In these times, what gives?

Having recently graduated, I am faced with searching for a job in a pretty dreadful economy.  The expectation that  my MBA would result in quick, solid employment was clearly wrong, and my initial excitement about the new adventure has been slowly eroding, leaving only self doubt.  This has been compounded by news from friends and family that their retirement savings have shrunk, that they’re being laid off from work, or that they’re losing their home.  A sense of defeat and despair is almost overwhelming, and the news media does little to inspire hope for a brighter tomorrow.

So what can a job seeker do?  Well, one possibility is to revise the criteria for our job search.  I have seena  number of my peers make tough decisions, having to accept a smaller salary or a less than ideal position or location.  Alternatively, we can try to wait it out, accepting part-time work or taking on volunteer projects to help fill the days as we wait out a great opportunity.  Certainly, either of these options must be accompanied by a shift in perspective – a recognition that while things may not have gone exactly the way we planned, there is still so much to be grateful for.

Of course, it is one thing to look at this dilemma from the outside and quite another to be stuck in the midst of the quandary.  On the one hand, I know I’ve made my job search immensely more difficult by maintaining a geographic focus on Detroit; after all, the state of Michigan has led the country in unemployment for quite some time, and the city itself has faced a rate that is consistently much, much worse.  On the other hand, I can’t ignore the excitement that bubbles from my very core when I explore the city, hear about the victories of its residents, or talk with others about its immense opportunity I see there.   I also know that people’s suggestion I expand my search inspires a reflex to defend my dream.  I’ve come to consider this time a trial; after all, if I can’t handle a few months without full-time employment, am I really up to the challenge of living in the city of Detroit?

And so it is with a renewed sense of purpose and determination that I continue my search in Detroit.  I can only hope that my willingness to step out on faith will (eventually) pay off.  Of course, I’ll take all the positive thoughts you’re willing to send my way!