There’s a story that illustrates one’s personality or temperament perfectly and is simplistic in nature.  Using the idea of going on a boat ride, these are the basic personalities:

• Stability = An “S” wants to make sure we have maps, GPS, a plan to get there, a place to stay, and a complete itinerary once we get there.
• Theory = A “T” wants to know why we’re going on a trip in the first place, why are we going on a boat, and when is the “R” going to stop jibber-jabbering.
• Action = An “A” pushes the boat into the water before the “S” finishes inventory.
• Relationship = An “R” wants to make sure everyone gets on the boat and has a good time.

Looking back, it may have been more prudent to be a bit more “S” in my move to San Diego.   I’m naturally a strong “T” when it comes to most things, but this move was pretty “A.”

For more info on the STAR Method, download this STAR Test and Guide in PDF.

There have been several things that I didn’t plan for, and looking back, I probably should have.  The biggest thing was being more realistic in my search for a job and how long it would take.  The functional unemployment rate here is probably close to 20%. That means that 1 out of 5 people is either unemployed, underemployed, or just working part-time somewhere.  So this leads to greater competition and more resumes for HR and recruiters to sort through.

I’ve gained a new perspective on life with this journey of employment I began a little over 6 weeks ago.  This process is a lot more difficult than I anticipated; a formidable task (and not in the hyperbolic sense), but two things stand out as big lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. There’s nothing like a job hunt to put your self-esteem to the test.

Rejection. Not getting an interview. Not being able to get your foot in the door. Being ignored or being judged by words on page.  Not being given a chance. Not getting a call back.

We shouldn’t let things like this affect us in such a way, but logic does little to combat an emotional roller coaster.  It’s amazing how horrible it feels to be passed up for a job I know I’d be great at because the hiring manager perceived me to be a “slow, dumb southerner.”  Or how that all disappears the moment I got a phone call for another interview.  It’s such a fickle ride and perhaps it would better to describe it as a reverse bungee jump, where the initial high and low are the most extreme.  But with each subsequent iteration, the effects are lessened to where it levels out and I am back to normal.  In this metaphor, that would mean with job.

2. I now have empirical proof that I am an indeed an optimist.

Refer to #1 for more details.

I can look at things that have transpired after my 3000 mile move across the country and see how they can be “good things” in the end, how I can glean positivity from them.  How I can use this to appreciate things more.  How I can use this to humble myself.  How I can use this for inspiration to create more ________.  And that’s what I’m doing.

As a wise man once told me:

Life gives you the test first and the lesson comes afterward.