Dear Friend, You Can Turn This Around
Right now, everywhere I look, people are talking about how hard it is to find work. The economy is slowing down. Jobs are being cut. People feel hopeless. 401(k)s are being withdrawn early, housing prices feel out of reach, and the headlines look bleak.
Some people are taking extreme measures to fix temporary problems. Others have become homeless or are selling everything just to stay afloat.
So how do you turn this around?
Is it possible?
Absolutely!
Start by Giving Everything to God
Make Him the center of your world. He is the one who gives and takes away.
If you have much, you are blessed.
If you have little, you are still blessed, because He’s doing a good work in you.
This past year has been a rollercoaster for me.
I started off in a job that was, let’s just say, turbulent. The work itself was fine, and I had a nice coworker, but there were deeper issues that weren’t being addressed, like miscalculated sick time. Then, my husband’s aunt passed away after a battle with cancer, and I wasn’t able to take the time off I needed.
Soon after, I was assigned new clients who proved to be challenging, which led to more communication issues with my employer. Before I knew it, they decided to “quiet fire” me, placing me on hold for three and a half months without pay or notice until I finally received my layoff letter.
When I left, one client apologized for their attitude and said I had “the patience of Job.” That still warms my heart.
Each person runs their company differently, and while that experience was difficult, I’m genuinely grateful it’s behind me. I wish that employer all the best.
When You Need to Find Work, and Fast
Like many of you, I found myself in a tough spot. I had just started my company, Fuel & Inspire, hoping it would grow into an educational hub. But I needed income right away.
So I leaned into what I knew best: consulting.
I reached out to my network, applied for countless jobs, went through multiple interviews (some with way too many steps for a “no thanks”), and eventually signed on with a few clients and companies.
Through that process, I learned a lot, and now I help others do the same. Here’s what worked for me:
1. Update Your Résumé for ATS Standards
Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords.
You can even use ChatGPT to modernize your résumé and add relevant keywords from your field. Then, review it line by line to make sure it truly reflects your skills.
If you don’t know Python, don’t add it.
If you’ve used ChatGPT, great! Say you’re familiar with AI tools.
Keep your résumé one to two pages long and quantifiable. Recruiters love seeing results.
2. Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile
I tried LinkedIn Premium for a month and it helped a little, but what really moved the needle was consistent, relevant posting.
LinkedIn isn’t Facebook. It’s not the place to air out frustration or bad days. It’s a place for support, networking, and curiosity.
Use it to grow your circle and to connect with recruiters, professionals in your field, and leaders you admire. Post often, engage meaningfully, and be a light to others.
3. Apply, Apply, Apply
When I was on furlough, unemployment required me to apply for at least five jobs a week. Some weeks I did the minimum; other weeks, I applied to everything I could.
Even after benefits ended, I kept applying. Don’t stop looking.
Personally, I’ve found LinkedIn and Glassdoor give better responses than Indeed or FlexJobs, but your results might vary.
And remember that every “no” just means that’s not where you’re meant to be.
4. Follow Up with Grace
After interviews, send a thank-you note.
If you’re rejected, thank them anyway and ask them to keep your résumé on file.
Gratitude and professionalism stand out.
5. Be Open to Different Opportunities
If you prefer a W2 position, that’s great! But don’t overlook contract work (1099 roles). Those short-term gigs can lead to bigger doors, sometimes even full-time roles, or help you bridge the gap in between.
Flexibility creates opportunity.
6. Expand How You See Work
The wonderful thing about living in the United States is the endless possibility, something many people in the world don’t have.
Be a mentor. Teach a class. Join local and national professional groups. Try new things and adapt as the world changes.
And if all else fails, there’s always Plan B: Sell everything, move to the woods, build a tiny home, and become a YouTube content creator. (It’s not like I’ve thought about that for hours or anything…)
Keep Moving Forward
Keep learning.
Keep networking.
Keep going, even when it’s hard.
Enjoy the downtime with your family or your pets, and if you don’t have pets, go volunteer at a shelter (as long as you’re not allergic!).
Above all, don’t let current circumstances define your future. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
You are more than this moment.
You are a gift to others.
Your path might mean moving across town, or across the world, but don’t stop trying.
From My Heart to Yours
I pray this message encourages you.
Yes, I know I can sound like “Miss Mary Sunshine,” but one day I’ll share my full testimony on how I’ve gone through the fire and come out victorious.
Why?
Because I’m a daughter of the Living God, and my mission is to help you live the dream He’s placed on your heart.
So keep going.
You’ve got this!
✨ – Emily Luz, Founder of Fuel & Inspire
“Fueling purpose-driven growth through funding, branding, and strategy.”
Ever think about a career in Grant Writing? Check out my last blog: How to Be Successful as a Grant Writer
