results in their careers. Via his blog posts, videos, and speaking engagements, Antonio’s goal is to empower young professionals to create their own luck. For more on Antonio, visit his website, Facebook, or Twitter.
Wendy, thanks so much for the opportunity to talk with your community. I’m blown away by you and you make me better. Thank you.
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And I you, Antonio. Many thanks for your insight and suggestions! I’m already hearing great feedback via Twitter.
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