Grinning Through The Pain Of Your Job Search

Sometimes no matter how much you try you can’t - and don’t want to – make your current job work for you. Maybe it’s too many demands coming from too many places; maybe it’s the lack of systems that is driving you crazy. Whatever it is, you’re at your breaking point and you know it’s time to look elsewhere for career fulfillment. If you’re like most job seekers, a new job isn’t going to fall into your lap the second you want it to. It’s going to take a little time to find the right positions and companies in which to apply. And you know what that means, right? You have to make the most out of the situation. nnTake Time to Unwind If you’re miserable at your job, you might have a problem with ‘turning off’ your thoughts about your current job and job search during your down time. That’s natural and completely understandable. However, you don’t want this to take over your life. While it takes a lot of time and effort to find a new job, you have to make some effort to have fun and relax. Set up a certain amount of time to work on your job search each day or week while making time for other fun activities. This is a necessity for keeping your sanity.nnDon’t Get Overwhelmed Take your job search one day at a time. You know the steps you need to take in order to secure a new position. Write out a plan and make it happen. Make it a doable plan though. If you don’t have 4 hours a day to spend on your job search, then don’t plan for four hour’s worth of tasks. Instead, plan what you believe is achievable but that also makes you work on a timeline. Try not to get too stressed about the whole process. Prepare your documents and yourself for your job search and you’ll gain more confidence in your ability to land a new job.nnMake the Most of Your Situation While you’re looking for a way out, don’t forget that there are many opportunities that may present themselves exactly where you’re at. Training to sharpen transferable skills is a perfect way to add depth to your resume. There may even be positions in other departments become available that interest you. Of course, this only works if you’re willing to stay within the same company. If staying in the company is not an option - and especially if you have ill-will toward some people there - it may be tempting to step on some toes on your way out. Don’t. You never know when you might see those toes again. There is no need to go around with a chip on your shoulder just because ‘you’ll be leaving soon.’ How soon is soon? You have no idea so put your happy-face on and act like you plan on being there until you retire. Many times when you’ve come to the conclusion that you’re ready for a new job, you’re already behind in your job search. Get that resume updated and polished, search for posted jobs and network. Find out what’s out there and then make your move.