By Adreanna

Okay, let’s be real. Job hunting is a total drag. The endless applications, the soul-crushing assessments… it’s enough to make even the most optimistic among us want to crawl under the covers and never emerge.

The other day, I was knee-deep in another one of those dreaded assessments. You know the ones – “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree” with a whole bunch of generic statements about teamwork, leadership, and how much you “love a challenge” (spoiler alert: I mostly just love naps).

My girlfriend was watching me, and at one point, she gave me this look. “Why are you answering them so honestly?” she asked.

Ah, the question. You see, for years, I’ve been playing the game. Answering those assessments the “right” way, the way I thought would get me the interview. But guess what? It led me down a path of soul-crushing jobs, where I felt constantly anxious and burnt out.

I realized that I had been prioritizing “fitting in” over finding a workplace that truly aligned with my values. I was sacrificing my authenticity, my well-being, all for the sake of landing a job.

Enough was enough.

This time, I’m answering those assessments with my whole heart. If a company isn’t a good fit for me, I don’t want to work there. Period.

My mental, emotional, and physical health are far more important than any job. I’m prioritizing finding work that lights me up, where I can show up as my authentic self, and contribute to something meaningful.

Now, this might not be the most conventional approach to job hunting. I might face some rejection. But you know what? I’m willing to take that risk.

And while I’m at it, I’m also building a business that reflects my values and the kind of world I want to create.

Here are a few tips to help you find soul-aligned work:

• Define your non-negotiables: What are your core values? What kind of work environment do you thrive in? What are your must-haves (e.g., remote work, flexible hours, a strong company culture)?
• Research companies deeply: Go beyond the company website. Read employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed. Look for companies that are actively involved in social and environmental causes that align with your own.
• Network authentically: Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to people you admire in your field.
• Focus on your strengths: What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? What makes you feel fulfilled?
• Don’t be afraid to say “no”: If a job offer doesn’t align with your values or your non-negotiables, politely decline.
• Remember your worth: You deserve a job that makes you feel good about yourself and your work. Don’t settle for anything less.

So, to all my fellow women on their healing journeys, I say this: ditch the assessments, ditch the people-pleasing, and find work that truly nourishes your soul. It’s time to stop settling and start thriving.

P.S. What are some of your biggest job hunting frustrations? Let’s vent together in the comments!