It is magnificent to realize when you are looking for a job that some things are worth holding on to and some things need to be let go. When a person works for a living, whether as an employee, a freelancer or an entrepreneur, from time to time, she will need to look for work. Often long periods of time have passed since the last time a person has been on a job search to the current job search. During the interim, often changes have taken place in the industry. Technology, the passage of time and the changes in culture around the world change what is required and what is acceptable in the workplace. In order to be successful in your search for a job, freelance assignment search or search for clients for your business, you must learn what old habits are worth holding on to and which things need to be let go.
In today’s freelance marketplace, for example, it is important to embrace email and text messaging. While it is true that some people actually still use their phones to talk and have conversations, many use them only for texting and email correspondence. As an entrepreneur, you must realize that customers are becoming increasingly savvy and have made the word “google” a verb they use to verify every claim and statement a company makes. Employees must accept the fact that employers use social media, both to attract customers and to spy on employees. The world is both a larger place and a smaller place at the same time.
When you are looking for work, it is not a good idea to hang your hat on “this is the way we always did it at my old job” as a reason not to embrace change when looking for a new job. It is important to realize that things change and that all changes are not bad. In fact, some new business practices, styles and codes of conduct may be a good thing. It is also important to keep in mind, “the good old days” may have been good for some people, but not all. The world is now a place where one has to consider other people’s feelings, sensitivities and cultures in the workplace. While this may be inconvenient and hard work, it is important to do and a good thing to do.
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I am a black woman, so for me, the “good old days” of the 1950’s for example, were not so great for people like me in the workplace. I am glad that employers were forced to let go of racial and sexual prejudices that kept people like me from getting fair opportunities to apply for and receive good job offers in the fields of my choice. Certain work ethics like recognizing one should work hard and strive for excellence is something that should be held on to. When you are looking for work it is important to look at your life, your skill set and your desires and make a realistic and careful determination of what habits, practices and codes of conduct you should hold on to and which ones you should let go.
In conclusion, it is magnificent to realize when you are looking for a job that some things are worth holding on to and some things need to be let go. So, the question for you this magnificent day is, what do you need to let go of in order to get the job you want?
This post was inspired by The Goddess of Small Victories by Yannick Grannec, a novel about brilliant mathematician Kurt Gödel as told from his ex-cabaret dancer wife’s perspective. Join From Left to Write on October 16th as we discuss The Goddess of Small Victories. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
There are always new and improved ways to get business, it is good to be on the lookout for them.
Ugh, hunting for a job is always hard. Not my favorite thing to do!
Yep.. it is difficult to get a job now a days… i m still searching for my dream job!!!
I may not be looking for a new job, but I’m always looking for new business and it’s a great reminder to not cling to one way of securing that business.
It is hard working in a place controlled by other people. Because things are like your husband’s job, no matter how hard you work, there is always someone who will work harder for less.
Yes! In all we do we must strive for excellence.
It is wonderful that you have had a long and satisfying career!
Don’t sell short what you do as a SAHM and a homeschool teacher. Both those jobs are incredibly hard and have so many direct applications in the outside workplace.
You were a SAHM which means there is nothing you cannot do! You are used to multi-tasking, working well beyond a job description and staying until the job is done. An employer would be fortunate to have you.
Great tips! I have not had to look for a job for many many years….but I know that each year the kids grow older is a year closer to me going back to work!
I’m not even sure I could answer that question. I think one thing that worries me is that people are working harder and harder for less and less. For example, my husband makes good money, but he’s run ragged every week. If he were to leave it’d take 2-3 people just to do his job. Not sure if that’s something I could let go. My free time and family time are too important to me.
I think I need to let go of the fear that I’m not good enough. I see social media jobs I would love to apply for, but I don’t because I feel I am not good enough.
hold ing on to good work ethics should absolutely be held on to. I am trying to raise my children to fully understand that. When you do a job, do your best at it. Put your best foot forward. Even if it is washing dishes after school. 🙂
I think fear is what holds people back from most things. This sounds like a great book.
Just be confident and realistic when job hunting.
I think the most important thing to let go of if fear. We are afraid to try new things and we are afraid of failure.
These are some great tips!
These are great tips. I have been a work at home mom since 2011.
I have been very blessed – I had a great 30 yr career and now I have my Dream Job working at our local hospital very part time. Being able to hold and let go is so important to any successful job.
I have not been in the workplace for over 9 years when I quit my job to stay home with my son and now we have 5 little ones and I homeschool. I would imagine if I were to go back to work now I would have a hard time trying to even find a job.
It annoys me so much when people compare jobs! I know a ton of people who need to let go of old work rules and ways!
It is true that some things such as text and email messaging are now vital to a business and worth using instead of how things used to be!
Thanks for the tips you provide daily. so helpful
Very good information. Just open yourself to learn new things.
This is so timely and informative love the tips!
Thanks for sharing
Great tips as it is never easy to job hunt. Just keep your head high and always learn.
That’s such a hard question and one I don’t have to answer for quite sometime.
You provide so many great tips. After being a SAHM for the last 12 years I am finishing up my education and will be entering the work force in or around May. I think letting go of fear itself of the unknown.