Hence, I am on the search for big industry. Large companies have more job opportunities by the simple fact that they are big. They are also more likely to have the ability and willingness to create a position for the right person unlike their smaller, less financially flexible counterparts. Large concentrated industries also means that there is a level of business competition that gives me extra leverage for my argument that I am valuable and they do not want to lose me to their nearby competitors. The presence of big industry means opportunities.
The lack of familiar industries is an instant disappointment. I feel exhausted just thinking about the tremendous amount of effort that is required to convince a potential employer to consider me as a legitimate candidate despite my lack of direct experience. Before I allow myself to fall into the seemingly inescapable pit of sorrow and self-pity, I wipe my thoughts and reframe the challenge as an opportunity.
My role as a military spouse is now forcing me to step outside of my comfort zone. I cannot return to my old position, company or industry, I do not have a developed local network to call upon, I cannot rely upon an application or my resume alone to justify my qualifications… there is no easy, comfortable route in order to pursue my career aspirations. The lack of familiar industry is an opportunity for me to expand into new complementing fields, to reevaluate my career path and make appropriate adjustments if necessary, to examine my past experiences in detail in order to extract the true value and how it relates to the new field I choose to pursue and to challenge myself.
Although we all want a non-resistant path, the challenges that come with many moves as a military spouse have elevated my sense of value, purpose and drive for career success.
Challenge = Opportunity
Are you going to reframe your perspective and turn your PCS employment related challenges into opportunities to improve your career?
This article is part of the Military Spouse Employment Series, “What it Takes to Find a Job in Today’s Market.” The process of finding a satisfying job in today’s market is laborious and challenging, which is why multiple articles are necessary to scratch the surface of the changing conditions.
Read the previous article in the series: Strategic Resumes
