Walking the “out of work” desert: Three Lessons

My friend shared his “desert” analogy when we spoke years ago about losing his job and transitioning to what would be next in his career. Over a burger in New Brunswick, he said it was “like walking in a desert" when you are out of work. It can be lonely, hopeless and tiring. There is no clear horizon or destination. You quickly find out who your friends and supporters are, especially when no one seems to be walking with you.

This year, I learned what he meant during my own experience of being “out of work” … or in between jobs, downsized, laid off, impacted by a restructuring, job elimination, etc. The reality is about 75% of American workers become unemployed at some point in their careers, so many of us will be on this path at one point or another.

I have used my communications, management and leadership skills to address the conundrums and challenges that accompany any job search (including how you describe your situation). I developed all sorts of materials to drive my job search: resumes, letters, trackers, elevator speeches, personal branding statements, etc. I read self-help books and articles. Joined groups of out-of-work peers. Used outplacement services and resources.

Three lessons have helped me stay productive, hopeful and healthy during this period:

Grace With Limits. I spoke with a former executive from Johnson & Johnson who had gone through his own job transitions, and he shared an insight about the emotional piece of the process. He said adjusting to a job loss is not a linear process where you gradually and steadily recover. It can be a roller coaster. The dips are natural. There will be good days, but then out of nowhere you will have a bad day. Negative feelings creep back. Resentment, frustration and regret may surface. Give yourself grace on those days, he said. Be accepting of your emotions. My wife appreciated this dynamic as well, but knowing me, she also set “limits” on those bad days. When I got disappointing news, she would say, “Okay, you have 24 hours to be depressed, but then you have to turn the page and move on.” We’ve been married 25 years, so she knows my ability to spiral into negativity. The lesson? It’s important to give yourself grace on the bad days, but also set limits so you bounce back and keep moving forward.

Patience and Positivity. I am not a naturally patient person. When I have a problem or situation, my mode is to analyze it, attack it and solve it. Singular focus. Persistence. Resolution. It can be a great strength of mine – or it can be the reason the burgers are undercooked at the family barbecue, or the car is “packed” before everyone’s bags are ready for the road trip. Job searches have their own pace, their own twists, their own endings. They don’t run on your clock. I have learned that some things happen “for a reason” -- often beyond my control – so don’t fixate on them. I have developed a more patient, positive and fatalistic outlook, believing that life will work out, even if it is not as I had it planned on my checklist or calendar.

Connectors, Coaches and Cheerleaders. When I started my search, I compiled a list of people in my network whom I would reach out to for help: recruiters, former colleagues and bosses, industry contacts, professional peers, classmates, neighbors, etc. I quickly found that the people who would actually help me fell into three categories. First are the connectors who know “everyone.” They learned about new jobs, kept me top of mind, sent me leads, made introductions, etc. They provided meaningful perspectives on companies, people and roles. I could always count on them for generating fresh ideas, opening doors and sharing new paths to consider. The coaches were the people who really knew me -- my strengths, my gaps, my tendencies and doubts. They also understood the industry, the hiring process and how a successful job search worked. They prepped me for interviews, negotiations and helped me be my best. And, finally, I had my cheerleaders. On the days when my confidence was low, or doubts were lurking, these people lifted my spirits, distracted me from setbacks, made me laugh, encouraged me, and showed me the bigger picture. They were also my “hype” men and women. They reminded me that my past achievements and enduring skills were strong indicators of future success. Lots of people will “say” they want to help on your search, be sure to invest your time and energy with connectors, coaches and cheerleaders who actually do!

My friend was right about his “walk in the desert” analogy. Career transitions are a harsh test. They can be unsettling and worrisome on some days, but also liberating and refreshing on others. I have learned if you are patient and positive, give yourself grace, and find the right people to walk with you, you will make it to the other side – whatever, wherever and whenever that may be!

What will your Saint Peter's story be?

