Summer Job Search Blues
Well, “blues” isn’t really the right word, but rather what I think of as a natural time when in general things slow down. If you’re like me and you like fast or faster, this can be disconcerting. But here’s a different way to think about it. Sometimes doing less is productive. You take time to notice what’s going on around you and that may lead to an interesting connection. You enjoy the wonderful summer weather. You reconnect with friends and family. But that doesn’t mean give up on your search. And it sure doesn’t mean that hiring isn’t happening.
I was on the phone yesterday with a woman I was referred to by a former client, and she was so helpful. I felt reaffirmed in my search and like her, ready for a new challenge. This is a great benefit of networking–you learn something new, feel energized by someone you didn’t know, and like the blues, turn your complaints into a song that makes you feel really good.
I used the summer slow time last year to look at different ideas and paths to follow on my job search. These were things I didn’t have the time for during the spring and fall times when things are moving “faster’ as you say
In the end, the things I developed and worked on in the summer contributed more to my success than the things I was doing in the spring and fall. Of course, I have the luxury of looking back at the process now
Thanks, Thomas. That’s a good reminder. It’s sort of a “slow down to speed up” thing, isn’t it? Or as the old cliche goes, “haste makes waste.” And yes, hindsight is awesome!
Hi Jean,
Your blog comments are so right on. The “doing less” time around the July 4th Holiday has given me some time and creative thinking ideas for my search.
I had lunch today with a board member from my previous employer, and as you found, his insights were incredibly helpful, and just telling him about my search made me feel better about it and gave me new ‘strength’. (As I’m writing this, he just responded to my email saying “Great to see you, stay in touch and let me know how I can help.”
This was a great Friday the 13th!
Thanks for your excellent ideas, Jean. Linda