Should I Apply???

I feel that overall I'm a confident person... that is until I'm looking at job openings.  I keep asking myself... should I apply?  Do I qualify?  Am I good enough?  Having to apply to jobs is a bit of a blow to the self esteem.  I see some jobs that I could do... if I had 10+ years of experience.  I see others that I know I could do... if I don't mind taking a $10,000+ pay cut.  And then there are jobs I could do for the right pay... that about 2,000 other people who live in Seattle also apply for.... Needless to say it's a bit tiring.

The first thing I had to tell myself was... I am good enough.  Sometimes it's hard to see how your experience in one career will help towards another.  My experience is all in local broadcast news... and while yes, I could get another job in news, I could also be on the other side as a PR or Media Relations person.  BUT it doesn't stop there... really any job that needs someone who can write is within my abilities.  Also, I am lucky to have 5 years experience thanks to my job plus a little overflow thanks to the job I had in college.  Once I realized I could apply to so many more jobs the applications went out in full! 

The second thing I had to tell myself is that I am worth more.  It does mean that I have to pass up some jobs that would mean a big pay cut... but honestly my experience is worth more than someone right out of college or lacking a degree all together.  Sometimes it's hard, and it's not that I would overlook ALL jobs that make less, but unless there is some serious passion... why keep living paycheck to paycheck?

The last thing I told myself... WHY NOT!?!?!?  I'm not the type of person who likes to put myself out there, fears from way back of being judged and ridiculed (elementary kids are ruthless!).  I have had to remind myself lots of times... what is the worst that could happen?  So you apply to a job that maybe you just meet the bare minimums or you don't have a lot of experience with one small "preferred" aspect of the job... you have until you start to learn it!  Keep in mind this is not to be confused with the "required" aspects of the job... I can't obtain a master's degree or 5 more years experience in 3 months.... but when it comes to preferred... just go for it!  In all honesty the worst thing that could happen... they look at your resume... and throw it away.  The best thing... you get the job.  I think I'll take my chances.

Getting through this time is all about attitude... and when faced with the question: should I apply?  The answer should be "YES!" and the more excited you say it to yourself, the more positive you will come off in cover letters!!!!