September 14, 2020
This has come up in so many conversations recently, with people at all levels in their career — from those who are established to those working in entry-level positions and high schoolers looking to get started. It seems we’re all in the same boat, trying to “figure shit out” but without a clue which way to go.
There’s no sugar-coating it. This is a difficult and crazy time across the board, no matter who you are or where you’re from. But if you’ve just graduated and are trying to find your way, this is certifiably the weirdest time for you. So, as someone who’s lived through a somewhat similar phase in America, I felt I should share some insight into this whole “figure your shit out” thing.
The Great Recession began in December 2007 and ended in June 2009, right when I was graduating college. Among people who graduated that year, the general mindset was “If I don’t get a job out of school, I’m moving home with Mom and Dad, and that SURELY won’t happen . . . right?” We all felt a ton of pressure to figure our shit out and figure it out fast. But the market was a challenge, and more entry-level professionals than we could count did in fact sign up to pay rent to their all-time favorite roommates: M&D.
About 9M jobs were lost between February 2008 and February 2010. The Great Recession was the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression! So, it’s safe to say that there are some parallels we can draw to our present situation, no question. And I can tell you from experience that what’s required today is fierce determination.
Ninety percent of the challenge is in the mindset — you need to be optimistic, and you need to work hard. If you put yourself out there every day, try your absolute best, and use the resources around you to make it happen, you’ll eventually land the job.
But it won’t happen overnight.
There will be moments where it feels really challenging. Too challenging. But then, there will be moments when you know it truly paid off. It might even take you 12 years, as that was certainly the case for me! Throughout my job-search journey, I learned that I had to put myself out there 100%. If I was going to do it, I had to give my all.
You might reach out to 100 people. But all you need is one to give you a chance. Those of you who are willing to push hard will be the ones who make things happen for yourself.
In January 2009, I applied to nearly 50 places in NYC. By March 2009, I’d received one callback — from a reputable, global, large-scale powerhouse of an ad agency for a role in their rotational program, which was designed to help entry-level professionals “figure their shit out.” It was my one shot, and there was no way in hell I was going to lose it. I studied. I skipped senior-year spring break. I worked around the clock to learn, listen, and grow. I sought out mentors. I asked a ton of questions. I also cried a ton.
You might get a job and find it’s less than ideal. Again, don’t give up. Sometimes you have to take an opportunity just to get some experience, pay the bills, and make it through the year. In these cases, try to see the silver lining and the learnings — everything is a stepping stone to the position you’ve always dreamed of. You’re allowed to have moments where you feel defeated. Embrace it and then, as fast as you can, pick yourself up and put yourself back out there! If there is rejection, it’s simply “on to the next!” You’ll soon find that THAT’S the story worth telling. With this mindset of optimism and determination, anything is possible. It’s the type of mindset that makes you stand out. It’s the type of mindset organizations want to see in the people they hire.
Know that people are willing to help. Use the resources you have and seek out new ones — your network becomes so valuable in times like this. So many people have been through similar challenges and are willing to listen, to hear you out, and to lend advice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to follow up. Don’t be afraid to step up to the plate. Many people will say they don’t have time to talk to you. But again, you need only one person to give you that game-changing chance. Work for it. Try. Over and over and over again.
There are finally groups, people, resources and organizations out there that can make all of this a reality alongside you. With that said, if there’s anything that I can do to help, please reach out. So many amazing things are happening in the ocean regeneration space, and there are countless opportunities if you’re willing to take some non-traditional approaches to gaining experience. I can tell you firsthand that sometimes experience is all that you need — and it’s something no one can take away from you.
Your story, your narrative, and the goals and vision you have for your future — these are yours to shape. And every single opportunity lends itself to this beautiful story that makes up your life’s work. No experience is a bad one. You need them all to figure out who you are and where you want to be. No matter your stage of life, you can change how you view the world. You can always change your state of mind. Why not start now? Shift it to a positive, optimistic, and hopeful one.
