It is tempting when you are feeling low about your job search to want to retreat and isolate.
The holidays is just the time when it is so advantageous to stay in circulation, to muster up the courage to talk to a new person at a festive event, to put yourself in the position of meeting someone new.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. With one or two leading questions for conversation starters, you can engage and connect. How about “Tell me about a memorable holiday you have had in the past” or “What is the worst holiday gift you have ever received and did you return it?”
If it is a natural process to share that you are in the midst of a job search, great. Recently, one of my clients got a lead that turned into a job offer….from his hair stylist! Otherwise you may find the other person you are conversing with may have a need you can fulfill or that the person just may be grateful for your lending an ear to their stories!
If your everyday practice is to open to your emotions, to all the people you meet, to all the situations you encounter, without closing down, trusting that you can do that-then that will take you as far as you can go. Pema Chodron