Employment the Easy Way

Catchy title, ehh?   Don’t we all wish we could find the ideal career with ease?  Well, finding great employment does certainly take effort—but some of you may be trying too hard. 

You know who you are.  You’re the person who spent the past five sunny days glued to your computer browsing for job listings and researching companies.  You’re the one who responds with a tense “No” when someone asks you if you’ve found a job.  You’re the person whose blood pressure shoots up whenever you do get a few seconds to talk to an employer.  I know you because I’m one of you.  We’re the overachievers of the nation, and we get really, really tense when we’re out of work.

Have you ever seen someone who’s been dumped into a swimming pool unexpectedly?  He’ll typically flail around for a few minutes, sputtering and submerging while he gets his bearings.  That’s you.  You’re making a lot of effort, but is it getting you anywhere .  Be willing to acknowledge that trying harder is not the solution.    

It’s time to search more strategically—not harder.  Here are a couple of ways that you can do that

• Document what you are doing.  Keep a daily schedule or chart.  Make it simple.  (Remember you’re not trying to add to your work load.)  This is something for you to review at the end of the week.  Congratulate yourself on what you have done and decide what you might do differently next week.   This document is just for you, but you are welcome to wave it at anyone who accuses you of being “lazy” or of not actually trying to find a job.

• Look around.  You need perspective.  Remember how solutions often arrive when you’re thinking of something else.  Read the newspaper.  Watch the news.  Go to a networking event.  Visit a favorite spot.  Volunteer somewhere.  Get away from the computer and interact with other people!

•   Be intentional about relaxation.  Plan breaks for yourself.  Think of something you enjoy that you want to add to each day.  Add it to your schedule so you don’t forget!  

• Schedule exercise.  Doing a physical activity will help you sleep and will beat back the stress monster.  Right now my favorite form of exercise is gardening.  Find an exercise that works for you and stick to it!

Don’t feel guilty about indulging yourself a bit.  You will be at your best with employers if you are fresh and rested.   Employers are looking for individuals with a well-balanced lifestyle.