What Are You Afraid Of?

Written by Jennifer Bowden, Training & Workshop Coordinator

After years of working with job seekers, I see that for many people what holds us back isn’t our external circumstances – the job market, the economy, etc. – but our internal ones. Yes, there are factors we need to consider; child care, transportation, education, geographic location, and yes, the job market and economy are just a few.  But the internal landscape presents much more daunting obstacles:

Fear of change

Fear of getting stuck in a rut

Fear of leaving

Fear of staying

Fear of success

Fear of failure

Fear of what others think

Fear of starting over

Fear of rejection

Fear that you’ve “lost your touch”

Fear of looking stupid

Fear of making a bad decision

Fear of something new

Fear of things always being in upheaval

We start internal conversations and psych ourselves out of taking risks before we even have a chance to get started. “I wasn’t very good at school when I was a kid. What makes me think I’d be good at it now?” “That’s a big commitment. I probably shouldn’t even start.” “I’ll just go back to my old job.” “I have to do this because it’s what I went to school for.” “I don’t know what my options are.”

Why do we let our fears make our decisions for us? Writer and naturalist Henry David Thoreau (who certainly knows a thing or two about walking away from a situation) wrote in Walden:

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

Why are you in your current situation, whatever that might be? Is it where you want to be? I love quotes – so here are some famous people giving insights on how to get unstuck and stop letting your fears rule.

“Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.” – Walter Anderson

Is your fear of change holding you back?

“The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision.” – Maimonides

Do you think you have to be perfect?

“A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one would find fault with what he has done.” – Cardinal Newman

Do other people think you have to be perfect?

“Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain

You really can do this.

“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The effort will be worth it, even if you don’t reach your goals in the way you expect.

“You must accept that you might fail; then, if you do your best and still don’t win, at least you can be satisfied that you’ve tried. If you don’t accept failure as a possibility, you don’t set high goals, you don’t branch out, you don’t try, you don’t take the risk.” – Rosalynn Carter

There are so many quotes about risk and reward and adventure; I’d like to close with one of my favorites:

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are for.” – John A. Shedd

Set sail!

 

 

The September Blues Might Be Just a Habit

By Jennifer Bowden, Training & Workshop Coordinator

The school year has started. The dust has settled. Everyone is getting used to the newroutine. And the September blues start to settle in…..

For years I felt sort of depressed and anxious when fall rolled around and I wasn’t starting school. It seemed like that was what I was supposed to be doing, and even though I’d moved on to a completely different part of my life, some part of me was holding on to the idea that I needed to buy some school supplies and start out on a new adventure.

Does fall make you feel like you should have a new beginning as well? Take a minute to think about this in terms of your job search and the goals that you’ve set for yourself. Are you headed in the direction you want? Or the direction you think you’re supposed to want? Or the direction that you’re used to wanting?

We get into habits of body and mind: our morning routines, the route for a daily commute, the same haircut, a rotating menu of your favorite dishes. Some of these habits help us function without the drag of constantly having to make decisions. Some of these habits create a sense of continuity and form the basis of cherished traditions (turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, anyone?). And some habits go from being well-trodden paths to deep ruts that are nearly impossible to steer out of.

When you think about your job search, are you excited about the possibilities ahead? Or does your job search feel like a drag? This might be a good time to stop and consider:  What do you want? And why do you want it? Periodically reconfirming the reasons why you’re headed in your current direction can be a powerful force to keep you motivated during your search.

Tools of the Trade

Now that you’re settled into the school year, you’ve started setting (and keeping!) job search goals, and you’re feeling like a rock star – how about some tools and technology to help keep you on track? Whether you’re a technology whiz or still like the old-school paper technique, it’s important to use some way to keep track of everything you’ve got going on right now, especially if you’re working while you consider a more long-term career change or have significant commitments on your calendar already.

Here’s a round-up of some of the tools I’ve personally found to be helpful:

Any.do – this free app (for iPhone and Android) is a to-do list/task manager. The interface is very simple and easy to use, with tasks divided into Today, Tomorrow, Upcoming, and Someday. You can sort by folder, add reminders, make notes, and more. I sometimes use this to break a large task into smaller parts, then assign a due date for each part; it keeps me from being overwhelmed by big projects and focused on things I can realistically get done in a day.

