Chasing Joy

(Inspired by the 1991 children’s book “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” by Laura Numeroff)

If you give a jobseeker a résumé,

they’ll probably want to read the job boards.

When they start reading the job boards, 

they’ll notice all the great-sounding positions. 

Only this time, they’ll see possibility instead of panic.

If you give a jobseeker a résumé, 

they’ll recognize things they’ve accomplished:

projects finished,

problems solved,

people helped. 

They’ll start to smile.

Because seeing proof of what they’ve done 

makes them realize how far they’ve come.

When they realize that,

they’ll start thinking differently,

less about what they’re missing,

and more about what they offer.

That shift will give them energy.

They’ll sit up straighter.

They’ll start applying with courage instead of dread,

and maybe even hum a tune when they hit “submit.”

And the act of sending it will feel powerful, 

like waking up again after a long mental detour.

They’ll feel lighter that evening.

Their sleep will get easier.

Their stress will get smaller.

Their hope will get louder.

Because a résumé isn’t just a document.

It’s a reminder of worth, direction, and momentum.

If you give a jobseeker a résumé, 

you don’t just help them find a job…

you help them find themselves again.

And if you give a jobseeker a résumé

that tells the truth about how awesome they are,

they won’t just chase a job…

they’ll start chasing joy again.