The highs and lows of the job search

Looking for a job is always challenging. Sometimes the struggle is rewarding and fun, and other times it's easy to succumb to darker thoughts. Here's an illustration in a single day.

The valley

I had a great job application process last week with a small startup for an iOS developer role. I talked to all three founders, and had deep, stimulating conversations with each one. We clearly mutually respected and liked each other, and I was feeling positive about my chances.

Yesterday I got my answer–unfortunately they chose to move forward with another candidate. They had a completely legitimate reason: as a startup, they were focused on finding somebody who had lots of recent experience building and releasing consumer iOS apps. I have lots of recent experience with iOS development, but as an instructional designer building an iOS development course.

It was an emotional gut punch. I know better than to let a rejection undermine my confidence in my skills and value, but it still stings to come so close to a great opportunity and ultimately miss.

The hill

The climb back up started with a conversation with Shereen Bhan, my amazing wife. I'm incredibly fortunate to have a supportive partner who, in these last eleven months, has never once wavered in her unconditional support. In the face of financial uncertainty and other stressors, she has encouraged me to find the truly great opportunity I know is out there, and not settle for just anything.

Then I drove up to San Francisco to attend a Job Search Council meetup with the Never Search Alone community. That organization has been one of the bright spots in my job search. I got to meet Phyl Terry, the founder, who radiates optimism, compassion, creativity, warmth, and insight. Never Search Alone is built on the principle that asking for help is intrinsically human, essential for everyone to live their best life, and a fundamental good for society to thrive and resist the dark tendencies that are currently gripping so many places in the world.

I met lots of fellow job seekers who share that belief. We swapped stories and strategies, commiserated, laughed, celebrated, and found new possibilities. I was inspired by several conversations, and left with new connections on LinkedIn and an optimism that I feel this morning as I finish writing this post.

The journey

It's humbling to be in the middle of a job search. It's easy to define yourself through your work. It's hard to keep optimism. It's challenging to maintain momentum. It's rewarding to form genuine connections with new people. It's energizing to learn new things and make things that are authentically mine.

As always, the reward is as much the journey as it is the destination. Especially when the destination is shrouded in uncertainty. And especially when I make a promise to myself to learn and grow, and then work to fulfill it.