The #1 mistake you can make in your job search

Inspiration
Written By Ashley Jablow

Are you thinking about looking for a new job this Fall? Or maybe you’re in the middle of your job search right now?

Today I want to share the most common, and most sneaky, mistake that I see job seekers make in their search.

[FWIW, this also applies to people who are contemplating a move into self-employment or entrepreneurship, so listen up if that’s you.]

Now, let’s be clear: the path to a new job is often littered with mistakes – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

For example, you refine and tweak your resume so you can submit it for the perfect role – only to realize a week later that you missed an obvious typo. Or, you go into an interview feeling confident, and then flub your answers to the opening question.

Mistakes happen. That’s to be expected – and it’s ok!

But there’s one mistake that almost every person I meet – whether it’s a potential coaching client or a new friend in art class (seriously) – makes, and I want to talk about it today:

Confusing short term needs with long term dreams.

When you’re in the midst of a career change – 

  • You get laid off

  • You decide you want to change companies

  • You’re ready to launch your side hustle

– you face a lot of questions.

Some of these questions are about short term logistics and details…

Will this option pay me enough money?

What will my commute be like?

While some are more about long term visions and goals…

Where do I want to be in 5 years?

Does this job align with my life’s purpose? 

The mistake people make is assuming that their next “thing” needs to solve for both: their short term needs and their long term dreams.

They combine these two time horizons, and desperately search for a solution that does both.

There are lots of reasons for this, and I want to be clear: I’ve done this too! 

(Like the time I graduated from business school and stayed unemployed for 10 months because I hadn’t gotten “the best” offer yet.)

As humans we generally hate ambiguity, so if we can find ONE answer that solves for ALL the things, we will always try for that.

But can you see how much pressure this puts on you? How much pressure it puts on the outcome you’re working towards?

Here’s the thing:

You can’t think creatively or dream expansively when you’re anxious about paying your bills. And you can’t force your long term goals to show up on your doorstep today.

Yes, you can make choices in the short term that support the long term direction you want to head in.

But to achieve your future dreams, you need to feel safe, resourced, and rested – right now.

Try This Out 

Today, consider where you might be conflating or combining your short term needs and long term dreams. 

Whether it’s in your job search, your step into freelancing – or even in another area of your life.

(I’ve definitely fallen into this trap with my health and exercise goals!)

What might be different – in your choices, in your strategy, even in how you hold yourself – if you separated out these two time horizons, and allowed yourself to solve for the short term in service of the long term?

What comes up for you? I’d love to hear from you if you want to reply and share.

What to Do Next 

By now I hope you’ve checked out Life Design School – I’m adding new on-demand workshops and materials every week!

When you’re ready to go deeper…

Here’s to taking short term action in service of your long term dreams!

Onward,


Ashley Jablow
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