By Claire Sakaoka, Owner, Chief Strategist

The first few weeks after you leave your job are a whirlwind of activity. First of all, you are in shock and processing, and then on top of that, you have former co-workers reaching out to you. Your phone won’t stop pinging with messages from friends and family. Then, as the weeks pass, these calls and coffee invitations get fewer and further between.

That’s when it starts to truly sink in: you need a new job. And a plan.

 The feeling is heavy and tight in your chest; you’d do anything to fill this infernal QUIET. You went from having every hour of your day scheduled to nothing on the calendar. It’s an odd and uncomfortable feeling, so you jump into a frenzy of action. You start applying for jobs quickly and furiously. You don’t know if you’d like the roles you are applying for, but you feel this is the next logical step, right? Sound familiar? Before long, you are in a complete tailspin, which is no good to anyone, especially yourself.

The secret formula to surviving “the quiet”

Treat your job search like a new job. Give yourself structure. Plan on dedicating 4-6 hours daily to your job search efforts.

Here’s a look at your new daily schedule:   

1. Identify jobs you actually could see yourself doing. Stop wasting your and everyone else’s time by applying for every job that comes along. You can do this by listing what you want to see in your next role and using it as your guide when you start weeding through job listings. This will help you stay on track.

2. Apply to at least one job each day (or set your own goal to this effect). When it comes to applying for jobs, it becomes a numbers game. The more jobs you thoughtfully apply to, the more chances you have of getting a callback or screening interview.

3. Conduct two networking calls with colleagues or contacts your colleagues have connected you with. This is often a tough one. It’s often uncomfortable to reach out to people and have a conversation. But push through this initial feeling and make the call. You’ll be glad you did. It will open the door to potential opportunities, build your confidence, and give you a much-needed break from “the quiet.”

4. Track all of your activity in your chosen software (Excel, Notes, etc.). Tracking is essential. You are only as good as your ability to keep track of your efforts. Be sure to include a “next steps” column and a deadline in your spreadsheet. For example, “follow up with Sue about the potential project in three weeks.”

5. Bookend your days with self-care and family time (exercise, meditation, therapy, kids’ practices, family outings, etc.). It’s important to be kind to yourself during this time. And it’s a fantastic opportunity to create a workout routine and spend time with your family and friends. Once you get your new job, it may take some time to focus on this area again. Seize it and enjoy it!

When you create structure in your daily life, you regain a measure of control of a situation that has made you feel powerless. It provides you with a sense of comfort and purpose. It also puts you on a path to move methodically and purposefully toward your next role.

Need help creating your new job search schedule? Drop me a DM and let’s chat!