The thing about that door...

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫...

The door to your dream career won’t open itself. As a job seeker, I learned this the hard way, logging into LinkedIn daily, hoping for a magical opportunity to appear. I prayed that somehow, a recruiter would notice me, a job would land in my lap, or the universe would swing that door wide open. It didn’t happen. It won’t happen. And, frankly, it shouldn’t. Opportunities don’t come to those who wait passively—they come to those who act with intention and grit. I kicked down my own door by embracing three key strategies: putting myself out there, committing to daily self-improvement, and claiming my place at the table. Here’s how you can do the same.

First, I put myself out there. In the virtual world of LinkedIn, visibility is everything. I stopped lurking and started posting—sharing my insights, experiences, and even vulnerabilities. I showcased my skills, passions, and personality, treating each post as a chance to build my brand. While the online world isn’t a perfect substitute for in-person connections, it’s a powerful platform to demonstrate your value. Commenting on industry discussions, sharing relevant articles, or posting about your journey can spark conversations and connections. One authentic post might catch the eye of a recruiter or a future colleague. By consistently showing up, I turned myself into a presence that couldn’t be ignored.

Second, I made myself better every single day. I set a personal mission: the Scott they’d get tomorrow would always be stronger, smarter, and more capable than the Scott they got today. I dove into LinkedIn Learning courses, YouTube tutorials to sharpen my skills. Whether it was mastering a new software, learning industry trends, or refining my resume, I treated every day as an opportunity to grow. This wasn’t about perfection—it was about progress. For example, a single hour spent learning about data visualization or project management can make you more marketable. Continuous learning builds confidence and equips you with the tools to stand out in a competitive job market.

Third, I took my seat at the table without waiting for an invitation. I decided what I wanted—both the role and the salary—and pursued it with unwavering conviction. This mindset shift was critical. Instead of hoping for opportunities, I created them. I applied for roles that aligned with my goals, networked with purpose, and negotiated offers assertively. I didn’t let self-doubt or external validation dictate my worth. Adopting this mindset meant treating every rejection as a redirection, not a defeat. The result? A career that not only pays the bills but fuels my passion—and yes, the financial freedom of a “blank check” lifestyle feels pretty great.

You might hear similar “be all you can be” mantras from countless influencers, but here’s the difference: I’m not selling you anything. This is my story of taking full ownership of my life, recognizing that nobody owes me a thing. The only person who can stop you is you. Your door—whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or a career pivot—is waiting. Don’t wait for it to open magically. Post boldly to build your presence, learn relentlessly to enhance your skills, and claim your worth unapologetically. If you need guidance, reach out to a mentor, coach, or even me—I’ll point you to resources or people who can help. The door is there. Kick it down and carry on.

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