Looking for a job could be exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

You hand in your resume. You come back for the interview. You sell yourself short by gradually lowering your ask. Do this a couple more times. You stress over the fact that they have not called back. And then you ponder, maybe I should just start my own soap business?

I’ve had my fair share of this kind of negativity recently. But every uncomfortable situation is a possible source of growth if you look hard enough! There are certain perks I get by looking for employment .

I get to talk to the experts.
By experts, I mean the people who have been in this industry far longer than me. Their time is precious. Most of them are billed by the HOUR. Yet they gave me the opportunity to meet with them, to deliver my pitch as to why I’m right for the position, and to casually ask for career advice. All for free.

Conversing with a person hones my speaking skills.
Public speaking is not my strongest suit. Being scheduled for an interview forces me to prepare and practice my answers to anticipated questions. I have no choice but to speak up and answer the best way I know how. When you’re thrown into a pool with sharks, you have no choice but to swim.

I am exposed to different types of lawyers.
At this moment, my career track is not yet dead set. But after talking to a handful of practitioners, I now have an idea of what not to become.

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It must be said that this is my first time looking for a job. (I went straight to law school after getting my undergraduate degree.) The novelty of the experience could be the root of my optimism. Nevertheless, I believe that any source of discomfort should be viewed as an invitation for growth – whether it’s learning how to face it head on or learning how to live around it.