JOB SEARCH COURAGE is,
Mind and spirit overcoming fear,
Leading to productive activity,
Moving closer to meaningful work.
It’s ironic that we don’t often see the words “Courage” and Job Search” in the same sentence. I can’t think of anything more important than” courage” to successful job seeking. Webster defines courage as,
“The state or quality of mind and spirit that enables one to
face danger with confidence and gain resolution.”
I like the combination of “mind” and “spirit.”
Courage doesn’t have to be grandiose—sometimes it’s as simple as getting up again to send yet another email or resume. Or make that call.
The faith journey and job hunting have a lot in common. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, social activist and prolific writer believed God was calling him to head a new monastery in Central America. When his superiors saw otherwise, he realized his true calling—to stay and continue his work at Gethsemane, his home monastery in Kentucky.
His biographers, Patrick Hart and Jonathan Montaldo wrote about this revelation in their introduction to The Intimate Merton.
“He surrendered himself to the slow heart work of seeking his faith one day at a time and one night at a time in the place where his eyes opened and shut. He got up and fell down, he got up and fell down, he got up over and over again.”
Job Search Courage requires looking in and outside ourselves for help. It’s in these places we find others, as well as renewed strength and guidance from our faith. Going it alone is hard. When we bring tested job seeking and networking practices together with spiritual resources, we give ourselves the best chance for success.
TODAY…
Reflect on the courage you need to move ahead in your transition. Where will you get the energy and drive you need–inside and/or outside? If you’ve fallen down, what will it take to get you up?
Thomas Bachhuber, Ed.D.
President of the Board and Executive Director for The Center for Life Transitions. Tom is responsible for overall Center leadership and strategy. His individual coaching/counseling as well as workshops and retreats focus on integrating leading career development ideas with spiritual exploration. Read more.