Like the person thinking of numerous reasons to not clean house, go outside, or tackle a project, excuses often occupy the mind of the job-seeker. It can be helpful to note some; and then to reframe them.
I’m too old.
- What you tell yourself: A person my age doesn’t have the stamina to do all this looking for another job. I’m also uncomfortable admitting ___ (current job not working out; fired; etc.) to people.
- How to reframe it: “Older” folks look for new challenges because they have already tackled issues in their lives and can embrace new ones. Changing work is not a sinner’s confession, but the spirit of a wise person who has something to offer and share.
I can’t do anything else.
- What you tell yourself: I don’t think there’s anything else I can do as well as what I’m currently doing; I know this job in my sleep. I’m afraid of losing my current work and being unable to make it somewhere else. I don’t want to get caught in the middle.
- How to reframe it: The major currency in your work experience is transferable skills that can be promoted. For example, if you have shone as an organizer in your community volunteerism or employment, you are likely to carry these abilities to a different work setting.
I don’t have time.
- What you tell yourself: My work doesn’t give me the time to think about doing anything else. I would have to take weeks off just to explore this subject and would undermine my present responsibilities in the process. It’s too large a price to pay for shopping around in the job market.
- How to reframe it: Take a close look at the people you encounter routinely in your life and ask yourself how they might lead you to others. Whom do they know in other fields of work? Don’t be so busy painting yourself into a corner that you fail to look for a way out.
I hate rejection.
- What you tell yourself: I’d rather not push myself in situations where I might be turned away. Who likes that? Why walk into a closed door? If I get rejected, I will lose confidence.
- How to reframe it: When you look for work, it’s you who are choosing – not the other way around. There’s no risk of failure when you are the customer rather than the salesperson. Move through your job search as a data gatherer and explorer. Don’t be afraid of being vulnerable and open. Let the job offers take care of themselves.
The alternative might be worse.
- What you tell yourself: What I like about the miserable work I’ve got is that at least I know what sort of misery to expect each day. What I trade for might be worse. In a perverse way, this is comfortable.
- How to reframe it: Risk is the tariff for leaving the Land of Predictable Misery. Take a temporary Visa and give yourself permission to roam the terrain to explore what others are doing. If the alternatives demand too high a price in uncertainty, you can still come home again if you think it best.
There are many excuses we tell ourselves. “Let fate take over.” “I don’t want to shake things up and burn bridges.” “It isn’t quite painful enough yet.” “Nothing may turn up.” “No one supports me or understands what this is like.” Job search is more than the ritual of applying to open jobs and waiting for a response. It’s connecting and talking with people. Researching what the market is like and who’s doing what. Aligning what you do well and like with what employers need. Moving forward when you see an opportunity. Considering it a victory to be practicing and staying knowledgeable. Excuses get in the way. You deserve better.
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