Why Some Jobseekers Should Consider Broadening Their Scope

I recently met a young man who told me he was out of work and had been for a considerable amount of time. He had previously had jobs but for one reason or another, had led to his current unemployment. He elaborated further and then stated that he had recently had several interviews and had been offered a job in a restaurant which was what he actually liked to do and had experience of this type of working environment. However, he had turned it down as it was ‘too far to travel’. Further dialogue revealed that it was only in the next town and a journey of no more than six miles would mean he would have to get up much earlier than he is used to and would have to get a bus there and back. Our conversation ended with him saying that he is hopeful that ‘something else will turn up soon.’

Of course, something else may very well turn up soon but if he was willing to change his mindset and become more flexible and fully committed in his approach to finding work, he would inevitably find the whole process easier. And if he had taken the job which is six miles away, then he would soon have become accustomed to working full time shifts and enjoying the camaraderie of his colleagues and his monthly pay with the bus journey simply becoming a part of his new routine.

Do I believe him to be lazy? Personally, no I do not, but I do believe that he has not had the guidance, support, motivation or education needed to give him some much needed self belief and to embrace the concept that if you decide to change your mindset then your life can change accordingly. He is simply stuck in a pattern which is not helping him to move forward.

While it may seem daunting for some to consider commuting to new areas, the potential benefits far outweigh the challenges as it can significantly increase the number of job opportunities and to gain access to positions that may not be available in the immediate vicinity.

Broadening a job search can certainly lead to better career prospects and growth opportunities - both personally and professionally.

Sometimes, due to different regions having varying costs of living and salary standards, a commute may mean a better salary and therefore a better standard of living.

Travelling to an interview or new job can improve adaptability, determination and resilience while enhancing soft skills such as communication and problem solving. These experiences not only make candidates more attractive to employers but also contribute to personal fulfillment.

Widening the scope of travel in job searches is not just about finding a job, but is also about discovering new opportunities for growth, economic benefits and personal enrichment. Embracing this perspective can literally transform a job seekers future career and personal life which make the initial efforts and challenges worth it!