One month ago today, I fell onto my own foot and broke three bones. It appears that my pride has been shattered along with a couple of pieces of my foot.
While hobbling around, I have been hibernating, grateful for calls and visits from friends, highly appreciative of the care of my husband and attentiveness of family far and near.
What are the implications of an accident or an illness on the job search process? Well, speaking only from my own experience, I can see that:
- you feel self-conscious when hobbling around,
- pain really makes you feel old,
- you look at things differently – in terms of the physical challenges (stairs? how many? parking? how close?),
- you want people to see you – not the cast, not the cane.
Those of you with more permanent challenges can rest assured that I’m closer to understanding you than I used to be. Let’s see how I’m doing: others want to know what happened, but are hesitant to ask. They want to help, but don’t know whether to offer assistance. If you are in pain, it’s hard to put forth your best appearance and conjure up enthusiasm for the job opportunity you are seeking. And you’d like to explain that you aren’t always in pain.
I’ll get liberated from my situation in a few more weeks. Meanwhile, please hold that elevator door – I’m coming!
