30 days to the job you love - Day 19

With 200,000+ tech layoffs in 2023 and more being let go in early 2024, it is easy to get discouraged. Personally, I have many friends who were and are affected. For those whom I worked with, I am grateful that our paths crossed.

For 30 days, I will post a tip each day to encourage you and give you some suggestions on how to stay motivated during your job search.

Day 19

In Zen tradition, a well-known tale recounts an encounter between the Buddha and a ferocious elephant, notorious for its deadly attacks on humans. One day, as the elephant wreaked havoc in a village, it encountered the Buddha. Despite the elephant's rage, the Buddha approached it with unwavering calm and extended a hand of compassion. Miraculously, the power of his compassion transformed the elephant's aggression into reverence.

In the early days of my Zen practice, I aspired to embody the same strength and compassion as the Buddha. I yearned to exhibit loving kindness towards others, irrespective of their actions towards me. However, I often felt inadequate when I struggled to respond to negativity with compassion and kindness.

Recently, I've come to realize that in the face of such hostility, it is sometimes necessary to step aside if we are not yet equipped to confront it directly. This act of self-preservation does not signify surrender; rather, it allows us to safeguard ourselves and subsequently aid those affected by the turmoil, devising strategies for defense or assistance. I've also learned that the most deserving recipient of loving kindness is oneself.

Following a job loss, it's common to dwell on the events, questioning our capabilities and reproaching ourselves for perceived inadequacies. This tendency to self-criticize is prevalent, especially among high achievers striving for excellence.

During such challenging times, it is imperative to practice self-compassion. Instead of blaming ourselves, we should recognize setbacks as natural facets of life, presenting opportunities for personal growth. Through nurturing self-compassion, we can cultivate resilience and derive valuable lessons from adversity, ultimately paving the way for future triumphs.

When self-criticism arises, it is crucial to employ gentle and reassuring language. Rather than chastising ourselves for perceived failures, we can adopt a more forgiving stance, acknowledging that it's acceptable to make mistakes and affirming that we are doing our best.

In summary, the tale of the Buddha and the ferocious elephant serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of compassion, while emphasizing the significance of self-compassion in navigating life's challenges. Let us endeavor to treat ourselves with the same loving kindness we aim to bestow upon others, fostering resilience and growth along the way.

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” - The Buddha