When the Ground Shifts, So Can You
In 1986, our founders walked away from a business that no longer supported their values — and built one that did. It was a bold move during uncertain times, powered not by perfect timing or guaranteed success, but by a shared belief that it was possible to do better. For themselves. For their families. For others who had been left out or underestimated.
That belief — that you can create something better in the face of uncertainty — is a mindset we still aim towards today. And, in moments like the one we’re in now, it matters more than ever.
We know that mindset alone won’t pay the bills or solve systemic inequities. But it can be one of the most powerful tools we carry through hard times.
Right now, the ground feels unsteady for many Oregonians. A recent report found that more than 737,000 households across the state — especially among single parents and communities of color — are living just one crisis away from falling short of their basic needs. That means that even with full-time jobs, many families still can’t reliably afford housing, childcare, food, or transportation.
And it’s not because people aren’t trying hard enough.
This is part of a national pattern. According to a 2025 Bankrate report, 59% of Americans say they can’t afford an unexpected $1,000 expense. Inflation has cooled somewhat, but the financial strain has not. Nearly three-quarters of Americans report saving less for emergencies than they did just a year ago — especially younger adults. In Gen Z, four in five worry they wouldn’t be able to cover basic expenses if they lost their income.
This isn’t just a financial issue. It’s emotional. It’s exhausting. And for anyone navigating a job search in the middle of it all — especially after a layoff — it can feel like too much to carry.
Which is where we’d like to offer, not a silver lining, but a softer landing.
What Mindset Can Offer
We can’t positive-think our way out of structural challenges. But we can choose to relate to ourselves — and our circumstances — with more compassion. That might sound simple, but research shows it’s a game-changer.
As Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher on self-compassion, notes: self-compassionate people can identify when they’re feeling defeated or inadequate, but avoid becoming lost in those feelings. Instead of ruminating, they respond to themselves with kindness — and keep going.
That kind of mindset matters in a job search. Especially one that’s longer, bumpier, or lonelier than you expected.
Studies have shown that people with greater self-compassion are less likely to experience burnout and more likely to stay motivated during periods of uncertainty. It’s not about blind optimism. It’s about steadying yourself in the face of what’s hard — and finding ways to keep showing up.
Because you’re not imagining it: This is hard. But the effort, adaptability, and willingness to reach out, apply again, ask for help are all signs of strength, not failure.
Let the Algorithm Breathe — And Get Outside
One of the most demoralizing things about job searching today is how much of it happens behind a screen. You can send dozens of applications into the void of LinkedIn or job boards and hear nothing back. Which can make you question your worth, your skills, your story.
But here’s what we’ve seen, again and again: the most meaningful progress in a job search often happens offline.
Getting out into the community — attending local events, reconnecting with people in your network, showing up to panels or meetups, even volunteering — doesn’t just feel better, it works better.
Hiring still runs on relationships. And real conversations can open doors that online portals never will.
Even small actions matter. Ask a former colleague to grab coffee. Say yes to a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests or skills. These steps get you out of your head, out of the house, and often closer to what’s next.
Other Ways to Support Self-Compassion
☝️ Set smaller, realistic goals. One tailored resume. One networking conversation. One walk around the block.
🚫 Don’t take rejection personally. It’s rarely about you — especially in a saturated job market.
🤝 Find community. Whether through friends, support groups, or service, connection helps.
🧠 Care for your nervous system. Sleep. Movement. Nourishing meals. Laughter. It all makes a difference.
💬 Practice being gentle with yourself. You’re not failing. You’re navigating something hard.
At Boly:Welch, we don’t believe in hustle-at-all-costs or shame-based success stories. We believe in building better workplaces — and communities — where people can show up as whole humans.
Mindset isn’t magic. But it is a way of remembering your agency and protecting yourself while you figure out what’s next.
We’re rooting for you.
We have more resources to support your job search right this way.
