Arleen Bradley Career Coaching

There are some things that get better with time; a fine wine; a broken bone; or a loving relationship.  Then there are the things that don’t; leftovers; overnight guests; and anger.  In fact, the latter gets rank the longer they hang on.  We like hanging on to things regardless of whether they get better or worse over time.  We don’t like change, or to let go of things.

The things we hold on to drag us down.  They prevent us from moving on.  It isn’t just things but also our thoughts.   In movies about settling the west, the pioneers move across the prairie in over-loaded covered wagons to settle in new lands.  They brought with them all their possessions of their past life.  But then the wagon axle breaks, and in order to go to their new life they have to let go of some of their belongs.  Things they were hoping to bring them comfort and pleasure later on have to be released.

When the decision was stay stuck in the middle of nowhere or get rid of stuff, they quickly chose to part with what was going to keep them from moving on.  Although I’m sure it was reluctantly and maybe even some tears, they did it.  They had to.  They had a life waiting to start.

There are some things that get better with time; a fine wine; a broken bone; or a loving relationship.  Then there are the things that don’t; leftovers; overnight guests; and anger.  In fact, the latter gets rank the longer they hang on.  We like hanging on to things regardless of whether they get better or worse over time.  We don’t like change, or to let go of things.

The things we hold on to drag us down.  They prevent us from moving on.  It isn’t just things but also our thoughts.   In movies about settling the west, the pioneers move across the prairie in over-loaded covered wagons to settle in new lands.  They brought with them all their possessions of their past life.  But then the wagon axle breaks, and in order to go to their new life they have to let go of some of their belongs.  Things they were hoping to bring them comfort and happiness later on have to be released.

When the decision was stay stuck in the middle of nowhere or get rid of stuff, they quickly chose to part with what was going to keep them from moving on.  Although I’m sure it was reluctantly and maybe even some tears, they did it.  They had to.  They had a new life waiting to start.

Well you’re not traveling in a covered wagon across the prairie.  But you are a trying to get to a new job.  However, there are things that holding you back.  While it might be your resume, cover letters, small network, or interviewing skills, it could very well be left over feelings from being laid off.

Negative feelings can weigh you down and prevent you from moving on which shows up in your appearance and demeanor.  You make excuses for not looking for a job.  Or when you hear of one you have many reasons for not going after it.  You are not qualified, over qualified; or other such reasons.  Or you do pursue it, and you don’t get the job.   This just drags you down further.  And the cycle continues.  There is an aura about you that doesn’t show enthusiasm and energy.  There is a flatness about you that shows up and is holding you back.

Forgiving the person responsible for your lay off is required to release the anger, resentment and unhappiness you feel.  After you let go these feelings, you will feel better about yourself and your demeanor will improve as your attitude improves.  It isn’t easy, but it is well worth the time and effort.  Your job search will benefit from your improved outlook.   

 There may be a comfort in holding on to what is familiar, but comfort can’t be found in waiting for your life to begin.  Like the pioneers of old who tossed their excess baggage, tossing out your unnecessary feelings will take you to the life that’s waiting for you.