For anyone in the throes of a job search, despite the declining unemployment numbers, there is an underlying anxiousness to quickly move onto the next opportunity. The uncertainty and lack of structure quietly grated on job seekers and families alike. Adding to this is the internal struggle that comes specifically to job seekers in the summer.
Summer time in MN is long-awaited and even craved by those who have endured the long winter months. The dreams of warm sunny days on the deck or on the boat, kicking back with friends and families, and down shifting into a whole different gear for 90 days is what gets Minnesotans through the other 275 days of the year.
But for the job seeker this creates an internal conflict between the little voice inside their head telling them to “get moving and get a job” and grieving and begrudging the possibility of missing out on summer, especially since they technically have the time off.
Here are some suggestions to be able to both enjoy summer and keep up momentum on the job search.
1. Go in with a “no regrets” attitude. In 3 months from now you don’t want to have any regrets about how you optimized these 90 days of summer.
2. Honor summer and take time with your family and friends. Frame it as an investment in your health and wellbeing so that you can be on your ‘A-game” as a job seekers.
3. Create and implement a schedule to job search 3-4 full days each week so that you don’t feel like you are losing traction or just starting your search when Fall arrives. A 40hr/week + job search is often exhausting and ineffective, so find a balance.
4. Take advantage of spreading the word about what you are looking for in your next opportunity at the various social gatherings that occur throughout the summer.
5. Recognize that despite the robust job market the hiring process overall slows in the summer. Don’t let it frustrate you. Roll with it and overall – ENJOY THE SUMMER!
