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The Messy Truth About Finding Your Dream Job
It Isn’t Linear — And That’s Okay
Glen Patterson
May 02, 2025
In theory, job searching should be simple:
Find a job. Apply. Get hired.
But anyone who’s been in the trenches knows the reality is different.
It’s not a straight line — it’s a winding path.
A journey filled with delays, detours, rejections, ghostings, last-minute changes, and sometimes… silence.
The job search paradox is this:
Yes, taking consistent action matters.
Yes, putting in effort is essential.
But over-focusing, over-planning, and over-worrying can actually slow your momentum.
Here’s what no one tells you:
→ Obsessing over perfection in every application burns energy.
→ Worrying about every outcome creates unnecessary pressure.
→ Comparing your journey to others? A fast track to burnout.
What works better?
✅ Treat your job search like a project, not a panic.
✅ Celebrate small wins — sending a tailored resume, making a new connection, following up.
✅ Allow space to pause, reflect, and adapt.
How To Do It.
1. Build a weekly job search routine.
→ Set realistic targets: 5–10 quality applications per week, 3 networking messages, 1 skill-building task.
2. Personalize, don’t be perfect.
→ Tailor your resume and cover letter for each role — but stop trying to make them flawless. Clarity beats perfection.
3. Track your progress.
→ Use a simple spreadsheet to track applications, follow-ups, and interviews. Seeing movement builds momentum.
4. Take care of your energy.
→ Block out time for self-care, reflection, and recovery. You’re not a robot. Breaks are part of the strategy.
5. Talk to real people.
→ Referrals > cold applications. Prioritize connecting with people in the industry through LinkedIn, virtual events, or alumni groups.
This mindset shift won’t magically land you a job tomorrow — but it’ll keep you grounded, focused, and confident. And that energy? Employers can feel it.
So if you’re in the middle of your search, know this:
You’re not behind. You’re not failing.
You’re simply navigating a nonlinear path — which is completely normal.
Keep going. Keep learning. Keep showing up.
The right opportunity is finding its way to you too.
Job Board. 💼
New Opportunities
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