The other day I was digging through some old pics for my job search training presentations when I came across this oldie but goodie of my MBA graduation day 5 years ago.

It brought back sooooooooo many memories and also a huge feeling of gratitude for getting through what was a really tough period in my life and making it to where I am today.

This picture actually sums up a defining moment in my life: the one that ultimately started the inspiration that would lead me to what I do today, training people in how to conquer the job search.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but it feels like so much more when I think back to the day this was snapped.

The Truth About That Day

You see, I look really happy in this photo, right? The reality was that deep down inside I was freaking out.  I wasn’t happy at all.

I was bubbling with emotion from the temporary excitement of achieving my degree but also the absolute fear of not having a job and waking up the next day to the realities of rent bills, looming student loans, a major dose of humility and months of discouragement ahead (unbeknownst to me at that time)…

The days and months that would follow my joyous graduation day, were terrifying.  It’s a horrible feeling to not have a job after you graduate, and if you’ve ever been there, I don’t have to tell you twice.

The Fruits of My Struggle

Fast forward to today. I can look back and embrace this rough spell in my career and life because it truly taught me about what it’s like to be in the job search and what so many of my clients are going through aside from just the standard resume confusion. The job search is a huge emotional struggle. It’s a time where my clients need a shoulder to lean on and a big dose of positive reinforcement and in being this for them, I truly find career fulfillment.

In fact, I just started working with someone who has been in the search for 6 months. She reminds me of how I felt back then. She’s ambitious, bright, a total catch for any company – yet she is struggling to make the traction or apply the right tactics.  She doesn’t know what she doesn’t know about the job search (which btw is consistent across the majority of job seekers I encounter)…

Yesterday we had our first meeting and afterwards, she sent me this note that really took the wind out of me:

“Thanks so much Noelle! This helps a lot. I only wish we met earlier in my job search!”

This is what I do and this is why I get out of bed every morning in terms of professional fulfillment…

Does Any of This Resonate With You?

This is what I want to do for you if you are feeling like you need some kind of support finding joy in your everyday. My mission is not about just being a career coach and the short-term strategy of landing a job.  It’s about so much more. It’s about finding your passion and fulfillment because I know what it feels like, to be otherwise.

Over the next couple months, you might notice some changes on my website. I’ve added a new page specifically for DIY career development courses that you can receive at a lower price (since not everyone can afford career coaching).

Whenever I present to groups, I’m always asked about my top picks for simplifying the job search so that’s why I created my Job Search Accelerator program.

I’ve also bundled together a few new resume and coaching packages that address very specific needs at every stage of the career & job search.

Stay tuned as I continue to evolve in my goal to really get to the heart of what I hear so many of you asking for!

Create Your Defining Moment

Do you know your defining moment? More importantly, are you doing what you were born to do? Take a 10-minute mental break. Close your eyes and ask yourself: “What am I passionate about and am I doing that every day?” You could also start by learning about your life’s purpose here.

If you’re having trouble figuring out your path, you might want to consider a more in-depth type of assessment to figure this out. Don’t waste any more time fumbling or worse yet, traveling further down a path that doesn’t fulfill you.

If you know exactly where you want to go but are having trouble getting there, make now your time to shine. Start to put the pieces in place so you can make today your defining moment and reach your goal sooner rather than later.

If you’re hoping to improve your job search and land a job in record time, check out the Job Search Accelerator. In this budget-friendly job landing community you’ll have access to all of Noelle’s expert resources including a FREE resume review, optimized resume and cover letter templates, networking scripts and templates, LinkedIn optimization courses, interview answer scripts and more – everything you need to feel confident, navigate the job search successfully, and put your best foot forward as an applicant.