A Candid Look at Breaking into the Industry, Staying Sane, and Pushing Forward
Introduction: The Reality of Job Searching
Finding a job—whether it’s a temporary gig to keep you afloat or the first real step in your career—sucks. There’s no sugarcoating it.
As a fresh graduate, I’m not just looking for “a job”—I’m seeking a career. Being unemployed has made me realize how time-consuming and mentally exhausting the process can be. When you have ideas for projects and personal goals, there’s an added sense of urgency to get things moving.
Yet, in moments like this, the most crucial thing is to stay active and mentally focused, even when it feels like you’re out of your element.
I’ll be honest—I didn’t do much today besides sleep. But that’s part of the journey, too. Some days are productive, and others are not. The key is understanding that forward motion isn’t always linear. Through trial and error, I’ve learned some fundamental lessons that have helped me stay afloat in this phase of uncertainty. If you’re in a similar boat, I hope these insights can be useful to you.
Expanding Soft Skills: The Unexpected Game-Changer
When you’re trying to break into tech, there’s an overwhelming focus on hard skills—coding, frameworks, data structures, and algorithms, especially for big tech (FAANG/MANGA) roles. However, soft skills play just as big a role, sometimes in ways we don’t immediately recognize.
For example, take pseudocode and whiteboarding. These exercises test your ability to structure logic, but they also showcase crucial soft skills: explaining your reasoning clearly, adapting your approach when faced with constraints, and actively engaging in problem-solving discussions. In a technical interview, how you communicate your thought process can be just as important as getting the right answer.
Beyond communication, soft skills impact how well you handle stress, collaborate with teams, and navigate difficult problems under pressure. It’s not just about speaking clearly—it’s about demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. These skills can make the difference between being just another candidate and standing out as someone who can thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
Keeping Yourself Sane and Healthy (Still a Work in Progress)
This one’s tough because I struggle with it myself. Job searching, learning new skills, and working on personal projects all take a toll, and it’s easy to feel like you’re never doing enough. But I’ve realized a few important things:
- Some days you’ll apply to 20+ jobs, tailoring each resume carefully. Other days, you’ll only apply to two. Both of those days are valid. Growth isn’t about hitting an arbitrary number—it’s about consistency and sustainability.
- Small wins matter. Whether you’re at 1% or 20% of where you want to be, progress is still progress.
- Keeping your space clean improves mental clarity. A cluttered space often leads to a scattered mind. A clean environment helps me reset and feel more in control, boosting both productivity and well-being.
This is personal for me because I tend to let things pile up, then do a big cleanup only to make a mess again an hour later. But when I do clean, it feels like a reset, like I’m regaining control over my space and my mindset. I need to make this a lifestyle shift, not just a one-time effort.
Making Time for Things Outside the Grind
It’s easy to believe that if you’re not constantly grinding, you’re failing. But taking breaks and engaging in things outside of job searching is just as important.
For me, that means recognizing that even though I applied to fewer than five jobs today, over the past six weeks, I’ve applied to over 200. Looking at the bigger picture helps me realize that I am putting in the effort, even when it doesn’t always feel like it.
Looking Beyond Cold Applications
Most job seekers default to submitting online applications, but that’s just one avenue. Networking is crucial, even if it feels awkward or intimidating.
- Reach out to people in the industry: Ask for insights, advice, or even just a chat over coffee. You never know who might have a lead.
- Consider job-specific agencies: Having someone knowledgeable about the industry assisting you can make a huge difference. A tech-specific recruitment agency provided me with insights into market trends, salary expectations, and interview coaching. While it hasn’t landed me a job yet, it’s given me valuable direction that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
- Leverage LinkedIn and Twitter: Engaging in discussions, sharing your thoughts, and being active in communities can help you get noticed.
Building and Showcasing Projects
If you have projects—start them. If they’re big, tackle them bit by bit. Do smaller ones and present them. I’ve repeated this idea time and time again, but it needs to be reinforced. Whether you’re a programmer, an artist, or a woodworker, if you want to enter a particular field, you have to think creatively about how to get in.
Working on and showcasing projects isn’t just about proving your skills; it’s about demonstrating initiative, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset. The more tangible work you can present, the better your chances of standing out.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself (Easier Said Than Done)
This one hits close to home. I have a strong sense of pride, and while that’s a great motivator, it can also be a heavy burden. I’ve had to learn that asking for help—whether it’s from friends, family, or even my landlord—is not a sign of weakness. Emotional support matters more than we often acknowledge, and having people willing to give me space to establish myself has been a relief.
At 30, I’m still figuring out my independence—what it truly means beyond just financial stability. It’s about making decisions on my own terms, balancing self-sufficiency with knowing when to seek support, and learning to trust myself through uncertainty. I want to do more for the people who have supported me, and that desire fuels me. But at the same time, I need to be kind to myself. Struggles don’t define failure; they define resilience.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
This post is a general reflection on where I’m at and what I’ve learned so far. I might do a more specific deep dive into the software/IT side of things later. But for now, if you’re in a similar position—whether you’re a fresh grad, shifting careers, or just struggling to find your place—know that you’re not alone.
The process is tough. It’s draining. But it’s also part of the journey. Keep pushing, keep learning, and most importantly, don’t lose sight of yourself in the process.