I hope that isn’t what you believe, because it simply isn’t so. Unfortunately, some of the people we meet in our workshops start out feeling that way. Yes, even though the economy is showing some signs of growth the job market is still weak, but it isn’t dead. The number of people gaining re-employment may not be huge, but some people are finding work!
I use the word “finding” instead of “getting” because the former is active and the latter passive. Psychologists use the concept “locus of control” to describe the extent to which some people believe their destiny is in their own hands versus those who believe their future is reliant on luck. People who think that outside forces play a major role in their lives are considered to have an external locus of control. They have a tendency to feel that success takes a lot of luck and being in the right place at the right time. These individuals believe that there isn’t much they can do to influence their lot in life.
In contrast, other people feel they are largely in control of their destiny and are described as having an internal locus of control. For them, hard work and perseverance pay off, even when it comes to looking for work. They know that a job isn’t going to fall into their lap, and they’re certainly not going to wait until the economy has fully recovered before making a conscientious search.
For sure a little luck can help. It helps even more if you create opportunities for luck to befall you. What does that mean? Keep applying for every position you’d like to get. Tell everyone you know – family, friends, parents of your children, service providers – the kind of job you’re looking for. Feel in your heart that you are in the driver’s seat and there is a good job out there waiting for you to find it.
I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
When unemployed, we must work hard at creating happenstance and possibilities. I often insist that my unemployed clients get out of the house and into a vibrant coffee house at least twice a week. Dress the part you seek. Wear a freshly pressed button down shirt and khakis. Stay there until you’ve made a genuine connection with at least 3 people. My suggested “pick up” line is “How do you like your Mac?”(Mac users love to extol the virtues of their technology gadgets!) Once you connect, ease into questions about where she works and if her company is hiring. Finding your next job largely involves connecting to others. Try it. Did it feel a little awkward or uncomfortable to approach a stranger? Good! That discomfort is a growing pain. Congratulations. Continue to be relentless. Do not give up. Stay in the game. I have been unemployed three times in my 30 year career. To this day, I am grateful for the kindness of strangers and for the courage I mustered to approach them.
Dear Lisa,
We appreciate the comments you have made to our posts. Your response to this one could very well be a post in itself. Would you be interested in elaborating on your advice or writing other blogs for our site?
With regards,
John and Doug
We make our own luck John. I do believe that it depends on luck, but luck depends on being in the right place at the right time. The only way to be lucky or to find yourself in the right place at the right time, is to follow your heart and go with your gut. It takes courage to contact employers and often we recoil in fear instead of taking a chance that could have worked out. He who hesitates is lost, and those who are strong enough to reach out when the moment feels right, will find themselves in the right place at the right time. Some call it luck, but it’s really not. We make our own luck.
Dear Thomas,
Thanks for your comment. We always appreciate hearing from readers. You’ll notice that many of our blogs are written by guest contributors. If there are posts you’d like to create, please feel free to submit your thoughts.
With regards,
John and Doug
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