Isn't it wild how much our jobs define us?
Not just the paycheck, though that's very very real. But also, the identity, the community, the answer to the first question at every happy hour: What do you do? Our work is woven into how we move through the world. Which makes it that much harder when it's gone.
And right now, so many talented, hardworking people are without it.
The feelings that come with that aren't small. The reorientation of what value you bring to your family when it's not income. The void of a title you no longer hold claiming to be your identity. The sting of rejection of applying into the void and never hearing back from a human being. The fear of how long you can hold on.
What makes it harder is that what used to work doesn't anymore. Thousands of resumes are never seen by human eyes. Your network can only reach as far as it reaches. The job boards feel like a black hole, and the whole process can start to feel less like a search and more like a sentence.
A few weeks ago, Arcadian Drew Quinlan walked our Constellation members through his recent job search. He wasn't applying through warm introductions or familiar industries. He was going cold on LinkedIn, into roles he'd never held, in industries he'd never worked in, competing against listings with 2,000+ applicants.
By being genuinely intentional with AI as a partner at every step, he walked away with:
9 interview cycles
3 offers
The gift of choice, and the confidence that comes with it
All within 6 weeks.
It was one of the most practically useful sessions we've had, and the ideas it sparked go well beyond job hunting. So we're opening it up to everyone.
Join us April 30th at 1pm EST. Drew is doing it again, this time open to anyone. If you're in a search, know someone who is, or just want to understand how to use AI as a real strategic partner, this is worth your hour. Register here.
And, if you're looking for the kind of human connection that the job boards, or booth halls can't give you, we're also hosting our second open networking campfire this month. The first one surprised people because this is not a business card exchange, not a "what do you do" speed network. The Arcadia Campfire is a facilitated conversations that actually leads to connection. It's free and we’d love to have you join - Register here. 4/22 2pm EST
Come to both if you can.
Stay strong out there.
And as always — Be Great.
Sam
Ps. If you ever need to chat with anyone or need a listening ear on transitions, job changes or really anything - I am available.
What’s Happening inside Arcadia:
ALX26 Applications Are Filling Up
Arcadia Leadership Experience is our annual in person immersive gathering in Montana for 65 high-performing GTM leaders who want to build meaningful careers without losing themselves in the process. It is a leadership lab, relationship accelerator, and reset. July 27–30.