Evernote – This app is always written up for being a fantastic organizing tool, with its ability to handle text, voice notes, links, multimedia, and so on. I use it as a parking lot for all the great ideas, things to look up, etc. that don’t actually belong on my daily task list (for instance, a running list of books I’d like to read, which I can easily check when I’m at the library).

HabitStreak – My virtual conscience. This app pops up a reminder window each morning and asks whether I’ve completed a particular habit; for instance, “Did you take the dog for a walk?” Answer Yes or No each day, and HabitStreak will keep track of how you’re doing at establishing a daily habit. Task:Life is a companion app that helps track items over time which you may not do every day (e.g., going to the gym four times per week).

Pocket – this nifty addition to your favorite Web browser lets you put websites, articles, and links “in your pocket” to look at later. This is fantastic for companies or job leads that you want to check out later, marking job search articles you want to refer to, and otherwise keeping track of the sometimes-overwhelming flood of information job seekers may be faced with.

Are you a paper-and pencil kind of person?  Stephanie O’Dea ‘s Totally Together planner is a calendar and to-do list all in one. While many of the tips in the book may be things you’re already doing, the weekly checklist of household-related tasks can be a great way to keep from getting overwhelmed by all the things you have to do in addition to your job search.

These are some of my favorite tools for keeping organized. I’d love to hear what you’re using – please share in the comments!

 

Just Say No – Or At Least “Maybe”

Written by Jennifer Bowden, Training & Workshop Coordinator

 
I’ve talked before about the importance of job seekers staying organized and setting goals. A really important part of being able to stay on target is learning how to say no (or at least “maybe”) to all the people, projects, commitments, and other distractions that lead you to fill up your time, leaving less for the search.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s great to be involved in your community (or kid’s school, or church, or whatever group you’re a part of). And just as you may sometimes depend on your family for help, there are times when you need to be the helper.  But being the go-to person can be a slippery slope, especially if you’re feeling pressured to fill up your day because you’re not working for pay.

Here are some tips for setting boundaries with yourself and others:

Don’t let others guilt you into filling up your time. While you may not be working full-time for pay, that doesn’t mean that others have an unlimited right to your time and energy. It’s reasonable to think that you may be more available for things like driving someone to a daytime doctor appointment or volunteering the classroom, but you should decide in advance how much time you can reasonably commit. Plan and schedule each week’s job search activities so you have a clear idea of how much time you can spare for other activities. Don’t apologize or automatically re-arrange your planned job search activities to accommodate others’ requests.

Choose wisely. If you opt to spend time volunteering, pick an organization or activity that is either personally meaningful/significant or one will help you reach your career goal. If you’re volunteering for the sake of getting out the house and adding structure to your day, find something related to your field – you’ll be doing good and meeting potential contacts at the same time. On the other hand….

Don’t look for the payoff. Doing good for others can certainly be its own reward, and you need to go into any commitment or favor expecting that will be the case. It would be nice to think that every time you volunteered it would turn into a full-time job you love or net some great contacts in your field or lead to public praise and recognition – and sometimes it does – but you can’t assume that will be the case. Volunteering can be pretty thankless work, so be sure you’re willing to put in the time without additional expectations.

Beware of overcommitting. If you’re used to working full-time, the prospect of 168 unscheduled hours per week can seem downright terrifying. But saying yes to every request that comes along can very quickly take up a significant chunk of those hours, leaving little time and – perhaps more importantly – energy and inclination to work on the job search. Don’t respond automatically when someone asks you for assistance; it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for some time to think it over or check your calendar, particularly for a large or long-term obligation. Be sure you understand what is being asked of you.

As with so many other things, balance is important. Keep in mind that while love and enthusiasm may be boundless, time and energy are not. Choose the ways you’ll spend your non-job search time carefully, and you’ll find that those commitments are ones you’ll enjoy keeping even when you’re gotten your career back on track.

 

Starting the School Year on the Right Foot

By Jennifer Bowden, Training & Workshop Coordinator

Ah, the start of the school year…. The lazy, hazy days of summer are over, the kids are headed to the bus stop with their backpacks loaded with fresh new school supplies, and the crisp morning air might be a reminder to some of us that we’ve let the job search slide a bit during the past few months.

