There was a saying in one of my previous jobs; “You are only as good as your last success.”  The purpose of the saying was to insure that every employee remained focused on achieving success.  The underlying message however, eventually became “failure is not an option.” 

 It was no surprise that, when the aforementioned company began layoffs, employees looked at their termination as failure, and carried this baggage during their job searches.  The result was that their respective searches became much more difficult. 

 I have given that message some thought lately.  To expect nothing but success 100% of the time is an unrealistic expectation.  This is especially true when it comes to job search.  There are times when you just need to take a step back and accept the fact that success does not occur every time you undertake an effort. 

The holiday season is particularly stressful for those who are unemployed.  So as we enter this holiday season, I offer the following message:

   Whether you have just lost your job, or have been unemployed for a long period of time, DO NOT LOOK UPON YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT AS FAILURE!  During your job search there will be times when you feel that you have failed, and your attempt at finding new employment seems nearly impossible.  Please do your best to dismiss these thoughts. 

   Please remember, no matter how you may feel going into this holiday season, that your employment status is not a result of any failure on your part.  There may be some who may try to convince you otherwise. Do not let their remarks dominate your thoughts!

   Please use this holiday season to think of all the successes you have achieved in the past.  Write them down if you have to, but remember to keep them in your thoughts.  Above all, please make sure that you take time to enjoy the holiday season.  The road ahead may be tough, however if you make sure that you keep your attitude positive, your hunt for new employment may not be as challenging as you fear.

  Above all, Happy holidays….. and Good Hunting.

-Howard K. Young