Jamie Michelle McDonald’s Post

😪 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 Yesterday, I reported to work at the National Identity and Civil Registry 🇱🇸 like any other day, only to be told—along with my colleagues—to go home. Just like that, my contract, which still had months left, was prematurely terminated. It's a hard pill to swallow, especially as a father of two and a husband, to suddenly find oneself unemployed. One morning you're secure in your job, and the next, you're grappling with uncertainty. It's a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be, especially when decisions from higher up can impact our lives so profoundly. While it isn’t easy to accept this sudden change, I choose to see it as a new beginning. 𝗧𝗼𝗼 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻, 𝘄𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱. Yes, it's challenging to lose a job unexpectedly, but this moment of upheaval is also a moment of reflection and growth. It’s an opportunity to explore new paths and to embrace the unknown with courage and optimism. To anyone facing similar challenges, remember that every ending is a chance for a new beginning. Let’s knock on those closed doors, and with persistence, we will find the ones that open to even greater opportunities. Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering support. Here's to the next chapter—one filled with hope, resilience, and new possibilities. #NewBeginnings #Opportunities #Resilience #JobSearch #Motivation

Losing your job can be a tough experience, but how you handle the situation can make a big difference in your next steps. Here are some things to avoid doing when you find yourself jobless: 1️⃣ Don’t Panic! It's natural to feel anxious, but try to keep calm. Panicking can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decisions. 2️⃣ Avoid Isolating Yourself It might be tempting to shut the world out and lick your wounds, but this is the time to reach out to your network, family, and friends for support and opportunities. 3️⃣ Don’t Rush Into Another Job: Jumping immediately into another role without considering if it’s the right fit can lead to dissatisfaction and another job search soon after. Take time to assess what you really want in your next job. 4️⃣ Skip the Blame Game It’s easy to get caught up in blaming yourself or others—whether it’s your former boss, colleagues, or the economy. This won’t help your situation and can keep you from moving forward. 5️⃣ Don’t Ignore Your Finances This might seem like a time to avoid looking at your bank account, but it’s actually more important than ever to create a budget and manage your finances carefully. 6️⃣ Avoid Burning Bridges No matter the circumstances of your departure, try to leave on good terms. The connections you make can often help you as you look for new opportunities. 7️⃣ Don’t Neglect Your Well-being Losing a job can be a major hit to your self-esteem and mental health. Make sure to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Exercise, eat well, and consider speaking to a professional if your emotions are overwhelming. Navigating job loss with a clear mind and a strategic plan can lead to better opportunities and personal growth. Remember, it's a temporary setback, not the end of your professional journey. #jobloss #CareerChange #JobSearch #Networking #Resilience #SelfCare #FinancialPlanning #ProfessionalGrowth #Mindset #Opportunity #Reinvention

Dear Jobseekers In these trying times, when every day feels like an uphill battle, and when it seems like even the smallest creatures find a way to remind you of your current struggles—as if flies have chosen the top of your head for their meeting point—it's easy to feel overlooked and disrespected. I understand how tough it can be to wake up each morning, facing unpredictability and the silent sting of rejection. But I'm here to offer a word of encouragement, a whisper of hope in the midst of the storm. 🌟 The road you're on may seem endless, and the obstacles insurmountable. The weight of uncertainty can sometimes be paralyzing, making it hard to see the light of the next day. It's not just a job that you're after—it's the respect, the sense of purpose, and the security that comes with it. 🛣️ But let's not forget that every season has its reason, even if it's not immediately clear. Your resilience is being built, your character sculpted in the silence of these trying times. Your valor does not go unnoticed. There's a plan greater than we can see, and His timing is perfect, even when the clock seems to tick against us. I want you to believe, with every fiber of your being, that God has not forgotten you. Your prayers, your dreams, and your hopes are heard. They are the whispers in the wind that precede the storm of blessings about to rain down upon you. Have faith that a permanent job is on the horizon—one that will not just be a means to an end but will be a place where you thrive, contribute, and grow. 🌱 Keep your head held high, your spirit unbroken, and your heart open to the possibilities that lie ahead. Let the flies be a temporary nuisance, for soon they'll find elsewhere to land. You are meant for greater, destined to soar, and soon enough, you'll be in a place where you're valued and your talents can truly shine. 🕊️ The journey may continue for a bit longer, but it won't be forever. Prepare yourself for the good that's coming, as preparation meets opportunity. Stay positive, network where you can, keep upskilling yourself, and never stop believing. The sun will shine on your face again, and the warmth you'll feel will be the security of a job that's yours and yours alone. Remember, the most magnificent trees take time to grow, but once they stand tall, they are unshakable. So shall it be with you. Stand tall and know that better days are coming. A permanent job is on its way, and with it, the respect and fulfillment you deserve. Let's stay united, support one another, and uplift each other with kindness and positivity. Share your experiences and lend an ear to those who need it. Together, we are stronger and can weather this storm. 🤝 Sending love, light, and prayers to each of you searching for that golden opportunity. May it come swiftly, like a refreshing breeze on a hot day, and may it be everything you've hoped for and more. Stay strong, keep the faith, and get ready to embrace the job that's been waiting for you. 🙏💌

