Hi, CareerBuddy! I’m tired and frustrated. I keep struggling to land good opportunities despite my qualifications and efforts. I’m stuck in a job where I’m earning peanuts compared to all the pain I go through there. Nothing seems to be working and it feels like everyone else is making waves except me. How can I get a new job opportunity?

Q: How can I get a new job opportunity?

A: Life happens to us all, but here’s what I’ve learnt. What separates the outliers from the mediocre is that they constantly strive to create their own opportunities. If you feel sad, or angry about where you’re at professionally, then get mad enough to do something about it.

Yes, I know you probably complain & cry about your current job every day, and your competitive salary can’t even score a penalty goal against a financial mess. But what’s the next step you can take right now?

I’ve been reading a couple of articles about creating your own opportunities as a young professional and here are a few action points that stood out for me;

Never shy away from learning a skill from scratch if that is what will help you move forward. Continuous learning and upskilling are key to staying relevant in today’s competitive job market. Identify the skills that are in demand in your desired industry and take courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications to acquire those skills. This demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth and makes you a more attractive candidate to employers
Take calculated RISKS. Sign up for a new course. Move to a new country. Do those things that scare the shit out of you. Perhaps, what you need is a career transition; it could be time to explore a new path.
Build a reputation of excellence around you and the quality of your work. Set High Standards. Take pride in your work, no matter how big or small the task may be. Make sure your work speaks for itself. Create a portfolio or website to showcase your achievements and projects. Highlight any awards, certifications, or testimonials that demonstrate your excellence. Utilize social media platforms to share your work and engage with a wider audience. Remember, people need to trust that you will deliver on time and produce quality work. Be proactive in meeting deadlines and communicate openly if any issues arise. Your reliability will be remembered and appreciated.
Treat people well. Sometimes, referrals get you opportunities faster than applying would do. Building strong good relationships with people is one good arsenal you want to employ to put yourself at a vantage point for accessing great opportunities.
Stay Jiggy, because often times, the best of opportunities will come at the most uncomfortable times
Don’t be afraid to seek support from career coaches, mentors, or support groups. They can offer guidance, advice, and help you stay motivated during your job search journey. Sharing your struggles with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide a much-needed boost of confidence.

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Opportunities and progress don’t look like soft life. In the beginning, a great opportunity will look like pure brutal hard work. The ROI however, is the soft life you’re wishing for.

Landing a good job opportunity after struggling requires determination, self-reflection, networking, gaining relevant experience, upskilling, staying persistent, and seeking support

“No matter how pathetic you feel, you must do what you can at the moment. If I’m not willing to do anything, I might as well just die…”

That’s a quote from a K-drama series that deeply resonated with me.