Like it or not, reality has a way of sneaking up on all of us
➔ We’re all familiar with the phrase “reality check.” In the event you’re not certain, the dictionary defines it as “an occasion on which one is reminded of the state of things in the real world.”
If you’re over 50, have lost your job and are struggling to land a new one, you’ve already had your first, blunt reality check. We wish we could say that it’s gets easier, but we’re not going to lie to you. Not only may it get worse before it gets better, even when you think it’s better, maybe it isn’t.
Job search reality
Some people refer to the job search process as game of musical chairs. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat when the music stops, don’t get too comfortable. The natural inclination is to think that when you find a chair, you’re safe. Not so in our 21st Century. Get ready, the music may be starting again at any second.
Looking for a job today means always being on your toes. Today’s reality means being ready to pursue an opportunity when it presents itself while remaining focused on the task at hand and the necessity to make it work. That focus is critical. Someone recently cited the need to eliminate "magical thinking," that false belief that “maybe this time” it will all magically work out.”
Maybe it will work out – and maybe it won’t. For everyone’s sake – we hope it does. But it won’t unless you’re firmly grounded in reality and the task at hand as well as remaining nimble enough to react when necessary.