🌟 Embracing Resilience: Navigating the Job Search Journey Amidst Life's Storms 🌟 Dear LinkedIn Peers, As I reflect on my personal journey, I'm reminded of the parallels between job hunting and walking through heavy snow. The cold, the weight, and the unpredictable terrain – each step can feel like an uphill battle, especially when grappling with mental and emotional challenges. Job searching, much like trudging through deep snow, demands perseverance and resilience. It's a path where the conditions may be tough, visibility may be limited, and the weight of your struggles can make progress seem slow. Yet, remember this: beneath the snow lies the solid ground of your capabilities, skills, and unique strengths. ❄️ Facing the Storms: Just as we confront the snowstorm head-on, acknowledge your emotions and challenges. Mental health matters, and it's okay to seek support. Take the time to understand your needs, fostering a mindset of self-compassion. ❄️ Finding Footing: Every step forward in the job search is a victory. Each application, interview, or networking effort is a testament to your resilience. Believe in the strength of your skills and experiences, even when the journey seems arduous. ❄️ Building Snowflakes into a Snowman: Transform setbacks into opportunities. Every rejection, every tough moment is a chance to learn and grow. Like building a snowman, shape your experiences into a narrative that showcases your adaptability and determination. ❄️ Creating a Supportive Snow Trail: Seek the warmth of a supportive network. Connect with mentors, friends, and professionals who can offer guidance and encouragement. Share your journey; you might find that others have walked a similar path. ❄️ Embracing the Thaw: Just as winter gives way to spring, your challenging times will evolve into brighter days. Believe in the transformation and growth that the job search process can bring to your personal and professional self. Remember, you are not alone on this icy path. Your strength lies in your ability to keep moving forward, step by step, even when the snow is deep. Your uniqueness, skills, and resilience are your compass. Embrace the journey, for it is in the struggle that we find our truest selves. #careerjourney #resilience #jobsearch #mentalhealthmatters #keepmovingforward #opentowork #perseverence ❄️💪✨

We are now in hot time summer, when all you want to do is relax & enjoy the warm weather. The last thing on your mind may be a job search. But if you are currently unemployed or considering a job transition, summer may not be the only thing stopping you from starting a job search. Here are some other factors that make it difficult to launch a job search: ✅ Fear related to exploring unfamiliar options - you may want to change careers but are afraid that you will not be successful, since it is an area in which you are unfamiliar. It is normal to be a bit fearful, but it should not stop you from seeking a better fit option for yourself. Trust in your transferable skills and know that you can make a smooth transition. ✅ Impostor syndrome - impostor syndrome wants to convince you that you have no skills or talents, and you are lucky to have the job you currently have. It doesn't want you to win. Defeating impostor syndrome means that you own your worth, and recognize there are better opportunities for you out there. ✅ Inability to give up "convenience" of current toxic job - many individuals who are miserable at their current job, with no prospects of it improving or them advancing, will fall back on how convenient the job is for them. That is, they cite the ability to leave a bit early to pick up their kids or to come in at whatever time they wish as reasons for staying in a toxic job.  The question becomes how much is this convenience worth to you, if it means your mental & financial health are suffering? Don't let such thoughts prevent you from actually finding a healthier alternative. ✅ Burnout - when you are at a stage of burnout, you can not imagine doing anything beyond the basic requirements. So a job search seems impossible. However, by addressing your burnout, you can recover, and have enough energy to leave the place causing the burnout in the first place. ✅ Reluctance to admit it is time to find a new job - we can sometime live in denial, & it may be hard to admit that it is time to transition. But be honest with yourself, you deserve better. If you need help overcoming these factors, join my new job search platform the Career Catalyst Collective at https://lnkd.in/eh-JiJgF. #jobsearch #jobsearchtips #careerdevelopment