Taking a break from the job search can be a good thing. Focusing on something else helps to recharge our batteries and often allows us to bring a fresh perspective to bear. On the other hand, it can also lead to procrastination, stalling, and excuse-making. Remember that there is NEVER going to be a “good time to start” – at no point in your life are you going to wake up without a single responsibility or obligation, endless free time, unlimited funds, a clean house, and boundless energy. The start of the school year is as good a time as any to start fresh.

GET ORGANIZED

Have a study spot. Every student needs a place to do homework – you need a place to do your job search. While the real work of the job search doesn’t take place behind a computer screen, you’ll probably be doing some work online. Keep your job search materials in one place (either physically or electronically) so you can find them when you need them.

Write it down. You don’t have a class syllabus anymore, but a written job search plan can be a great way to keep yourself on task. A weekly planner is a good tool for writing down your weekly goals, scheduling job search tasks, and tracking your contacts. If you’re not fan of planners, find another system that works for you and stick with it – something small and portable is especially useful, and can help you use those random bits of time throughout the day to keep moving ahead.

Have a routine. For instance, if you know you hate making phone calls, make a point of getting them done first thing Monday morning; that way, your least-favorite task is out of the way, and you have the rest of the week to do follow-up activities. Post your LinkedIn updates on a schedule and you’re less likely to forget. Use the first of the month or other easy-to-remember day to set your goals for the month, schedule meetings, and so on.

Anticipate what you’ll need and plan accordingly. It’s great to use a calendar to remember your mom’s birthday – but if you’re sending her a card, you’re going to need to remember a few days in advance so you have time to mail it. If a job search task has some advance work involved, make sure you write those items down instead of scrambling at the last minute.

SET CLEAR AND REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

If you’re the parent of a school-age child, odds are good that your student knows your expectations in terms of grades, conduct, attendance, and so on. Participating in activities/sports, allowances, TV and computer privileges might be dependent on meeting these standards. How do you apply that to your job search?

Set realistic goals. Is your job goal realistic, given the current market, your geographic location, your qualifications, and so on? If you’re not sure, do some research and find out – don’t spend your time aiming at an impossible target. Your short-term plan might need to include volunteer work, self-study, or formal training in order to get you ready for the job you want.

Grade yourself. We don’t get grades when we do well at life, so how can you rate your progress? Consider enlisting a friend or relative as an “accountability partner” if you find you have difficulty getting motivated or staying on task. Remember to reward yourself for outstanding effort or completing big tasks.

Make other people do their share. When you’re not working, it can be very easy to let other people dictate how you spend your time, or take on additional responsibilities because you “don’t have anything else going on.” You can’t focus on your job search in the little bits of time in between driving everyone to doctor’s appointments, volunteering for every committee in the school, or doing all the housework. Delegate appropriately.

DEVELOP A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH TIME

Don’t live in the past. Spending time obsessing over interviews that didn’t go well, jobs you didn’t get, and “the way things used to be” isn’t going to do you any good. Learn from your mistakes and keep your focus in the present.

Don’t live in the future. Did you notice the Christmas displays in the stores while you were shopping for school supplies? Did anyone think, “Oh, good, the holidays are coming! I should start planning RIGHT NOW for the end of December!” The same goes with your job search: don’t make yourself anxious by worrying about events in the distant future.  A little focused daydreaming might help you get through some rough spots, but even if you have a long-term job plan the majority of your time and effort needs to be spent in the here-and-now.

Stay on schedule. Keep yourself to a regular schedule, which includes waking up at a set time in the morning and using those morning hours –when you’re most likely to be energetic and focused – and get some work done. Start your day off by checking some tasks off your list and the sense of accomplishment can help keep you upbeat about your progress in the job search.

Stop procrastinating. If you waiting until the first week of school to buy supplies, you’ve probably noticed the aisles are looking a little picked-over and the Halloween decorations are starting to replace the Back To School displays. Research shows that applicants are more likely to get a response when they apply for a job within 48 hours of it being posted.  Act now or all the good stuff will be gone.

