Picture this: You were impacted by layoffs a few months ago and have been applying for jobs non-stop, but unfortunately, to no avail. You’ve done “all the right things” by updating your resume, customizing your cover letter for each role you apply to, and networking with anyone and everyone you can. You’re even looking at roles in different cities and potentially new industries. You’re exhausted. You’re probably deflated. And when someone asks how things are going, you’re too tired to be anything but blunt. You simply say: “I can’t find a job.”
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Now, we’ll be blunt: you can find a job. You’re just hitting a lot of roadblocks along the way, and that’s completely okay. You are not doing anything wrong and nothing is wrong with you.
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That said, how we talk to ourselves when we’re up against roadblocks is a huge determinant of whether we’ll be able to break through them. (There’s a ton of science here, trust us.) So instead of using “I can’t” statements, reframing them to statements that speak to your ability and still acknowledge where you’re at can actually build your resilience and increase the likelihood that you will overcome these challenges.

In this case, try one of these script swaps and see how it feels:

• “I’m looking for my next role and I’m having a hard time.”
• “I’m working hard trying to find my next role and it’s taking it’s toll on me.”
• “I haven’t found my next role just yet, but I know there’s something out there for me.”