Best Things of the Month
September 2023 Edition
Hi Friends,
Once again, I find myself in the all-too-familiar territory of job hunting. It's like an old tune playing on repeat, and frankly, it's becoming a real headache. Yes, I'm currently wrapped up in a short-term contract, which has been a great experience. But with just a few days left on that contract and no whispers of an extension, my anxiety is starting to creep up.
I've tapped into my network more times than I'd like to admit, sent applications for every job that fits my profile, and revised my resume until it's nearly unrecognisable. I've honed my skills at crafting selection criteria responses, but it feels like I'm throwing them into a black hole. There's no feedback, no indication of where I might be falling short. Recruiters, too, have been echoing the same refrain: "Keep an eye on our job boards." Is that all there is to it?
A persistent question lingers – shouldn't recruiters be the ones actively working on our behalf, tirelessly seeking opportunities for us? Or am I misunderstanding the current job market dynamics? Maybe it's akin to the real estate frenzy during the pandemic, with an oversupply of job seekers driving competition to new heights, giving employers the upper hand.
I constantly find myself reaching out to recruiters, scanning for even the faintest glimmer of hope, the possibility of a job offer hiding in plain sight. Am I turning into that persistent guy who just won't give them a break? It's hard to tell.
But let's switch gears and focus on the brighter side of this month, as the title suggests – "The Best Things of the Month."
I recently completed the final leg of the Sri Chinmoy 100, an ultra-marathon trail race that winds its way through Canberra's breathtaking bushlands and reserves. My leg of the race kicked off at Dickson College, taking me up Mount Majura, and then across to Mount Ainslie. It covered over 23 kilometers with a staggering 700 meters of elevation gain, and I managed to finish it in just under 3 hours – a personal triumph I'm thrilled about.
Imagine running in the darkness with only a headlamp to guide your way, a solitary beam of light piercing the night. It demands an intense focus, a state of distraction-free clarity that's strangely calming. What struck me even more was witnessing fellow runners tackling the grueling 100-kilometer race with unwavering spirits. It's truly mind-boggling – 100 kilometres is an incredible distance!
But beyond that, it was a relatively quiet month. The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and everyone is emerging from their winter hibernation. We've spent some quality time in the garden, chipping away at the landscaping. The front yard is really coming together, and when the grass starts growing, I think it'll look pretty sweet. And considering we've done it all ourselves, it'll be something to be super proud of!
Today is my Mum's birthday; she would have been 85. Happy Birthday, Mum! I guess with the job stuff and missing my parents, it's not the best day. But I must remain thankful for my beautiful family who always bring a smile to my face and lift my spirits.
Until next time, big love,
Nick
I know this is probably the last thing you want to hear right now, but hang in there mate and keep finding ways to tame that anxiety.
As someone who is just completing a unit called job development and placement it depends on the approach that recruitment companies take. A person centred approach places responsibility on the job seeker and the recruiter assists where needed. Job seeking is seen more in terms of career development as opposed to just getting a person a job. In saying that, if you have already said hey, I need some more help for job leads then they should be providing you more assistance.
My fingers are crossed that something comes up for you soon. Contract work can be very unpredictable so who knows, they have even extend it at the every last minute.
<3