Or maybe the game has just changed. Recently I moved to Portland, OR. It has been an exhilarating journey, full of excitement, anxiety and anticipation. Before our actual move I would have never guessed this was how everything would have turned out.
One thing is for sure. I know the journey is not over.
This most recent transition required that I leave work that I loved doing and begin a job search in a new city with not many contacts.
The job hunt is a scary place to be, no one wants to tell their friends how long they have been looking, how many applications they have filled out and how very few interviews they are getting. It’s just not something you put on a bumper sticker!
I am now working with a fantastic company doing some really cool things as their marketing specialist. I am excited to go to work every day and I know the wait was worth it.
With that said, here are 4 disciplines I found helpful while on the job hunt that I think will be helpful for you too:
Get Moving:
When you get your heart rate up during your morning routine you set the pace for the rest of your day. I started most days with physical exercise.
This kept my body moving and gave me some discipline to build my day on. It also gave me time to listen to books and podcasts which kept my mind moving too!
Accepting Your New Position:
Congratulations, you have now accepted a new position! Looking for a full time job has become your new full time job. Especially if you don’t currently have work.
You aren’t going to find a job sleeping in, sitting on the couch or at the beach.
Finding a full time job is a full time job.
Get Connected
First off, you need some emotional support. This journey is going to be an emotional roller-coaster and at times might seem hopeless. I was so thankful for friends, family and church community during these moments.
Secondly, get networking. Read these 7 Tips To Make You a Pro at Networking Events to get started.
Making connections in the field you want to work in will open up doors. You never know who knows who or what a single conversation can turn into.
Read:
You need to keep your mind engaged. Reading keeps you growing and learning. It also builds mental and intellectual disciplines that keep your mind sharp.
I recommend that you read 48 Days To The Work You Love by Dan Miller.
Dan has a fantastic process to help you move forward, helping you examine where you are, what you are good at and where you should start. Dan’s book gives you a track to run on, providing excellent resume, interview and negotiation wisdom.
It is also beneficial to read something unrelated to the job search, read some history or leadership development. Another book to help you dream big and dig in is Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk.
Consider Your Options:
Think about what you really want from your work. Dan and Gary’s book above help you work through this.
Do you really want a job, in the traditional sense of trading time for money? Maybe you do and there is nothing wrong with that.
Maybe you want to discover some skills and services that you can offer as a sole proprietor or business owner. Or perhaps a mix of both.
Remember that regardless of whether you work for yourself or someone else, you must take responsibility for your own future.
[Tweet “Whether you work for yourself or someone else, you must take responsibility for your own future.”]
Stay focused, stay engaged, stay sharp and keep growing so that you will be able to see new opportunities to earn an income and do work that makes a difference.