Is It Time to Pivot in Your Career? Have you ever felt the strong urge to change? Perhaps there's a dream job calling your name, or maybe you're seeking more fulfillment in your professional life. Maybe you experience the 'Sunday Scaries'—the anxiety and dread of returning to a job that's no longer fulfilling. Navigating career transitions can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially if you have family or dependents relying on you. This is something I have personally experienced and in my latest blog post, I share the steps to help you identify when it’s the right time to make a move and how to do it effectively. Life is too short to stay in a job or career that no longer excites you. If you feel a lack of fulfillment, stagnation, or are not appreciated for what you bring, read on. Check out my latest blog post on recognising the signs that it might be time for a career change and how to plan your transition effectively. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eATyMySv Remember, you deserve a career that excites and fulfills you! #PersonalGrowth #PositiveChange #CareerDevelopment #MindfulLiving #careerclarity #dreamlife

Are you near or in a career decision? Feeling weird? It’s normal! Even within a stable job, there are transitions. Maybe you’ve changed roles or taken on a new project that stretches you. The chart below is a good representation. In my experience, the cycle lasts an average of 6 months for smaller changes (like a new role in your current company), and can last longer for major decisions. How long you spend in each part flexes. Once you expect those different stages (and the emotions that go with them), you can have a plan to work with them.

This Monday feels very different from the last. Last week, I found myself navigating an unexpected turn as I lost my job. The initial emotions were overwhelming – fear, anxiety, and a deep sense of uncertainty. Over the past week, these feelings have evolved. While I still grapple with anxiety and worries about finances, I've also started to see this as an exciting opportunity to grow. I’m determined to find a role that not only allows me to make an impact but also propels my career forward. The fears are real – the fear of not finding a job in this competitive market, the anxiety about meeting financial obligations, and the hit to my confidence. But amidst these challenges, I've found incredible support from my network. The encouragement and belief people have in me have been truly uplifting. I've been actively reaching out to my network, applying to numerous jobs, and diving into LinkedIn Learning to enhance my skills. This journey has taught me that while it's a scary time, there is always a positive side to focus on. To anyone else going through a similar experience, know that you are not alone. It's okay to feel scared and uncertain. Remember, there is always a path forward, and sometimes, these unexpected changes can lead to amazing opportunities. I'm excited to share that I’ll be documenting this journey as a series. I would love to hear from others – what strategies are you using in your job search? Let's support and learn from each other during these challenging times. #JobHunt #CareerTransition #GrowthMindset #Networking #LinkedInLearning #opentowork #inittogether

Your friends might be getting offers and starting their careers right now…. You might be feeling like a failure and blaming yourself. Your friends might post pictures and updates of their new setup and work… You might be getting frustrated and stressed beyond your limit. I’ve been there. I’ve seen how it is to be: Jobless. Hopeless and almost at the point of giving up. And I know how it feels like to: - not being able to fulfill your own expectations - not being able to fulfill your parent’s expectations - being so close and so far from our definition of success But…. Even if it is the most important thing in your life. It’s not worth it if you ruin your health (physical and mental over it) Your time will come Your offer will also come Your desired package will also come Keep learning from your mistakes and going forward. “kyunki yaar ho jayega” Stop torturing yourself over other’s success and focus on making yourself better

Are you going through a big change right now? Or are you contemplating one? Change, as they say, is the only unchanging thing in life and if you’re finding it hard, it’s because it is! Whatever it may be - moving house, relationship breakdown or career change – even if you’re excited for this change, it can still represent a major upheaval in your life. When I changed career paths in my 30s, it was a daunting prospect giving up a permanent job to ‘jump off a cliff’ into a 3-month temporary contract. When I moved to Germany five years ago, following the initial excitement, I went through a period of huge anxiety until I adjusted properly, made friends and got used to my new life. In my career work, I sometimes refer to this transition model below to try to illustrate the emotional rollercoaster we feel when going through, or even when we’re just contemplating, a career change. It’s been around for many decades and, with no timeline, I think it does a really good job of showing the career change process (crisis!), whether it happens over a relatively short or long (sometimes years) period of time. It’s certainly helped me to rationalise my feelings, when I’ve found myself in the dip part of the transition curve. So, if you’re feeling depressed or fearful about the prospect of changing your job, it’s comforting, at the very least, to know that procrastination, denial and feelings of anxiety are all perfectly normal reactions to any big change in your life. Equally, if you’re feeling excited for your new position, you may, at first, experience imposter syndrome or inadequacy, until you find your way and settle into your new role. Of course, it’s all very well being able to rationalise your feelings, but knowing that others are in the same situation and getting support makes you realise that you’re not alone and that you don’t have to face difficult times on your own. LinkedIn is such a positive platform to share stories and experiences, give and receive support, and generally to show compassion. And if you’re looking for professional support from careers advisers, coaches and other professionals, there are many avenues via LinkedIn and within your own institutions who can help you. You don't have to walk alone 😊 #careerchange #careertransition #phdchat #researchers #careercrossroads #emotionalwellness #careersupport #postdoctoral