We all know that the job market for law school graduates is the worst it’s ever been. Or at least we law school graduates know it, and know it much too well. We’ve tried everything that the law school’s career services office told us to try. We’ve sent out resumes and cover letters galore. We’ve viewed the advice of the lawyers our friends referred us to as brilliant, then stupid, then just plain out of touch—then back to brilliant before settling on completely irrelevant. All of this is admittedly and justifiably discouraging, but we have to make something of it. We have to take the opportunity for personal growth. What else is there to do?
Look back on your life. Has everything come easy for you, or have you had some major bumps in the road? Where have those bumps taken you? Have you dealt with personal losses? Have you overcome your own stupid mistakes and wrongs done to you? Think of a particularly trying experience you've had, and study it, at least in your mind. Chances are, you changed during and after that experience, and hopefully for the better. If nothing else, you can say, "I've been through that. I came out all right, and now I can deal with more difficult challenges." Our personal growth is dependent on our reactions to the events that come our way.
This situation you find yourself in now is no different. It's going to be hard. It's probably not going to end any time soon. You're not going to find your dream job tomorrow. But guess what: You're going to get through it. You're going to be all right. You should hope to come out a better person for having gone through it.
The legendary Walt Disney said, "All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
Decide right now if you believe that. Decide right now that you'll take this opportunity to start working on those things in your life that make you feel inferior, inadequate, or otherwise unworthy of admiration. You can't make someone hire you. You can't control the economy. But you can become a better person. You can become a better husband, father, mother, wife, son, daughter, friend, neighbor, or co-worker. Don't give yourself any other excuses to get down on yourself. You don't want to be underemployed and a jerk. Control what you can, the best you can, and let the rest work itself out.
Awesome perspective! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are living what you preach. You don't know how comforting it is as your mother to know that you embrace this philosophy. Your anchor is sure and strong. I wish nothing but joy for you and your family. Everyone needs this advice!
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