When you’re wrapped up in a job you really enjoy, it can often seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But when you’re looking for a job, it can seem like the exact opposite.
You’ve got past the initial blow of being made redundant. You’ve indiscriminately sent out your CV to recruiters and now all you have to do is wait. And wait a little more.
Suddenly, it can feel like all your family, friends and colleagues are out at work while you’re stuck on the couch watching the minute hand dawdling around the clock face. It’s a seemingly inevitable lull of boredom, frustration and lots of daytime TV.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Now’s the time when you can really take stock of what YOU want. When did you last have this kind of time to really research your career? A job search can give you the time, space and ultimately freedom to explore all sorts of avenues that were previously closed to you.
Think about a time in the past when you were working in your worst job ever – you were possibly undervalued, almost definitely underpaid and if you were very unlucky, had an oppressive manager breathing down your neck. Now think about how you’re feeling today. You’re the manager of your career, in charge of your own future. You’ve got absolutely nothing to lose; you should be feeling liberated.
Once you’ve realised that you’re in control, you’re ready to begin organising your time wisely. So here’s the key: stop waiting around for things to happen. Make them happen. Pick up the phone. Approach companies you want to work for. Expand your online network through social media. Market yourself.
Seems simple enough, right? Unfortunately, jobseekers are creatures of habit and need the familiar ‘comforts’ of procrastination, apathy and downtime. This is where Workthing+ can help you stay motivated and keep you on the right track.
Once you’ve explored the site, you should have a good idea of how to ‘make things happen’, research your career, and successfully manage yourself to make those hours fly by. I’m going to sum up with the very fitting words of John F. Kennedy: “We must use time as a tool, not as a couch”. So get up off yours.
Natalie Harris
Editor, Workthing+
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