Although everyone thinks that spring is a time of renewal, actually (just like networking) any point in time and any excuse will do.
For those of us who are in their 40’s and 50’s, periods of unemployment early in our career have probably been non-existent. The experience of being unemployed can be stressful unless you use the time to good advantage.
One way of doing this is to, in part, create a new you. I’m not talking about plastic surgery but there are always things you can do that will make you into a “new” person.
After you have gone through the initial steps of preparing your job campaign and networking with everyone you can think of, it may be time to take a little breather and think about what you have done with your life so far, and what you want to do with over the next 20 years. (If you like shorter time frames, pick 5 years.)
There is an old saw about no one ever voicing regret on his or her deathbed about not having spent more time at the office. Alas, it is unfortunately true. In the rush to earn a living, we can easily forget what is really important in our lives.
Have you really spent as much time with your children and your significant other as you would like to? (Everyone can say it together – NO!) Believe it or not, during a period of unemployment it is even more important to spend time with those folks. The stress of a job search is not only borne by you. It is also borne by those around you. A little time spent can move mountains. (And, it won’t hurt you either!)
Have you read any good books lately or gone to a baseball game? (Or, whatever is your sport of choice?) These are important activities, which if done when you can’t make phone calls anyway, will put you in a more relaxed and hence better frame of mind for the battle ahead.
Are you on a regular exercise program? Every morning it is “one two, one two, one two” here in the Bud household. (Now the other eyelid!) Actually my wife and I try to go to the gym 2-3 times a week. And, during the summer we take our bikes down to the beach and bicycle where it is level and there is no traffic.
Have you bought yourself some new clothes? Clothes make the man or women. Don’t get carried away, but a few new items that will make you FEEL rich can’t hurt.
The point here is that you need to take this break in what was your normal routine to make your life a little better.
Who knows, this time may prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Regards, Matt
