…but I was going over to Toshi station to pick up some power converters. Great opportunities will pop-up and change your plans.  These great opportunities sometimes disguise themselves as awful things like getting overlooked for a job or getting fired.  Just because it wasn’t a part of the plan, doesn’t mean it is all bad.  Take heart and try not to sound like Luke at the beginning of the original trilogy.  Please.

Aren’t you a little short for a storm trooper? Successful people come in all shapes, sizes, and genders.  If you love it and you are capable, don’t worry about the stereotype for your career.  Seek out employers that value diversity and reward them by being awesome at your job.

These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.  Move along.  If it isn’t right, don’t force it (oh that was an unintentional bad pun, but I refuse to erase it).  In all seriousness I believe that when you truly connect with a role or a company – and that when they DIG you back, everything becomes easy.  It becomes a no-brainer from both sides.  If you find yourself really having to talk yourself into it; pause.  Don’t try to make something work that isn’t right for you or for the employer.

I find your lack of faith disturbing.  Turn down the volume on your critics, but stay open to help.  Seek out people that can support your goals by giving you meaningful feedback.  Don’t just stick to peers in your field or your closest buddies, call on professionals too.  Times where it pays to hire help:

• if it’s a big change
• if you feel stuck
• if things just aren’t working the way you’ve been doing it.

Do or do not…there is no try.  Online job searching is great (and necessary as many employers require an online application to be completed), but is much more effective when combined with in-person efforts as well.  Consider your online application just one of the steps, instead of the ONLY step. If you really want a job, find ways to really go for it (without becoming a crazed stalker).  Seek out people in the company to recommend you to the hiring manager.  Ask an employee that currently works there for an informational interview.  Network and meet as many people as you can that work for the company you want to work at – or in the industry you want to work in.  Your relationships will help you immeasurably throughout your career, so form them with care and with purpose.