Welcome Distractions During the Job Search
You’re restless. Your phone is right beside you, turned up to the loudest ring, so you definitely won’t miss “the call”: the one you’ve been anxiously awaiting after you applied, interviewed, interviewed again, and came home to hang your suit back up in hopes this is would be the last time for a long time you would need it.
Whether in the beginning stages of the job application process, or anticipating the final hiring decision, the time when you are just waiting to hear back can be nerve-racking. Here are a few ideas, whether you are currently employed or unemployed, to keep yourself distracted from the state of anxious anticipation.
Volunteer Your Free Time
Focus your attention and energy on giving back to your community or a particular cause you are passionate about. Read to kids at the library during the day, when you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get away from the office. Help coordinate the local farmer’s market or prepare meals for those in need. Not only does volunteering make the world a better place, it will also help your job search.
Reconnect with Friends, Family and Mentors
Your job search should not consume all of your time. Take a break from Indeed to go get coffee with a friend you haven’t seen in weeks or catch up with a mentor who can be a reassuring voice. During really busy seasons at work, it can be hard to get time to spend with family. Use this bonus time to love on those who support you most.
Learn a New Skill
Maybe you want to learn to code. Perhaps you’re interested in learning to quilt. No matter your interest area, taking a class feels purposeful and productive in the face of a long job search. A few places to start looking for classes include your local college, Lynda, Skillshare, and Harvard Online Learning.
Concentrate on Your Health
The rush, rush, rush of work makes it easy to put off getting healthy. You will get healthy – after this big deadline, when things slow down, etc. While you are waiting to hear back is the time to develop and commit to healthy habits. Going on a run or taking time for meditation are much better for you than LinkedIn stalking your potential new coworkers or refreshing your inbox every two minutes.
Finish Lingering Projects
If you have a half-finished craft project or have been meaning to install your new sound system, now is the time. Instead of dedicating only a few minutes to your hobbies every now and then, make an effort to give your attention to a project for an extended period. Productivity and purpose stave off the common feelings of anxiety and aimlessness, which often come with the job search.
