The temptations are there – warm, lazy, casual days, when
the shoes of choice are “flip flops.” Taking the summer off
and getting back into the groove of things when the “kids
go back to school” would be very easy. You think to
yourself, “Nothing’s happening during the summer anyway –
everybody goes on vacation during these months.”
Stop! This is not the time for giving in to those pleasures
and giving up on your job search, at least not all the way.
You are better off pacing yourself during the summer
months, and not stopping your search altogether.
Currently, the numbers of jobs being added to the workforce
are reported as a positive sign that things may be opening
up on the job front. You don’t want to miss out on new
opportunities or let someone else get that great job you’ve
been waiting for – do you?
Here are six ways to get through your job search this
summer and still enjoy some sun and fun – guilt free.
1. Get up earlier. The sun is up earlier and the early
morning hours are much cooler than at high noon. Try
leaving your blinds open or shades up and rise when the sun
begins to stream through the window. Try to remember what
it was like getting up for work on those cold, winter
mornings. One bonus to early rising is that the house can
be quieter. Hit the Internet before the rest of the family
or household is even out of bed.
2. Set a schedule for yourself. Plan to work at your job
search for a certain number of hours each day – 2,4, or 6
hours. Stick to the schedule that you set for yourself. If
you work on the schedule that has a beginning and an end,
you can quit on time and still enjoy the rest of the day –
guilt free.
3. Take advantage of new networking opportunities. Getting
outside more often or going to new places, will expose you
to more people. Be sure and make contacts whenever and
wherever possible. The best networking is done in the least
expected places. You may be sitting at the community pool
and connect with a neighbor you haven’t seen all winter.
Suddenly you have a new contact.
4. Use discretion when networking. Remember, it’s summer
for everyone. Don’t take away from the relaxation of the
day by “talking-shop.” Be careful to use common sense and
good manners when networking. You are never seeking a job –
you are seeking information. Conversations can lead down
new paths if you don’t force the issue.
5. Work in the cool of the evening. Some people work best
in the evening. If you are one of these people it is best
for you to work when you are your most creative. Play
during the day and set for yourself an evening schedule to
work the Internet, to do research and to send e-mails.
Contacting people by phone when working in the evening is
difficult, however. You may have to work in some day hours
to connect with people when necessary.
6. Forget your search and enjoy. When you decide to enjoy a
summer picnic or an all-day outing, let go of your job
search and enjoy the day. Permit yourself a vacation day
from your “job” of job search. Give yourself permission to
have some fun and not feel like you should be out there
job-hunting. The idea is to feel guilt free and to have
some summer fun.
Although job hunting is certainly a key goal for anyone who
has been out of work, it is also a good idea to take time
“to smell the ocean” once in a while. You will find
yourself refreshed and more energized if you take time to
enjoy family and friends. By giving yourself permission to
take the day off, you can “play” without the guilty
feelings that you “should be home working.” By setting some
limits for yourself, you can work hard and still play. You
might even surprise yourself by how productive you can be
as a result. As the slogan goes, “You deserve a break
today!”
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Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor.
Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can.
Get a copy of her FREE 9-part “Interview Success Tips”
report by visiting Carole on the web at
http://tinyurl.com/2kd3xm The Interview Coach
http://www.interviewcoach.com
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