Spirit Led
The job market is tough. Without protection, it can beat you until you bleed anger, disappointment, and self-doubt. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 4.1% unemployment rate; AI translates this statistic to 7.031 million people without work.
My recent job search taught me that unique experience, a PhD, skills, and talent do not guarantee employment. In the current economy, getting an interview invitation is a significant accomplishment. Extreme effort, Divine guidance, and the willingness to move abroad are necessary to get hired.
In January, I learned that my job would end on June 30, 2026. I jumped into the academic application pool.
Six months later, I had applied for 250 positions and received rejections from schools, non-profit organizations, and corporations in the United States and abroad.
Except for one potential employer, unemployment seemed inevitable. In March, I talked with a talent recruiter from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) in St. Maarten. She had reviewed my CV and wanted to learn more about my background.
I described my six years working at another medical school in Antigua and Barbuda. As an associate professor, I taught and advised undergraduate and graduate students. My courses explored learning strategies, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in medical education.
At the end of our call, the recruiter asked me to send a cover letter for a faculty opening in the school’s Academy of Teaching and Learning. I agreed, revised a cover letter, and emailed it later that day. A week passed, and I received an invitation to a Zoom interview with the hiring department’s Chair.
The Chair and I discussed the department’s needs and how my experiences could enhance academic support initiatives. They needed someone to create learning strategy courses, facilitate wellness programs, and advise students. My experiences fit, and a previous coworker from Antigua had already joined their team.
Over several months, I had additional interviews with the Dean and other faculty members. In June, I traveled to the island and visited the campus with my wife. The staff, faculty, and administration welcomed us with open arms and warm conversations.
When I returned to the States, I continued to apply for jobs and stayed open to local employment opportunities. My family wanted to remain in the area, but I received more rejection responses to my applications.
June 30, 2026, came and my previous position ended. I didn’t have a formal offer from AUC, but I remained hopeful for it or another opportunity.
A range of self-care activities helped me stay sane while I continued my job search. I wrote, read, exercised, prayed, meditated, and talked with family and friends. Mindfulness pursuits provided a release of the uncertainties and energetic drags on my spirit.
On July 27, one day before I left for Baltimore to attend and present at the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) conference, I received the offer for an associate professor position at AUC. The news enabled me to absorb the conference’s theme, The Illumination: Freeing the African Spirit. Alongside the job offer, conference presentations, libation ceremonies, wellness activities, and interactions with members helped free my spirit.
In Baltimore, I also ran, lifted weights, and practiced capoeira. The combination of activities produced an epitome. God’s grace, internalized grit, ancestral fortitude, and spiritual strength enabled me to manage the job market challenges.
The day after ABPsi’s convention ended, I followed a Divine voice and signed the employment contract.
We experienced some additional delays due to the process of acquiring documents for immigration, but my family has relocated to St. Maarten. The children are enrolled in school, and I started work on Tuesday. Circumstances surrounding this position have confirmed that I am here for a purpose much bigger than myself.
I am here to serve the students, staff, faculty and community. Together, we will make a profound impact on global healthcare systems.
When our spirit’s wishes align with actions and the Great Spirit’s callings for our lives, the right opportunity appears.
If you are looking for work, don’t quit. Stay on the application grind, manage the stress with healthy activities, embrace humility, and maintain optimism.
My story is a testament that you will find employment.
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