Get Over Yourself — And Let Yourself Feel It

Let’s be real: the job market right now is tough. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a laid-off professional, or a leader navigating uncertainty, the emotional toll is real. The pressure to stay “strong,” to smile through rejection, to act like everything’s fine — it can be exhausting. But here’s the truth no one likes to admit: you’re allowed to hurt. If you hurt, you hurt. Pretending otherwise doesn’t make you stronger; it just delays your ability to move forward. Your feelings are valid, and acknowledging them is the first step to resilience.

Getting over yourself isn’t about dismissing your feelings. It’s about owning them — facing the discomfort, acknowledging your frustration, and choosing to rise anyway. The market doesn’t owe any of us a smooth path, but we owe ourselves honesty and perseverance. It’s okay to take a breath, admit “this sucks,” and then decide what comes next.

Maybe it’s redefining what success looks like for you right now. It could be learning a new skill, making a valuable connection, or even just getting through a tough day with resilience. Growth happens in the uncomfortable moments — the rejections, the waiting, the uncertainty. And yes, this still sucks!!!

So here are a few suggestions of things think about before you do them:

1. Don't vent on social media. Instead, find some trusted friends to meet for coffee and have an ugly cry, just be cautious about risking your professional reputation by posting content you might regret later. If you find that your feelings are overwhelming and affecting your daily life, don't hesitate to seek professional help. It's okay to ask for support when you need it.

   
   

2. Don't sit at home and feel sorry for yourself. Get outside, soak up some sunshine, and get some Vitamin D. I know you have anxiety, and worry is plaguing you, but a little fresh air and a change of scenery can work wonders for your mood.

   
   

3. Don't turn on yourself: I struggle with being hard on myself and overanalyzing my actions or what I could have done better. But sometimes, it may not have been anything wrong—just the nature of the industry or the company itself. So, give yourself the grace to take a break, breathe, give yourself credit for your efforts, and know that it’s perfectly okay not to be okay, but it's not OK to stay there. When self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Give it some time and get up again.

So yes, get over yourself — not by shutting off your emotions, but by giving yourself permission to feel, reflect, and then move forward with purpose. In today’s job market, emotional intelligence isn’t a weakness; it’s your greatest competitive edge. We don't know the future, but we see the kind of people we want to be while we wait for what's next, and we are better together.

Resilience is more than just bouncing back; it’s about moving forward with new strength and determination. Let hope drive you forward and support your journey with each step you take!.