Let’s be honest—job searching today is not for the faint of heart:
‼️ 12.9 million job seekers for 6.5 million posted roles
⚠️ Career pivots can feel impossible
⭕️ Resume gaps need a whole narrative
🖤 Emotionally draining (even when you’re doing “everything right”)
🌉 Gatekeeping in every corner
❌ Applicant Tracking System filters out 97% of applicants before a human even looks

So, I decided to flip the script. Instead of drowning in rejection, I started treating the job search like a game—with structure, checkpoints, and (most importantly) rewards.

Here’s how I gamify it:
⏰ Time blocks: 2 hours in the morning + 2 hours in the afternoon. No more endless scrolling.
🎙️ Networking = missions: Every conversation is a chance to learn, share, and connect.
🎢 Hiring process = level strategy: I research how each company hires and build my application like I’m building a campaign.
🟪 Certifications = unlocks: Courses and credentials keep me sharp and visible.
🙈 Hidden job market = bonus levels: Referrals, niche sites, alumni networks—this is where the real treasure lives.

But here’s the cheat code I never used to give myself:
✨ Self-care = the reward
This is advice I used to give my engineers—“always take care of #1”—and now I’m finally taking it.
✅ Pilates or yoga to reconnect
✅ Cardio sports to release stress and recharge
✅ Crafts, hobbies, or time with people who remind me who I am outside of my LinkedIn profile
✅ Therapy to process the emotional weight and stay mentally aligned through the ups and downs

Because job hunting is a full-time job—and #1 deserves care, recovery, and community.

If you’ve found your own way to make the process more human, hopeful, or even a little fun—I’d love to hear it!