Patience is key to a successful career transition. Yes, you most likely have a long to-do list, but here are three strategies to avoid burnout between jobs.
Three Ways to Avoid Burnout Between Jobs
Many people are unaware of the emotional toll the job search can take. The process requires a high level of patience and perseverance. Recently, John Kristoff, a friend of mine, shared with me how his friend's passing affected him in the midst of his second career transition. This month he is going to share his thoughts to encourage us to find patience and perseverance in the job search
Patience and Perseverance
We live in a fast-paced, instant information society from grab 'n go to 8-minute abs (I'm still trying to figure out 8-minute abs!). Companies are constantly improving their products to make them nicer, better, faster. Technology changes so often that we have to regularly update our devices. Just look around you…the pace of society is brisk and isn't slowing down anytime soon.
Recently, my best friend Susan lost her battle with breast cancer. Since her passing, I have taken a thousand strolls down Memory Lane. I will miss many things about Susan…..her smile and personality would light up a room. Through all the trials and tribulations she faced over the last fourteen years, one constant remained true: Susan was a master at stopping to breathe, taking in the beauty around her, and never forgetting to appreciate it all.
Becoming unemployed and searching for a job is very stressful. The commitments of family obligation, personal development, and money weigh even heavier on us. Suddenly our pace is quickened even more for these reasons and a plethora of others. Submit that resume, make that phone call, conduct that phone screen, and submit documentation for unemployment benefits. All the while you're looking down and have blinders on…just like a racehorse with no peripheral vision.
Patience is key to a successful career transition. Yes, you most likely have a long "to-do" list, but what are you doing to glean the most from this journey? Here are three ways I learned how to "breathe" during my career transition:
- Stop and breathe…literally! Periodically get away from your regular tasks to a place where others are. Take time to find a place to relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings. Look for something or someone you have never seen at least once a day; you will be surprised by what you find. Try striking up a conversation with a stranger…you just might make a friend!
- Connect with nature. You can do this any time of the year! Whether you want to take a stroll, or go for a long run, your neighborhood or local park affords you the opportunity to get out and enjoy fresh air. There is no better stress reliever when you are in transition. I recommend getting outside at least several times a week.
- Find a hobby and somewhere to volunteer. Both of these activities allow you to connect with and help others. My hobby, boxing, allows me to breathe and disconnect (even when I get hit by my sparring partner!). I volunteer with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, United Rehabilitative Services and Ragnar Events. These organizations allow me to connect with like-minded people form deep relationships as the result of commonality. I have met many of my best friends this way.
Yes, we live in a fast-paced society, and that we cannot change. What we can control is how we react; we can stop to breathe, connect with nature, and interact with others in a productive way! That next opportunity, friendship, colleague or connection may be one person or phone call away. Look around -- what are you missing?
Reach out, look around, say hello, and be tangible!
John Kristoff is currently a program manager with WD Partners in Dublin, OH and an active volunteer with multiple area agencies. John has successfully weathered job loss twice in his career by applying the strategies he shares in this article. He enjoys meeting new people in coffee shops wherever he goes.
