We’re living in a new era, one where remote jobs dominate the professional landscape. Many people have experienced working from home and realized its benefits, making remote positions some of the most sought-after roles in the United States.
However, with this shift comes increased competition. Hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applicants may be vying for the same role. When I started applying for jobs recently to explore new opportunities, a friend warned me it would be tough, even unlikely, for me to succeed. While there was truth to his words, my thought was simple: someone is going to get the job. Why shouldn’t it be me?
The truth is, you don’t need to be the most talented, experienced, or knowledgeable candidate to succeed. You may not be the best artist, writer, musician, or even leader. You might not check every box on the job description, and that’s okay.
I once applied for a graphic design position despite having no formal experience in the field. Out of over 140 applicants, only ten were selected for interviews—and I was one of them. My only qualification? A portfolio of PowerPoint and presentation designs that caught their attention. While the interview made it clear the role wasn’t the right fit for me, the experience was invaluable. It taught me to take chances.
That’s the key: someone will get the job, and it could be you. Your unique perspective, background, and insights might be exactly what a company or hiring manager needs. So why not put yourself out there?
Countless successful people—artists, performers, CEOs, and more—weren’t necessarily the best in their field. Some weren’t even very good, but they kept showing up and taking risks. Don’t let fear of not being "enough" hold you back. It’s okay to stumble or fail along the way.
So go for it. Apply for that job, pursue that dream, or start that project you’ve been thinking about. Someone’s going to land the opportunity you’re eyeing—why not you?
Photo by Edvinas Ivanovas on Unsplash