5 Suggestions to Keep You and Your Job Search Sustainable
Is the job search wearing you down? Do you feel frustrated, looking day after day only to find no good leads? Or maybe, like me, you’ve followed some leads only to discover a scam or that you didn’t quite make the cut for whatever reason? It can be tough to keep going, to keep your spirits up. As a fellow job searcher, I’d like to share with you some of the things I do to keep both myself and my job search going.
1. Take a break. I currently work all day, come home, eat dinner, and chat a few minutes with my family. Then I start my second shift, looking for a new job. I check the various job boards, research new companies, send emails, craft cover letters, and more. That routine can get old pretty quick, especially if I don’t take any time for me. So, I try to make sure that I take at least one night or day off per week. Plus, you can keep it relatively inexpensive, depending on what you do.It could be something as simple as watching a favorite television show with my hubby after dinner (free). Or, it might be deciding to spend an entire day without doing anything job search related. For example, last weekend my hubby and I did all of our chores on Saturday. That way all of Sunday was ours to do as we pleased. We started with a leisurely morning of coffee and the newspaper ($1.50) and then headed out for a guided nature walk at Connemara Meadow Preserve (free except for gas to get there). Finally, we wrapped up the day with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants ($25 for two, plus leftovers for an additional two meals).
1. Take a break. I currently work all day, come home, eat dinner, and chat a few minutes with my family. Then I start my second shift, looking for a new job. I check the various job boards, research new companies, send emails, craft cover letters, and more. That routine can get old pretty quick, especially if I don’t take any time for me. So, I try to make sure that I take at least one night or day off per week. Plus, you can keep it relatively inexpensive, depending on what you do.It could be something as simple as watching a favorite television show with my hubby after dinner (free). Or, it might be deciding to spend an entire day without doing anything job search related. For example, last weekend my hubby and I did all of our chores on Saturday. That way all of Sunday was ours to do as we pleased. We started with a leisurely morning of coffee and the newspaper ($1.50) and then headed out for a guided nature walk at Connemara Meadow Preserve (free except for gas to get there). Finally, we wrapped up the day with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants ($25 for two, plus leftovers for an additional two meals).
2. Exercise. I know, I know...everyone suggests exercise for everything, but that’s because it truly is beneficial. Since I spend most of my day at a computer then come home and spend even more time there for my job search, getting up and moving is definitely something I need. Recently, I was fortunate enough to work out a deal with my boss where we take turns coming in a bit late so that we can walk in the mornings. Typically, I get in 3-4 walks per week since I also aim for at least one walk during the weekend . Not only does it get my blood pumping in the morning, but I am in a better mood both from the exercise and hearing the birds sing. Best of all, walking is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to get a little exercise.
3. Read a book/magazine. The main idea behind this suggestion is to get away from the computer. It is completely up to you what you want to read. I’m currently reading Orion magazine. It keeps me up with what is going on in sustainability/green/social issues and in the back is a section about various grassroots organizations. I have also borrowed books from the library on job skills that I wanted to brush up on or learn more about such as new media practices.
4. Volunteer. Volunteering can get you away from the daily frustrations of the job search, as well as help you network, learn new skills, and give back to the community. Who knows, it might even lead to a job down the road. However, don’t just volunteer for any organization. Spend a little time thinking about where you want to donate your time and skills. Make sure it’s a good fit for both you and the organization. I share my time with my local Toastmasters club as a mentor for new members. I help them learn about how Toastmasters works, prepare for speeches, and serve as a sounding board. In return, I get to give back to the club, which has supported me over the years while sharing in the enthusiasm of a new member. Not to mention the friendships I’ve made!
5. Try a career/personal coach. I will be the first to admit that in the past I would have been skeptical of this suggestion. After all, what the heck is a personal coach and what does she or he do? The short answer is a personal/career coach is an objective party who can help you focus on your goals and strategies to reach those goals. I met my coach in a roundabout way and then kind of slipped into an informal arrangement. Talking with her has not only tightened the focus on my goals, but it has helped me improve my outlook. If you want to hear more about my experience with a personal coach, stop by Red Raven Circling on Wednesday, March 25th when I will talk more in depth about it.
A career placement specialist once told me that searching for a job is a full-time job. Not only is it a full-time job, but in the current economic situation it is quite stressful as well. I hope that trying a few of these suggestions will make you and your job search not just sustainable, but successful as well. Happy job hunting Green Gigs readers!
3. Read a book/magazine. The main idea behind this suggestion is to get away from the computer. It is completely up to you what you want to read. I’m currently reading Orion magazine. It keeps me up with what is going on in sustainability/green/social issues and in the back is a section about various grassroots organizations. I have also borrowed books from the library on job skills that I wanted to brush up on or learn more about such as new media practices.
4. Volunteer. Volunteering can get you away from the daily frustrations of the job search, as well as help you network, learn new skills, and give back to the community. Who knows, it might even lead to a job down the road. However, don’t just volunteer for any organization. Spend a little time thinking about where you want to donate your time and skills. Make sure it’s a good fit for both you and the organization. I share my time with my local Toastmasters club as a mentor for new members. I help them learn about how Toastmasters works, prepare for speeches, and serve as a sounding board. In return, I get to give back to the club, which has supported me over the years while sharing in the enthusiasm of a new member. Not to mention the friendships I’ve made!
5. Try a career/personal coach. I will be the first to admit that in the past I would have been skeptical of this suggestion. After all, what the heck is a personal coach and what does she or he do? The short answer is a personal/career coach is an objective party who can help you focus on your goals and strategies to reach those goals. I met my coach in a roundabout way and then kind of slipped into an informal arrangement. Talking with her has not only tightened the focus on my goals, but it has helped me improve my outlook. If you want to hear more about my experience with a personal coach, stop by Red Raven Circling on Wednesday, March 25th when I will talk more in depth about it.
A career placement specialist once told me that searching for a job is a full-time job. Not only is it a full-time job, but in the current economic situation it is quite stressful as well. I hope that trying a few of these suggestions will make you and your job search not just sustainable, but successful as well. Happy job hunting Green Gigs readers!
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