FSS Newsletter :: March 2002

Career Corner :: Steps You Can Take to Help You Cope Between Jobs

Get healthy.
If you were caffeined-up, stressed out and exercise-free on the job, now is the time to get healthy. You don't have to lurch out of bed at dawn for your commute, so catch up on your sleep. Cut out the caffeine after noon. Curtail sugar. Hit the gym or go for energizing walks. You'll feel better. You'll look better. You will be more self-confident and therefore more attractive to any job prospect.

Carpe diem.
Chances are you were multitasking and being pressured to work as quickly as possible. Now is the time to smell the roses, kick the leaves and be good to yourself. Taking a couple of hours each day for "you time" is a valid investment in your mental and physical health. Don't deprive yourself of the things you seldom had time to enjoy -- your area's art, geography, surrounding countryside, theater, music, movies and parks.

Consider the possibilities.
If you belong to professional associations, check out branches in other parts of the country to see the status of your profession elsewhere and the opportunities available. Not being tied to a job may just provide the impetus to move to a city you've always liked or expand your ideas about what you can do.

Be more courteous.
When a friend goes out of her way to point you in the direction of a job, get out pen and paper and immediately write a thank-you note. The pen is mightier than the computer chip in this instance, trust me. The sooner you write, the more of the meeting or interview you'll remember, and thus your note will sound fresh and spontaneous. And of course, check and double-check spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary. You never know to whom your note might be passed along.

Cast a wide social net.
Don't isolate yourself. Accept social invitations and extend some of your own. Okay, so you're not in a position to entertain in grand style. Invite people for coffee and dessert or wine and cheese. Arrange movie dates. The idea is to stay in circulation and stay positive. Negativity breeds negativity. It's easier to stay upbeat when you have a steady diet of friends.

Give yourself a break.
Don't feel guilty about steering clear of people who bring you down, even if they are well meaning. Now's the time to concentrate on buttressing your own psyche and making yourself feel good.

Strengthen familial bonds.
Enjoy and get to know your family better. You might not have another chance. I remember persuading my Viennese grandmother to teach me how to make pastry during one of my "transitions." Before that point, I never liked her much. Yet when I sought out her wisdom, we bonded and have been closer ever since.

Keep an open mind.
This could be the time to ask yourself what you really want to do. What have you been putting off doing? Now is the time to reevaluate and take action.

Eat chocolate.
Treat yourself from time to time, as long as you don't overindulge. After all, it is a proven mood enhancer.

Be patient.
The position that's just right for you will show up -- perhaps not where you're currently looking for it and perhaps not as soon as you'd like. Nonetheless, have faith in yourself. Every day, go inside yourself to that part of your mind that's intuitive and wise. Ask for the guidance to steer you to your right place. Listen for the answers. Be open to miracles.

When you do find your place, waste no time thanking everyone who helped you along your way. Remember to "pay it forward" when you have the opportunity to help others in transition.