Have you ever started a project where the path forward was unclear? Did the goal and the steps to get there feel hazy, almost opaque?

Merriam-Webster defines opaque as:

  1. Blocking the passage of light.
  2. Hard to understand or explain.

Sound familiar? If you’re in the middle of a tough job search, you might feel like you’re wandering through fog, unsure where to begin or how to move forward.

Where do you start? What does success even look like? Should you fire off your resume to every job posting remotely related to your experience? Should you pay for a service to do the work for you? The uncertainty can quickly become overwhelming, leaving you feeling stuck and discouraged.

So, how do you cut through the fog and find clarity?

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Feelings

Before diving into action, take a moment to process your emotions. Job loss or career transition can be disorienting. Give yourself the grace to feel whatever comes up – frustration, fear, even excitement for a new chapter.

By acknowledging your emotions, you build the emotional resilience needed to tackle the next step with confidence.

Step 2: Create an Actionable Job Search Plan

Momentum creates energy, and action brings clarity. Instead of spinning in uncertainty, start with a concrete plan. Here’s how:

Networking First: The Power of Connections

  1. Identify three networking groups to attend in the next month. Industry meetups, LinkedIn groups, or local professional events are great places to start.
  2. List five people in your professional network to reach out to this week.
  3. Send a message to each of those five people requesting a virtual or in-person coffee chat. Make it easy – send a calendar invite so it’s scheduled.

What to Ask During a Networking Chat:

  1. How are you? (Networking isn’t just transactional – it’s about relationships.)
  2. I’m currently searching for a role as a [Project Manager, Marketing Director, etc.]. Do you know of any job search networking groups that have helped others find success?
  3. From your experience, where have you found the best opportunities for a new role?
  4. Is there anyone in your network you’d recommend I speak with?

Follow-Up is Key

After the conversation, send a thank-you email summarizing key takeaways. Not only is it professional, but it keeps the momentum going. Clarity comes through action, and before you know it, you’ll feel more in control of your job search journey.

You’ve got this! And if you need a guiding hand, I’d love to be part of your career search plan.

🌿 JWS Nature Fun Fact 🌿
Did you know? The St. Louis Gateway Arch was completed on October 28, 1965, after two and a half years of construction. Designed to symbolize the “Gateway to the West,” it stands as a beacon of possibility and new beginnings – just like your next career move. If you ever visit, take the ride up to the top. The view is breathtaking, and the perspective? Anything but opaque!

If you’d like to learn more about how JWS Group can support your job search, let’s connect: Julie.shipman@jwsgroupllc.com