There are people in your life, just as in everyone else’s, who do not appreciate your talents and will seek to undermine you. You must avoid situations that place you among these kinds of people, and instead find colleagues who recognize and appreciate your efforts. Your work environment will do much to either motivate or de-motivate you, so make sure to find one that recognizes your talents.

Despite the obvious advantages, getting jobs through a friend or relative may ultimately harm you. When you do so, you risk lowering your colleagues’ opinions of you, who may see your connections as evidence that you lack the skills to get your position on your own merits. Nonetheless, there are situations in which it is acceptable to take advantage of such connections, but you must be on your guard; make sure that the job you get is a good fit, and one in which you would perform well regardless of your connections.

People succeed by taking risks in their job search, potentially exposing themselves to pain and rejection. Despite the need for a job, most people would rather avoid risk instead of facing the pain of an in-person rejection. You must realize that risk and pain are inherent in a successful job search, will make you stronger, and ultimately lead you to a better life.

The Lebanese American artist, poet, and writer Kahlil Gibran,...

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In this article Harrison talks about problems one could face while planning to relocate for better job options. Many areas of the United States have been devastated by the economy, and there are fewer jobs available in those areas. You don’t have an option but to relocate. Harrison believes that relocating for better job options to areas where your skills are in demand is extremely important. However, one needs to keep certain points in mind while applying for such jobs. Employers generally prefer people with a connection to the area to ensure greater stability. Hence it is advisable to show some sort of connection to the area you are relocating to. Harrison also cautions against conveying to an employer that you cannot get a job where you live. No one wants losers. To project yourself as a winner, you should convey that you are relocating for personal long-term growth objectives.

Imagine you are a doctor working in a small clinic in the suburbs of Chicago. You are surrounded by uninspired doctors who are happy going back and forth to work each day in exchange for a salary. You, in contrast, have no interest in money and are concerned with curing a fatal heart disease. In fact, you have been working on curing this disease for the past 15 years.