Tonight, I joined the Saint Peter's University Class of 2025 for a celebration at the annual Delaney Dinner. This event is a moment to congratulate our students, celebrate their achievements, and welcome them to Saint Peter's family of alumni. 

I spoke to our newest alumni tonight about my Saint Peter's story, and I was honored to accept their class donation on behalf of the Board of Trustees. I challenged them to stay connected to Saint Peter's throughout their lives and to help the next generation of Peacocks write their own Saint Peter’s stories.

My prepared remarks are included below.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!!!

Bill Price '91

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Good evening, everyone.

Let me begin by offering my warmest congratulations to our graduates—and to the families and friends who’ve supported them every step of the way. This is a moment to savor. Enjoy it!

I’m speaking with you tonight not just as a member of the Board of Trustees, but as a fellow Saint Peter’s graduate—someone who shares an unbreakable bond with each of you. And I'd like to share a few minutes of my Saint Peter’s story.

I grew up just a couple of miles from here, in the Greenville section of Jersey City. I went to Our Lady of Mercy grammar school and then Saint Peter’s Prep, where I had an academic scholarship that covered some of my tuition and my parents scraped together the rest.

My parents, both Snyder High grads, lived in the same two-family house on McAdoo Avenue for nearly 50 years. My mom worked as a secretary and office manager—including 17 years at Saint Peter’s—when she wasn’t home raising me and my sister. My dad served in the Air Force and worked more than 30 years at AT&T Bell Labs, supervising the mailroom and operations. Like many of your parents, they were hardworking people who wanted a better life for their kids.

When it came time for college, I had scholarship offers and choices to make. I wanted a high-quality Jesuit education—but it also needed to be affordable, personal and challenging. Saint Peter’s checked every box.

Like many of you, scholarships and financial aid played a major role in my decision. And today, I’m proud to say that 100% of our undergraduates receive scholarships or aid—thanks to donors, alumni, and trustees who believe in you.

At Saint Peter’s, I majored in English and minored in Marketing—what would probably be Communications today. I was editor of the school newspaper, played intramurals and pickup basketball in Yanitelli Center, and worked all four years in the Registrar’s Office. Everyone knew my name.

Through the Cooperative Education program—what you now know as CEEL—I gained career-shaping experience and advice that stayed with me.

My first job in PR came from a Saint Peter’s alumna, Kathy Fitzgerald, who mentored me for over a decade. I just toasted her at her birthday party a few weeks ago. Another alum, Frank D’Amelio, a former executive at Lucent and Pfizer, has always helped guide me through major career changes—not because he had to, but because that’s the kind of people Saint Peter’s produces.

One of my closest friends, Robb Santos, is flying in from the Philippines next week. We met here and have remained close for decades—through weddings, kids, moves across continents. His son is now a student at Saint Peter’s.

That’s what Saint Peter’s does: it builds relationships that endure.

Over the years, I’ve served on the Alumni Board, the Board of Regents, and now the Board of Trustees with amazing graduates and friends of Saint Peter’s. Giving back—through service, donations, mentoring—is how I honor the foundation this university gave me.

I share my Saint Peter’s story not because it’s unique—but because it’s familiar. Many of us have stories like it. And you’re about to begin writing your own.

Your graduation on Monday may mark the end of your time as a student, but Saint Peter’s will always be part of your life. If you’re lucky, it will keep weaving through your life—in friendships, reunions, careers, and community.

So let me leave you with one question:

What will your Saint Peter’s story be?

You won’t answer that fully today—or even on Monday. You’ll answer it over years and decades, in the big and small ways Saint Peter’s continues to shape your life—and in how you choose to stay connected.

Come back for games and reunions. Mentor a student. Support a scholarship. However you choose, stay involved. Help the next generation of Peacocks write their own Saint Peter’s stories.

That is a legacy – and lasting bond -- we can all be proud of.

Thank you. Congratulations. And God bless!