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 Summary

• If you're struggling with a job search or career, the most important thing is: don't lose hope; don't give up.

• Many have faced challenges in their lives, especially with career stuff - through history people have offered advice about how to deal with it.

• Sailors used to focus on the phrase, "hold fast" to get through rough times; you can too.

Full Transcript

If you’re struggling in a job you really don’t like, this post is for you.

If you’re desperate to find steady work, that provides an income you and your family deserve, this post is for you.

If you feel trapped in a toxic workplace, this post is for you.

There have been a lot of smart people who have spoken about what to do when you’re struggling, here are some of my favorite quotes.

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” - Winston Churchill

“Above all, endure.” - Ernest Hemingway

“Never give up, for that is the place and time that the tide will turn.” - Harriet Beecher Stowe

“The main thing is: never quit, never quit, never quit.” - Bill Clinton

“The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time.” - Thomas Edison

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” - Nelson Mandella

“You never fail until you stop trying.” - Albert Einstein

“Hold on for one more day and things will go your way.” - Wilson Phillips

“Never give up. Never surrender.” - Galaxy Quest

When most of the ships that traveled the world were powered by sail, some sailors - especially deckhands - would tattoo the words “hold” and “fast” across their knuckles as a charm to help them never let go of a line, no matter what. When their knuckles came together it spelled out the phrase “hold fast.”

Sometimes in the middle of a job search or when one is trying to navigate a career, it can be tempting to let go of a line, just to throw in the towel. But I’m telling you don’t do it. Take a step back when you need to. Heck, even take a break. But never never never completely let go of the line. Don’t give up on finding a better situation. You will and the only thing that can possibly stop you is if you give up.

So the next time career challenges make that little voice inside your head say, “maybe I should just give up” or make you feel like you have no hope - I want you to look at your knuckles and remind yourself to “hold fast.” 

You don’t have to get the actual tattoo, or even be as cray as I’ve been to write it on your knuckles in pen. You can write it on a post-it note and stick it someplace you’ll see it. Just so you have a reminder that: when it comes to your career, hold fast and never never never never give up on setting a course that leads to the fulfillment of your career dreams.