How do you keep yourself busy whilst job hunting?
How do you keep yourslf ticking over? Do you do self initiated work, freelance, or something else? Job hunting can be pretty soul destroying, so I'm interested to hear how you get by!
- Opinion
- All professions
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Replies8
- Hey Joe, this is a great question.My advice is to get into a routine that forces you to get up, and keep going every single day.I remember reading an article on David Shrigley speaking about how he keeps making work, even when he doesn't have any ideas, and his response was to simply keep getting up, going to his desk and drawing. No matter what. Good or bad. Just keep going.Good luck sir!Alex
- There's some really good replies here, all very helpful! I have to agree that it's a really good time to do some passion projects you may not have had time to before, or even hobbies.I think the situation I've found myself in is a case of having so much time you relax too much, and end up wasting it away. It can be very draining being rejected from jobs, so while I agree it's good to keep yourself busy, you should also look after yourself.
- Some great advice already here, I guess one that I'd reiterate is to do some self-intiated projects.This could be a great time to work on something that you really care about, can have increased creative freedom on, to collaborate with someone whose craft you admire and to add things to your portfolio that you feel better define who you are as a designer.As a reference point, @Craig Oldham is a fine example of a designer who uses this authorial standpoint in a really effective way to shape his career and open up new opportunities.
- I'd always advise two things here, as i kind of feel job hunting is a full-time job....One is to vary your tactics on the job hunt by casting a wide net.Some times you just look specifically for roles; Google search for jobs, Linkedin, The Dots, Guardian jobs etc.Other times your explore where unlisted opportunities might be, Quora forums, Facebook groups, Slack groups (just google 'best 'profession' groups' and there are tones of sites that advise you on what to join - then you look around them and they almost always have a careers section).Another tactic (still going down the unlisted opportunities angle) is to make a list of all the top companies and companies you want to work for. Then start looking at their sites for jobs (as they may not actually list them anywhere else), or they may have a contact number that you can reach out to and say you'd love to work for them if they had anything it your space. You can also look for events where they migth have representatives or they are hosting ('cough' The Dots has events that show all this info) and make an effort to go to them, not just to meet someone there specifially, but also to get a feel for what areas the company might be interested in.Two is to really learn about what is happening with your industry and trade, and be proactive. Fortunately we live in a time where you can literally google anything and everyone is becoming more and more open about what they do (professionally).You can keep an eye on the 'Opportunities' section of The Dots if you want to work on side hustles that'll directly add to your CV. Or look at freelance work by just google opportunities.Another final tip i have is to google and look for articles around your industry (hitting the 'News' tab on search can help sometimes), then at the bottom of the article you'll most likely see comments. Look up the article writer and comment writers up on Twitter to get a feel for other related stuff they migth be talking about (you can even look at their followers to find more people). If you find the right 'inspiring' individuals they'll normally be sharing a while host of events to go to, books to read, courses to do, other people to follow.That's quite a hefty list of things, but if you attempt to tackle job hunting like this you are not just picking up on 'hidden' opportunities but you're also gearing yourself up for the interivew. You go in there with this wealth of knowledge and interest that will really shine through, and put you above competition. (Although now i've shared these tactics publically there's the chance that everyone will start doing it!)Hope that helps!
- Enjoy the downtime - you'll be wishing for it once you're back in work.Read the books you've been meaning to read, or the ones that will teach you something new, or the ones that will support your career development.Watch the films you missed at the cinema, or the documentaries you'll learn from, or the videos from the conference your last boss wouldn't pay for you to go to.Listen to the podcasts that will enhance your wellbeing, or the ones that interview people in your industry.Catch up with friends and family. Sleep. Work out. Travel.Do anything you want, because you can.
- I set myself project briefs and a deadline, it really helps to keep the momentum of creative ideas.Funny podcasts, museums and skills share events also keep me feeling sane and active during the job hunt!
- Following skillshare classes!
- Hi,I am trying to improve my computer skills with youtube videos or LinkedIn Learning. Sometimes I read books, free networking events, free online courses and freelancing work.
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