Rejection Blues Got You Down? Channel Your Inner Ted Lasso and Be a Goldfish!
I’ve been rewatching Ted Lasso. Like many of you, I’m going to miss the series and especially since they seem like people I’d like to hang out with and would likely be friends. I’ve gleaned a lot of funny statements as well as some really valuable lessons from that quirky dude and all the members of Richmond AFC.
So, how does this apply to the job hunt? Well, I guess that’s why after a bunch of repeated “no’s” and what seems like an endless search, I’ve tried to adopt the saying, “Be a goldfish!” For the record, I’ve sent my resumes, applied for jobs and taken painstakingly long times to create creative and decisive cover letters and then...wham! Rejection. Honestly, it stings. I don’t like it. It’s enough to make me want to crawl under my desk and forget the whole thing, sell the house and set up a tiki bar at the beach and sell rum concoctions from coconuts.
But as Lasso says, “hold on there, champ. Be a goldfish. They don't have no short-term memory. They forget they've been bummed out." Pretty awesome. So, how do I channel my inner Coach Lasso and…
Shake it Off, Like Roy Kent (Without the Swearing):
Rejection is part of the game. Don't take it personally. Remember, Roy Kent (minus the colorful vocabulary) eventually learned to believe. This "no" just means I’m one step closer to the perfect "yes."
Focus on the Biscuits (Your Wins!):
Just like Ted celebrates AFC Richmond's small victories, acknowledge the ones you can muster, no matter how small! Did I land an interview? That's a win! Did I connect with someone in the industry? Another win! I’m trying to celebrate these milestones, big and small.
Believe!
Remember Ted's unwavering optimism? Having that kind of belief in myself is, well, difficult, but I do believe in my knowledge and the skills I’ve accrued. I wouldn’t be here without them. So, temporary setbacks are just that…temporary.
Channel Your Inner Nate:
Remember Nate's journey from kit man to diamond-studded assistant coach? Use this time to upskill! I’ve taken some online courses, practiced interview skills (I couldn’t remember the last time I had an interview, actually), and I’ve revamped and tailored my resume to highlight different skills based on the jobs I’m applying for.
Be a Diamond Dog (Network Like a Boss):
Networking is key and I kind of like it! I’ve reached out to people in my different fields through LinkedIn, grabbed coffee with a few friends and even reached out and commented on some people’s blogs and asked for a quick zoom or chat. I’ve also reached out to other people I know looking for jobs. Always good to commiserate with others going through the same thing. You never know when a conversation is going to lead to the perfect opportunity.
Remember Rebecca's Transformation:
Just like Rebecca learned to let go of negativity, I try, as hard as it may be, to not dwell on the rejections. Take an inventory, analyze them briefly, learn and then move on.
Here's The Mantra:
"I am a goldfish. Rejections don't define me. I am awesome and I will find the perfect job!"
The job search isn't sunshine and rainbows, but with a little Ted Lasso-inspired optimism and a goldfish's short-term memory, we’ll land on your feet and find the perfect fit.
Love to hear your thoughts. Drop me a line.
Here’s my resume.
