Finding Your Nerve: Why Courage (Not Perfection) Wins the Job Search

Doing things that scare us, and why stepping outside our comfort zone is the real game-changer for job seekers.

Let’s be honest, if you’re reading this, you might have been out of work for a while. Maybe a month, maybe several. Maybe you’re a project manager, HR leader, or a senior professional who’s always been the one with answers, until now. And now? You’re stuck, and everything feels a bit scarier than it used to. Welcome to the club. 

What Actually Happened This Week?

This week in the sprint, we welcomed new faces, each one battling that familiar sense of “is this really for me?” We did interview prep, tackled awkward outreach, and worked on the infamous "quick question", the one you send to a hiring manager that makes your palms sweat. It’s not just about applying for jobs; it’s about reaching out to real people, even when your confidence is on the floor.

Comfort Zones: Why We Stay (and Why We Shouldn’t)

Here’s something I learned: For most job seekers who have been out of work for some time, confidence isn’t just low, it’s battered. Things you’d have done without blinking a year ago now feel like Everest. The job search isn’t just a process; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. And when you’re on your own, it’s easy to let fear win.

That’s why community matters. This week, I saw the power of having people around you to nudge (or lovingly shove) you forward. It’s the difference between sending that scary message and talking yourself out of it for the tenth time.

Real Talk: Courage Over Comfort

Let’s get real: The only way through is doing the thing that scares you. Every. Single. Day. For some, that’s messaging a hiring manager. For others, it’s asking a “quick question” or even just joining a group call. The worst that happens? You get ignored. The best? You stand out, you learn, you grow.

Sometimes, the community isn't just about job search. This week, I felt unappreciated in work outside the sprint. I went to my group for support, and they delivered. Even in a paid community, the kindness and encouragement are real. It reminded me: none of us are immune to wobbling confidence. But with the right people, you bounce back quicker.

What You Need to Hear

• Push yourself- do something visible and uncomfortable every day.

• Lean on your community. Let people cheer you on (and give you a nudge).

• Don’t overthink it-hit send, then walk away.

• Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s doing it anyway.

So if you’re wondering whether you should invest in support, ask yourself: Do I want to keep playing it safe, or am I ready to do something different? If you trust me, or your coach, or your community, let them help you. You might just surprise yourself.

And if you’re still on the fence, remember: you belong here if you’re ready to get a little bit braver. 

Takeaway:

Doing the scary thing is never easy, but it’s always worth it. Courage is contagious - let’s catch it together.

Got a story about stepping outside your comfort zone? Share it below or DM me. I’d love to cheer you on!