Where Do I Start?

By: Alec Capurso

The most important step in getting a job is to find the motivation to apply for a job. People say that it’s the easiest thing to do, when in actuality it’s probably the hardest part. How do I know what to apply for if I’ve never had a job before? Why do I have to find a job anyway? Aren’t things alright as they are? These are some of the questions you ask yourself when you’re beginning your job search for your first choice. But, what you should really consider is what you would be most comfortable having a job in. And then those answers to those questions will just come flowing to you.

            For those on the spectrum, applying for a job would mean stepping out of your comfort zone to apply for a position you don’t fully comprehend. It not only takes guts, but it also takes a genuine desire to improve yourself. Those who decide to stay in their comfort zones never really leave them, refusing to take that risk. The sad reality is that time moves past us, not the other way around.

The best time to begin sending job applications is when you’re in your twenties or even younger than that. Because if you gain workplace experience that young, you know what to expect when you enter any new job. So, it’s important that you take your first step as soon as possible, because you never know where your path will lead.

            Yet, it’s also important for you to decide what you would like to apply for and why. We usually apply for jobs that are either low-budget or just do it for quick cash. While monetary gain is important, you must also envision yourself in the position you wish to be in. It may be fantastical or unrealistic to some, but to you it’s what wakes you up in the morning to contemplate your future. Dreams only become reality when you decide to make them real. So, when you're searching for your first job, ask yourself what it is that keeps you going and how can this help me get there?

            Opportunities are very hard to come by however, and most never turn out the way you intended. It’s not like you’re going to find your dream job on LinkedIn or on any other job site. Sometimes they come by complete chance or out of nowhere, which makes them completely unpredictable. So, how do you expect to find your steps if they aren’t shown to you? The best method is to start out small and see if you have the confidence to strive for something bigger. Confidence isn’t something that is inherited by genetics, so you have to be the one to improve it and make it large enough to handle change. But, you have to nurture it until it's ready for whatever the world gives you.