 

Even if you’re not headed back to school this September, the start of the school year can be a great time to re-energize your job search. With a little planning and organization, you can be well on your way to being an A+ job seeker.

Back to the Classroom: A Success Story

By Rose Morrone-Reeves, Employment Services Coordinator

We are not officially two months into the summer season and the “Back to School” commercials have already captured the attention of millions of children, young adults and adults alike. Is it that time already? As a parent of grown adult children I no longer need to worry about the long list of school supplies or the expense of new clothes or the latest new running shoes for gym class. But, as a Career Advisor this time of year does bring many questions regarding the return to the classroom from my customers which are sometimes filled with confusion and uncertainty. For some adults, by personal choice or through circumstances beyond their control, are forced into a career change and contemplate seriously about returning to school.

Many of these folks are returning to school for the first time after having been employed in the workforce for 25+ years. Some of them know exactly what they want to do and may come to me already having been enrolled in part-time classes for the last several years in a program of their choosing.  And then, there are those who by choice or design went to work just coming out of high school. They worked steadily for an employer for 25+ years, secure in thinking they would retire with this employer, only to discover the employer is downsizing or moving operations to another country. I had the privilege of working with one such lady.

When we sat down to discuss her options she went blank. She had never thought of doing anything else; she had worked as an assembly line worker for 27 years, raised her family and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading mystery novels. It had never crossed her mind to return to school, but here she was at a crossroads. The process took her through testing and a multitude of questionnaires. After a few weeks we sat down to discuss her results. It was clear from the test results she had very high mechanical and math aptitude skills. This information shocked her; she confessed she never had a problem with math in high school and recalled having enjoyed it. We discussed non-traditional jobs which she could be very well suited for and the schools which would offer the best programs. She took a chance and decided to investigate and research a few schools of her choice.

She applied and was accepted to a very prominent Aviation Technology Institute. She confided in me at how quickly the two years went by. The course work was undoubtedly difficult and many times during our meetings she would tell me how much time she spent studying and having to pass up on many family and social gatherings so she could study. She was fortunate to have a supportive family who also encouraged and cheered her on during the two years. She had quickly discovered what worked for her when it came to her study habits and being successful. She completed her two year program with honors and received her Certificate in Airframe and Power Plant Technician Program. She told me if “If I can do it, anyone can do it”. I have always been a believer that where there is a will, there is way.

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated” Oscar Wild

 

Back to School?

By Jennifer Bowden, Training & Workshop Coordinator

Job seekers often consider going back to school, either to update their skills or train in a new field,  especially if they’ve been working in an industry that had a significant downturn or has changed a lot in recent years. It can be tempting to look at one of those lists of jobs that are expected to be in demand and decide to make a radical shift for the sake of job security.

I’ve completely changed careers myself, and I’m the last person who will tell anyone they need to stay in a field that doesn’t work for them. But having met a lot of people who trained for new careers – only to continue to struggle in the (new) job search, discover they didn’t like the new job, be unable to live on an entry-level wage in the field – I think it’s well worth taking a step back and considering what you’re about to get yourself into. Even if your education or training is being paid for by someone else, it represents a huge commitment of time and energy on your part and you should go into the process with your eyes wide open. Here are some things to consider:

Are you making a change for the sake of making a change?

If you’re frustrated by your current job search, it can be tempting to think that starting over will be a solution. Take some time to consider the skills and abilities that you most enjoy using, either at your last job or in another setting. Will you be able to use them at your new job? Are you genuinely interested in learning something new, and how hard will be it to be the person at the bottom of the totem pole? No matter how well-paying or fast-growing a field may be, you don’t want to make a change only to find that you don’t really care for your new line of work.

What do you really know about the job?

It may be tempting to use that list of “Hot Jobs” or a review of job postings to make the decision about a field, especially if there are a lot of jobs available and the pay looks really good. Keep in mind that no matter how well-paid you are, you still have to actually do that work – and if you dislike it, that paycheck may not feel like compensation enough after all. If the idea that you should enjoy your work sounds frivolous, there’s plenty of research – and plenty of employers – who will confirm that fit is a huge component in getting and keeping a job.

