Judging from the number of comments I received on a post I did a couple of months ago entitled, “The Unemployed Need Not Apply,” I will make the assumption that many people are encountering companies who are now discriminating against hiring the unemployed. If this is you, then this post may be just what you need.
This week, I’m not blogging about job search tips or the latest trends in recruiting. This week, I simply want to provide a word of encouragement to you, the frustrated job seeker, because I have been encountering many people who are frustrated with the economy and their own lack of good job prospects. This week I want to tell you about why you can’t quit.
As I sit here typing this post, I’m watching the fourth of seven games in the Major League Baseball World Series game between the Texas Rangers and my beloved, St. Louis Cardinals . I am a life-long Cardinals fan and have had the pleasure of seeing them participate in four World Series Championships (before this one) in my life time. While their 2006 win was certainly a comeback win, I don’t think even it could match what has happened so far this year.
On September 1 of this year, the Cardinals were TEN games back from playoff contention. For those of you who understand baseball, you know this usually means a team’s chances of making it to the playoffs are pretty bad. However, in the Cardinals LAST GAME of the season, they won which moved them into the wildcard position and allowed them to play in the post-season games.
Everyone said they would lose in the first round to the Philadelphia Phillies – they won! Then they said they would never make it past the second round and would lose to the Milwaukee Brewers – they won! Then they said they surely wouldn’t win the World Series to the Texas Rangers – they’re ahead two games to one so far!
My point in all of this is, just because others count you out doesn’t mean you should count you out. No one else knows how determined you may be. No one else knows what you’re made of. No one else knows what your destiny is. And because of this, you must do just like the Cardinals – do your very best to stay in the game and ignore what others say. If you know one company won’t hire you because you are currently unemployed, focus on another. If you’re qualified, I can almost guarantee you that there are more companies willing to hire you than not – regardless of your current employment status.
And remember, as the old saying goes, “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”
Go Cards!!!
Until next time….