Extended Job Search--Keeping the Spirits Up

In today's tough economy, many will encounter extended periods of unemployment. In fact, as a job seeker you must avoid the temptation of accepting the first crummy job offer that comes along. The two essential elements to a successful extended job search are a consistently positive attitude and a relaxed and quiet confidence based upon an unshakable belief in self and passion for a chosen career. So how can we remain calm and positive in the face of inevitable set-backs and frustrations.   Having experienced three extended job searches during my working career, I certainly don't have all the answers but can offer a few suggestions: *  Make the tough financing choices up front needed to "purchase" sufficient time for a successful job search or career transition. Always assume the best ultimate outcome but the worst in time and resources needed to get there.   *  Plan out the job search or career transition process in advance with clear target dates for completion of all phases which you can control. Of course, you can't target the precise date when you will find your next job, but you can target dates to complete and distribute resumes, contact prospective employers and complete necessary vocational training.   *  Throughout the process, visualize yourself performing the target position of your dreams--begin to think and communicate like an incumbent.  (I have spoken about thhe process of visualization in previous blogs.)   *  Develop one or more fallback contingency financing plans which You can implement in rapid succession should the job search take longer than anticipated.  Possibilities include accepting temporary or part-time work, renting out your house (if it can't be sold) or over the short run significantly curtailing discretionary family expenditures.    *  While not abandoning your dreams, be prepared to think outside the lines.  Instead of a steady paycheck, have you considered buying a business or multi-level marketing? How about recruiting as venture partners individuals with a passion similar to yours?   *  Ignore bad news. Any night of the week on national or local newscasts we hear stories about high unemployment and dim prospects for recovery. Don't watch these programs--they apply only in general and not to your specific situation. You can be miles ahead of your competition. The only news you should be tracking is specific developments in your targeted business or career area.   *  Take periodic "vacation" breaks from your job search but only long enough to refresh mind, soul and body.  Consider these breaks the same as you would vacation time off from a job. These breaks should never be long enough to destroy momentum or costly enough to significantly worsen family finances. I offer three closing thoughts:   1. Approach your job search or career transition as a "win/win" proposition. Your location and acceptance of the position of your dreams will benefit both you and potential employer as well as all of those you will serve.   2. Never forget that your worth as an individual can never be defined solely by your vocation. You must never let your job master you!   3. Once you locate your dream job, never cherish your career too much, certainly not at the expense of your health, relaxation, loved ones and service to others.   I would like to hear about your job search experience. Are there lessons you lhave learned which you would like to share with others. Please respond to this blog or email me at roy@middleagerenewal.com.