If you’re considering a change, talk to people who currently work in the field, preferably in a variety of settings. Read newsletters or websites of professional organizations and attend a meeting or two if possible. Use your network to meet with new contacts in the field – LinkedIn is great for this. Learn as much as you can about the skills, experience, and qualifications that hiring managers really look for, instead of relying solely on job postings. See if internships are available, or if you can do some volunteer work to learn more first-hand.

Is education or training needed to get into the field?

Depending on how big a change this is for you, you might not need an entire certificate or degree program to make a change. Some schools offer short-term programs specifically intended to help job seekers transition from one field to another; don’t assume you have to take the long way around, especially if you have related experience or education.

Will education and UNrelated experience be enough to get you hired?

It’s frustrating to put in the time, effort, and expense of getting an education only to realize that you still don’t have the qualifications to get hired in your field. This is why doing your homework before you choose a program is so important. Admissions staff are professionals with a great deal of knowledge about the programs and offerings at a particular school – and part of their job is to help convince you that their program is the best one. It’s not the school’s responsibility to find or guarantee you a job upon graduation, and saying “when I signed up they told me there were plenty of jobs” is no excuse.

Have you chosen the right program?

Choosing a training or education program that fits your needs is important. Check that the program or institution has appropriate and current accreditation. Does the school have a good reputation in your new field or industry? Does the program teach what you want or need to learn in order to get the job you want? While the core classes may be the same in every program, schools may specialize in one or more areas; look at the places recent graduates have been hired and talk with employers in your field to get some insight on this.

Are you ready to go back to school?

Last – but NOT least – are you ready to go back to school? Education is a significant investment of time, money, and energy. Are you prepared to put in the effort to make it succeed? If you have a family, they will also be affected by your decision to go back to school; in addition to the time you spend in the classroom, you’ll need to spend time on homework and other projects. Are you willing to give up other activities and commitments to dedicate time to school? And finally, realistically consider whether you are academically ready for success. If you haven’t been in school for a while, it may be wise to take a refresher course or two so that you’re feeling more confident in your ability to tackle the coursework.

Education is often a key element to successfully changing careers, but it’s not a magic bullet. Take the time to consider your goals and choose a program that will help you along your path to career success.

 

10 Good Reasons to Get Back to Your Job Search NOW

by David Straka, Case Manager at Ferndale Michigan Works

So it is summer and you are out of work.  You applied for and are receiving unemployment.  I guess it is time to take a little vacation and enjoy the sights and sounds that summer brings.  You really don’t need to look for work right now because you have earned some time off to chill out, right?  From where I sit, WRONG!

It can be very enticing to fall into that trap thinking that a few months off is not going to hurt anything.  Here are a few points why it is not such a good idea:

1.  The longer you are out of the workforce the harder it is to stay sharp and explain to a potential employer what you have been doing all that time.
2. Unemployment money is not going to last forever.
3. You will continue down the dark path of losing touch with possible networking leads and decreased motivation.
4. I will see you at my desk with a week left of unemployment, in a panic expecting me to hand you a job.

Regardless the time of year, once you lose a job for whatever reason, you hit the ground running!  Summer is a perfect time to establish your re-employment marketing plan.  Here are a few hints to find your motivation:

1. As soon as your job ends go ahead and get to your local Michigan Works!  File for your unemployment.  Find out all services available to you by asking staff or better yet, attending an orientation.
2. Attend all the workshops that can benefit you and bring you up to date on skills needed in your re-employment efforts.
3. Get referred to a Case Manager/Career Advisor to review your career goals, review and/or create your resume.
4. Establish a regular “work week” schedule of what happens each day and stick to it.  This includes regular breakfast, lunch and dinner.  If your day includes an exercise program, keep that as part of your routine.  In the evening, take a break and get a good night’s sleep.
5. Have some business cards made up through services such a Vista Print and carry those with you to summer events.  You never know who you are going to run into.
6. Look at possible internships or volunteer some time in your schedule to expand your network.

Summer time is seductive.  Even when a person in employed we want to go out and play.  However, income is extremely important.  “Without it, ya ain’t going to get no snow cones or a cold beer.”  Get it in gear and stay successful!

Is There Any Point in Looking for a Job During the Summer?

