Unemployed vs. Between Jobs

I heard a quote recently that went something like this: “Luck is an opportunity for which you are fully prepared.”
Many, many people seem to be cruising the want ads these days. Downsizing, burnout, boredom, change of career path, desire to be passionate about one’s life, etc. are all reasons why so many of us are seeking the next step professionally.
We will need to be employed again at some point (usually sooner rather than later!), so we are actually “between jobs” when unemployed.
This can be a time of panic, fear, overreacting, anxiety, and stress, or it can be a time to regroup, expand, create, experiment and trust.
There are some ways of using this unique time that may be healthier than other ways. Here are a few:

• Reassess your actual financial situation. What are your assets; savings, retirement funds, bonds, stocks? What are your liabilities?  Create a stripped down budget by eliminating things you can temporarily live without. Is it time to refinance your home at a low interest rate, stop using your credit card, or consult a financial advisor? Do spend wisely, but don’t stop all spending. You may need some tools for your job search or other essentials as well as occasional treats; Starbucks, a movie, etc. that are important for you to take care of yourself and not slip into scarcity or self-denial mode.
• Look for work but don’t look full time. Stay focused and use your time well, but also enjoy your free time. This will not last forever. Go to the gym regularly, read some good books, take baths, enjoy cooking for your family. Do things that relax you, nurture you.  And know that if you look for work 40 hours a week, you may not be at your best when the right job does come along.
• Use this time to educate yourself about your field or other things you may have always wanted to learn: another language, gardening, cooking, crafts. Take a course at a local community college, get some job-based training in a different field, or brush up on your career skills for a more interesting resume.
• Consider the benefits to you and others of volunteering in your community. Usually when we feel most deprived and afraid of what we don’t have, it is the best time to give something away. Use the Internet to research organizations that are in line with your concerns about the world and its challenges.
• Suit up, show up and expand your social and professional parameters by getting up and having someplace to go, whether to meet a friend for lunch, get exercise, meet new people, etc. The more people who know you and know what you are looking for, the greater the chance that networking can work it’s magic. It might be someone who knows someone, so don’t be shy about distributing your resume or chatting people up about who you are and what you want for yourself.
• Go on interviews even if it isn’t the ideal job. Practice being interviewed by a friend or an actual real interview can get you over the hump of fear and trepidation if it has been a few years since you were in the hot seat. You can gain confidence and comfort with this until it comes easier for you.
• When “Luck” comes your way, it will be because you are fully prepared. Then when offered a job, you can ask yourself, “Does it forward my personal vision for my life? Does this job honor my values? Does it excite me? Do I have the time, energy and skills needed to take advantage of this opportunity? What would be the cost of passing it up?”

Recognize that opportunities will always be available to you. You will continue to be confronted with a plethora of opportunities throughout your life. Some will shine brighter than others. No missed opportunity in any way impacts all the others that are waiting around the corner for you. Do not waste your time and energy regretting “the one that got away.” Know that another opportunity capable of providing equal or greater rewards is just waiting for you to recognize and pursue it!

Quotes:

“Most people achieved their greatest successes one step beyond what looked like their greatest failure.”  Brian Tracy

“Never, never, never quit.”  Winston Churchill

“Your work is to discover your work, then with all your heart, give yourself to it.”  Buddha

“A failure is just a success that needs more work.”  Helen Brown

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