Looking for a job sucks.

It is a soul draining process that begins with wide-eyed optimism at the possibility of landing your dream job. Months later it is a scary place filled with self doubt and despair. If you’ve been out of work recently, you can probably relate.

Hopefully, these quotes will help in your search for employment, whether it’s a dream job or a paycheck you are after.

Get organized

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain

Cast a wide net

“There are very few jobs that actually require a penis or vagina. All other jobs should be open to everybody.” – Florynce Kennedy

Network, network, network

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” – Abraham Lincoln

Put in the hours

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more luck I have.” – Thomas Jefferson

Stay focused on your goals

“Never confuse motions with action.” – Ernest Hemingway

Don’t give up

“The fight is won or lost far away from the witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali

Brian Adams consults with nonprofits, including Komera Project, regarding communications strategy. Brian was previously senior director of communications at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and the head of media and community relations for the MSPCA-Angell. A version of this story first appeared on the author's blog.

(Image via)