Ah,  the lazy hazy days of summer…. Time to kick back and relax, enjoy the beautiful weather, and hit the Snooze button on the job search. Right?

WRONG!

There is a persistent myth that there’s not much point to looking for a job during the summer, since everyone is on vacation and all the students on break have taken the available jobs anyway. This is a lot like the idea that there’s no point in looking for a job in December, since everyone has mentally checked out prior to the Christmas season and won’t be hiring until after the start of the new year (another job search myth!)

I won’t argue that there are certain times of year that are slower than others, hiring-wise.  And we all know that it can be hard to get a reply from people at any time of year. But saying that you’re going to put a job search on hold because of the time of year assumes that control over the search is in the hands of other people. YOU are the person running the show (whether it feels that way or not). Your actions, effort, and focus determine the success of your job search more than any other factor, including the vacation schedule of the Human Resources department.

It can be comforting to think that other people are in charge of our careers – after all, life would certainly be a lot simpler if we didn’t have so many choices. What would it be like to have someone else choose your clothes, pick your meals, and tell you what you were going to do every day? It might feel like a welcome break from decision-making at first, but it would probably wear on you pretty quickly. When you have the freedom to make choices about those things, you can explore different options, change your mind, re-prioritize, and put in as much or as little time as you want. Your job search is no different . There are a lot of things we can’t control – the economy, the competition for a particular job, an employer’s timeline for hiring – but the outcome of your job search doesn’t have to be one of them.

If you’re looking for advice on how to get started, stay tuned: all this month we’ll be talking about how to make the most of these long summer days, including a workshop later this month on Career Action Planning.

Advice from a recent graduate

Written by Adriana (Ana) Hofstadter, PATH Case Manager

Ana is the newest addition to the Ferndale Michigan Works! team. As a recent college graduate herself, she can really relate to the challenges that grads and job seekers face when they first leave school, and was kind enough to share her advice for getting through the job search. 

Ana and her brother at graduation

Congratulations on finishing your degree! You have made a giant step to bettering yourself and our world. As a recent college graduate myself, I wanted to share my experiences and give some advice to help you along your journey. I hope the following words help you through this roller coaster called life.

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May of 2013 with a BA in Family Services.  During school, I discovered a passion for helping those dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault. I began volunteering at a local agency my sophomore year. I continued to volunteer for three years, as well as completing my senior internship there. After I graduated, I received a short term job offer. The job was to last three months and I would be helping them transition into closure since we lost funding and would not be open as of September 2013. During that time, my boyfriend moved to Michigan after getting a job at GM. In October I moved to Michigan and spent seven long, cold, depressing months unemployed before receiving an offer to work at Ferndale Michigan Works! in April 2014.

One of your biggest challenges will be putting your degree and yourself to work. Finding a job in today’s market is very daunting. One thing I did when looking for a job was to take time for myself. It is very important to keep your emotions high and yourself motivated. Take breaks, allow yourself to enjoy the weekends. Look for jobs from 8-4 or 9-5. You won’t hear back from most of the jobs you apply for or you will hear resounding “no’s”. This happens to everyone! Just keep moving forward. I also researched my field. Since I was new to the area, I needed to know what kinds of jobs were out there and whether I was able to do them or not.

I hope most of you can find work close to home, this way you can maintain or grow the relationship you have with family and friends. It is so important to have a support system when you are first starting out. I call my mom all the time for advice on cooking, cleaning, what I should do at work, etc. She is more than willing to help even though I am an “adult.” Finding new friends in the adult world is always hard. In school, you are surrounded by people your own age who share your interests. Making friends could be as easy as breathing. Now you will need to start putting more effort into building your network and support system. I try my best to get to know my neighbors. If nothing else, they are close by and can help with the small things. I also started volunteering right once I moved. I found a local animal shelter and have made several friends and have had many rewarding experiences. I have also found a few clubs around town for people who share my interests, like a board game club once every Friday.

For me, the biggest thing which kept me going was people. As soon as I put myself out there, things became easier and easier. Your situation may be different. I encourage you to find that one thing that keeps you going. Once you find it, make sure to maintain it! Have one thing under control in your life will make this transition so much easier.