A personal reflection on the frustration, self-doubt, and lessons learned while navigating a saturated and impersonal job market.
Feeling Invisible After Leadership
I never imagined I’d feel invisible after years of leading teams, shaping strategy, and driving impact as a VP. Yet here I am, scrolling through job postings, hitting “apply,” and wondering if anyone will even notice my experience.
The market is saturated, impersonal, and overwhelming. Roles that feel tailor-made for me receive hundreds of applicants. And I never hear a thing from them. No rejection. No email. No call.
Some days, it feels like shouting into a void. And I can’t help but question myself: Am I doing something wrong?
A Reality Check
One morning, I stumbled upon a role that seemed perfect. Every requirement, every responsibility. It was aligned with my skills and passions. Excited, I clicked to apply and saw the applicant count. And froze.
More than 100 applicants in less than an hour.
I leaned back in my chair and sighed. “Okay… so this is what it’s like now. Where do I even begin?”
Back to Square One
The challenge isn’t just the volume of applicants. It’s the process itself. I haven’t had a “real” job interview in many years. Most of my career opportunities, transitions, and advancements came from connections and authentic alignment. People recognized the value I bring and either created roles for me or opened doors organically.
Suddenly, the old rules no longer apply. I’m navigating a high-volume, impersonal system that feels foreign, discouraging, and, at times, defeating.
Remembering My Value
And yet, despite the frustration, I remind myself of what I bring to the table. Leading teams, driving complex initiatives, and making strategic decisions aren’t small feats. Add my clinical background and experience in public health and I start to look a bit unique. I do believe I have an interesting combination of skills that can transform organizations.
Translating all of this into applications that get noticed is a skill in itself. And I’m learning it, step by step. But damn it is challenge.
Lessons from the Struggle
Some lessons are emerging through the process:
- Focus on impact, not just titles. Think beyond the VP label and highlight the outcomes and transformations you’ve led.
- Leverage real connections. Jobs aren’t just found online. They’re found through conversations, mentors, colleagues, and chance introductions.
- Show up consistently. Whether it’s networking, thought leadership, or small professional contributions, visibility matters.
- Be patient and kind to yourself. Rejection is part of the process, but it doesn’t define your worth or competence.
Moving Forward with Resilience
Every day I remind myself that this process doesn’t erase decades of experience, insight, and leadership. It’s a recalibration. A test of resilience. It is also an opportunity to find the role where I can truly make a difference again.
In speaking with others who are navigating this tough job market, they are having some of the experiences. Know that feeling lost and frustrated and overlooked is normal.
Your vision matters. Your talent and skills and leadership matter. And when the right opportunity comes, all of this preparation, resilience, and persistence will finally pay off.
Even in the midst of uncertainty, I hold on to the possibility that the next chapter is waiting. It is out there. And the next chapter will be one where my experience, my leadership, and my values align with a role that both challenges and excites me.
This opportunity, however distant it feels, is what keeps me moving forward.
Onward and upward!
Comments
2 responses
Found this article and the timing is incredible. I have been on the search going on three months, I had an interview for a job I was really excited about but when I checked in on my Indeed account I saw the update, “not selected by employer“…. It really stings deep because I thought it was great fit all around. I was feeling a bit lost, still am… But then I read this article and realized I’m not alone. This just part of the modern job search. Just wanted tell you how much this post resonates with me and thank you. Mentally, you lightened my burden a little and really helped me stay focused on the prize ahead. Thank you!
Thank you so much for commenting. Also I see you and hear you. Searching for a job right now is so isolating, at least for me, but I do try to remember I am not alone. None of us are! Good luck to you and stay focused 🙂