College is good for getting certified in a particular field, but they seldom deliver brass-tacks know-how that gets the rent paid and kids fed. For my tour in college I studied film, which is as useful as an English degree — maybe. To get that degree I had to take a gaggle of courses called “Core” classes. They consisted of such useful subjects as math, health, philosophy, science, language, and art — the typical liberal arts curriculum. The problem is that though these classes are useful for developing a well-rounded perspective, they fail to develop any survival skills.
And so we’ve come full circle to the inescapable: job hunting is horrid. It’s like trying to pass Trig without ever having passed Geometry. You want me to tell the class what a parabola is, professor? Yup, it’s that same sweat-soaked desperation and terror manifest everyday. That said, there are some useful cheat sheets you can use to get through the day. We working poor call them online classifieds. In terms of trying to find jobs, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco rank among the toughest markets. You need a job resource that is up-to-date and relevant.
Using a solid job site can help you stay active applying. Enjoy the wide selection of jobs, but don’t be reckless. Pick and choose only the jobs you think you’re qualified for — both mentally and intellectually. There is no use applying for a job that will keep you in a warehouse when you’re better suited to talk to clients. And above all else: start jogging. Seriously, jogging will help you do two vital things: relieve stress and develop your constitution. Do all that “consult with your doctor” business, then start running. Think of your job search as a marathon. It’s going to take time, effort, and persistence to cross the finish line.
As you’re hitting your stride, you’ll notice another emerging benefit: mental clarity. Jogging will help keep your mind focuses and set on success. I know this smacks of quaint platitudes, but keeping the mind and body in sync is one of the best ways to find job nirvana. That and a well-stocked, constantly updated classified website. Until that day you can stop jogging and cozy up to a corner office, keep on keeping on.
If you’re looking for jobs Los Angeles can be a tough market, but hang in there. This is the creative capital of the world. Stay focused, stay healthy, and stay on the road.
