Job seekers are forced to work from home
➔ You know you love it. Aside from the obvious (re: paycheck) it’s one of the things you miss most about not working. It’s simple: you miss the regular give-and-take socializing that became as much a part of your work day as doing the actual work.
Mixing and mingling. Talking and joking. The anticipation you crave when it comes to looking forward to sharing something with a co-worker. The infamous water-cooler banter – you know you love it.
In fact, many teachers readily note that one of the things that they dislike most about their jobs is the paucity of adult conversation. Continuously speaking at a sixth grade level – with sixth graders – can be taxing.
Someone to talk to
So now that you’re looking, you miss the day-to-day give and take. As well you should.
Contacting recruiters and prospective employers – and even interviews themselves – all provide some level of human interaction. But all of that is more formal. You have to “be on” all the time with them. You can’t let your hair down with them.
So what’s a body to do? Get out! Get out of the house. Go somewhere. Speak with someone.
First of all, your normal job search routine should include informational interviews. Many times these meetings are either informal in nature or they are with a former colleague – someone with whom you can relax and be yourself. That “being yourself” has been recognized by psychologists are being very theraputic. Many job seekers admit to feeling rejuvenated following such meetings.
The same can be said of attending networking events. They are opportunities to meet and converse with other professionals. Admit it, not all the time you spend at networking events is spent “talking business.”
In the absence of those things, if you find yourself up against some dreary afternoon (all of this becomes exaggerated during the dark days of winter) there are other outlets. A trip to the library to do some research – or to just get away and clear your mind for a while. Actually, most any kind of shopping – even for groceries – will be a welcome break.
Break with the routine. Get out of the house. Breathe in some fresh air (or whatever passes for fresh air where you live.) Stretch your legs. Strike up a conversation with someone.
Sometimes when you feel the need to take a break, take it. You deserve it. And it can pay some real benefits.