How Mo found a new job in just 17 days

A Story of Resilience & Determination

Imagine the shock of being fired without warning 🤯. Now imagine not having a safety network and the pressure of knowing that your family's future hangs in the balance. This was the reality for Mo, one of our fellows who relocated from Yemen to Munich just last year.

But against all odds, Mo overcame this adversity and landed a new job in just 17 days (🤩), thanks to his unshakable determination, and the support of Marisa, our superstar coach.

This is a story of what we at Imagine are all about.

Mo felt blindsided by his termination. Despite receiving positive feedback just two weeks earlier, he was told he didn't fit the team. Quick background: Mo was in the midst of his blue card application. Meaning the process would come to an abrupt halt if he failed to provide a new working contract or proof of substantial funds within the next three weeks. Not really a nice position to be in, right?

Mo remained calm and positive, refusing to let despair overtake him.

Over a tension-filled weekend, Mo, and the Imagine team brainstormed solutions. Remarkably, Mo remained calm and positive, refusing to let despair overtake him 💆‍♂️. He was driven by the desire to ensure the happiness of his three-year-old son and pregnant wife, even in the face of such circumstances.

Impressed by his dedication, they offered Mo a job right away.

With the support of Marisa and her husband Horst, Mo got in touch with a digital consultancy company and handed in his CV. The company was ultimately impressed by his profile and dedication. They offered Mo a job right away and set up all documents and the contract within one day which was a huge relief and right on time to continue the blue card process 🥳. Kudos to the company!

“This is what we do, we do the best for our people. That’s the idea: to help people find a job.”

-Marisa, Superstar Career Coach at Imagine

We asked Mo if he had any advice for people who are reading this article. Read what he said:

I had to choose between two options: driving myself crazy about why the world is so unfair and feeding my mind with all those negative thoughts, or moving on and trying to find a solution. The first option is actually justified but won’t help it even if all those negative thoughts are true. I knew that I had to keep moving forward. How?! I had no idea. I spent a couple of days feeling sorry for myself, I am still human after all, but then I realized that I couldn't stay stuck in that mindset forever. All I cared about then is that I had a family that depend on me and should be able to figure it out. I started by taking small steps towards rebuilding a new opportunity, such as updating my resume and reaching out to some colleagues and friends for job leads.
One of the things that helped me stay focused was setting small goals for myself and celebrating each accomplishment, no matter how small. For example, I would set a goal to apply for three jobs a day or spend an hour each day networking. When I accomplished those goals, I would take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge my progress.
I also found that talking to friends and family about what I was going through and asking for their support was incredibly helpful. Sometimes, it's easy to isolate yourself when facing challenges, but having a support system can make all the difference.
I think it's important to remember that everyone's experience is different. What worked for me may not work for someone else. However, I would say that it's important to stay positive and keep an open mind. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities can arise from difficult situations. It's also important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Going out, spending quality time with family, eating well, praying, and taking time for self-care can help reduce stress and maintain a healthy perspective. Worrying won’t solve anything. I would never wish that kind of pressure on anyone, or for myself again. It is very devastating. Nevertheless, if someone happens to go through the same thing, I'd say just take it one step at a time and trust the process.

Mo's inspiring story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the impact of a supportive community. Amidst the turmoil and stress, he remained focused on creating a better future for himself and his family. With the support of Marisa, Imagine, and his new employer, Mo triumphed over adversity.

We love these stories and hope you do as well.

Cheers, Emma & all at team Imagine 💛

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