Keep the Lines of Communication Open

The focus of a networking meeting last night was to explore how two individuals landed their most recent jobs.

I love hearing stories of success.  These stories both involved a re-invention. What both of these people did was to assess and communicate their passions.  It wasn't as easy or linear as they had thought it would be.  But the results were spectacular.

A common thread for both of these success stories was keeping their families in the loop.  Paul considered it a coaching moment for his children.  Robert and his wife worked very hard to prevent their children's activities from being impacted.  With the support of his wife and family, Robert found that he was able to maintain his momentum.

The discussion in the room became about how families/wives/husbands didn't understand what was taking the search so long. There's an old saying, before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his moccasins.  For those in search, you wouldn't wish that in a million years.  Search stinks.  But it is helpful to communicate what you are doing and the results of your efforts with those who love and care about you.  You see, they are just as scared, if not more, than you are.  Keeping them updated on what you are doing and the outcomes will help them in many ways. 

You will need the strength and fortitude of your family sometimes. Just ask that they listen-no advice needed.  It is lonely looking for work.  You've lost friendships from work and you need your family more than ever. 

During stressful times, sometimes people tend to remove themselves or drawback from the support of those that care.  Fight the urge.  Lean on them, gently if necessary. 

The stronger the relationship, the better for everyone involved.  Work diligently and with purpose to maintain and nurture all relationships.  

Thanks to everyone in the Employment & Career Club for their open discussion and sharing.

Comments

[Career Sherpa]

Carol, YES! Great advice and thank you for your motivational words!

[Carol White Llewellyn, The Finger Lakes Travel Maven]

Searching for a job is one of the most challenging things a person finds him- or herself in the position of doing.

People learn to work. They don't learn how to search for work, so learning HOW to search can be a hurdle.

They are disenfranchised...from the friends they had at work...from their work identity...from a daily routine...from work they enjoy doing that brings in a paycheck.

If you are out of work, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to establish a routine that feels comfortable.

~ Get dressed every day in clothes that you would be willing to be wearing if you were to run into a potential employer.
~ Set hours for your work of looking for a job.
~ Set up a communication system with your spouse and family so they know how they can support you and are abreast of what you're doing.
~ Decide how many times a week you will be out there networking or going to meetings. Many are free or can be done for the cost of coffee.
~ Learn something new, on your own, from a friend or in a class.
~ Don't take rejection personally. A job search is a lot like selling. If they didn't "buy your goods," it wasn't a personal decision, it was a business decision. Look at how you can strengthen your portfolio, but don't take the rejection personally.
~ Look for fun things to do that costs low or no money...picnics at local parks, festivals, fireworks, outdoor concerts, hiking...
~ Try to meet new people each week.
~ Keep a record of progress so you feel achievement at the end of the week.

If you are proactive about your search, it will be easier to keep your spirits up because you'll focus on the progress you're making, the new people you're meeting and the things you're learning instead of the absence of a job.