Hey,

If you’re job searching right now, Thanksgiving can sting a little.

Everyone’s posting promotions, gratitude lists, team photos, wins.

And you’re thinking…

“When is it my turn again?”

I’ve been there. Six months of applying. Silence. Doubt. Refreshing inbox like it owed me something.

So today, instead of advice or pressure, I just want to say thank you:

Thank you for reading these emails.

Thank you for caring about meaningful work.

Thank you for trying, even when it’s tiring.

Thank you for not checking out.

This season doesn’t define you.

It’s just a chapter between chapters.

If today feels slow, try one gentle thing:

Do a “recommendation run.”

Look at your past roles.

Pick coworkers, managers, teammates.

Write them a short LinkedIn recommendation.

Give them their flowers. No ask. No agenda.

It rebuilds connection.

It reminds you of the impact you’ve had.

And sometimes it starts conversations again.

Because hiring doesn’t start with applications.

It starts with trust.

(Here's a few of my ex-colleagues who left me amazing recommendations after I left my last role as the Head of Product Design, after I left one for them)

And if you want a clearer, calmer way to job search in December, I made something for you:

👉 The 3-Hour UX Job Search System — $49 USD

Available until Dec 1, 11:59 PM PT

It now includes three CustomGPTs to remove friction:

→ Dream Company Finder

→ Connection Message Builder

→ Trojan Horse Deck Builder

Use them at your own pace. No urgency. No grind.

Wishing you rest, warmth, full plates, and people who make you feel safe.

Grateful for you,

Joseph

P.S. If you’re in a tough season, reply and tell me what’s hardest right now. I read every message.