What the luck?
Have you ever faced a challenge that felt impossible?
The James Webb Space Telescope is the story of such a challenge. Started in 1995, the project cost over 10 billion dollars and required the cooperation of 14 different countries. At launch, there were 344 single points of failure, meaning that if any one of these 344 points failed, the mission was jeopardized. How many of us have seen one point of failure (someone saying no) derail our day? While it’s unlikely that any of us are trying to launch a space telescope, we are no strangers to big challenges.
Many years ago, I left my job to return to school and explore a career as a vet. Having undeveloped financial skills as a twenty-something student, I soon ran out of money. It was time to start looking for another full-time job. The College Career Center had employers coming in for interviews and invited students to sign up for an interview slot. However, my lack of planning meant that by the time I wanted to interview, the schedule was full, and there were no openings. This sent me down the path of 'it's not fair', 'how could I be so dumb?' and 'I don't know what to do, this sucks!'. I indulged in my pity party for a while but soon realized that a pity party wouldn't pay my bills.
Then came a harebrained idea: I could show up at the College Career Center at 8:00 am on interview day in my only suit (this was the 1980s when people still wore suits to interviews), bring my resume, and hope there might be a cancellation. Walking up to the career center all gussied up, hearing the familiar refrain 'This is a stupid idea, you're going to embarrass yourself' in my head, I walked in. With a deep breath, I apologized to the receptionist for not having an appointment and asked if there were any cancellations. She smiled graciously, looked at the list of appointments, and said,
'You're in luck, we have two cancellations. Which time would you rather have?'
I couldn't believe my good fortune! I signed up for the early appointment and interviewed with Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture). Within a week, I had a job offer in the San Francisco office, and off I went. Reflecting on that experience, I wondered about the saying
'Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity'
I was 100% responsible for creating the original situation and had made several errors:
I was unclear on my objectives, moving forward in a haphazard way going back to school
I managed my money poorly, so ran out more quickly than planned.
I didn't sign up for the interviews in time.
But I also was able to create opportunity by considering new thoughts:
Cancellations happen all the time. What if I showed up to see what might happen?
I already had a college degree and had some work experience
I had control over portions of the situation: showing up early, dressing appropriately, and preparing for an interview
I was willing to look foolish and fail. The receptionist could have looked at me condescendingly and told me I should have signed up earlier and who did I think I was expecting an interview without proper planning?
Things I couldn't control (luck)
The other appointments called to cancel so that the time slots were now available (today, it's common to see no-shows and ghosting)
The receptionist was willing to sign me up at the last minute for an interview
Accenture was looking for qualified students in entry-level positions
I was incredibly fortunate it all worked out. The many single points of failure could have jeopardized my mission. Today, the job search process is more challenging, as systems are in place to weed out those who don't fit into a narrow set of specifications. However, I still believe there are ways to work around and through roadblocks. I've been able to do this more than once, and a positive, can-do mindset is an incredible asset during a job search.
When faced with any hard challenge, even one that you didn't create, how might you be able to create your own luck?
What do you have control over? Often, it's more than you realize.
How can you look at this differently? If your best friend were in this situation, how would you advise them?
Are you willing to look foolish or be wrong? This one gets harder if you value being seen as competent.
What might be 10-15 different ways to solve this challenge? Generating multiple solutions encourages you to be more resourceful and you might find some new, creative solutions.
What do your intuition and body say? Close your eyes and check in with yourself.