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Job Seekers: A Sense of Place
My mom has had some health issues recently (she is recovering very nicely). So during the last three weeks I have spent many days in the hospital and doctor’s office. It has been interesting to watch the interplay and teamwork among the various health care employees.
Doctors, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, nurses’ aides, specialists, physical therapists, and those that deliver meal trays and make sure the hospital rooms are clean…each of them contributes to the health of the patients they serve. And each role is important. Meaningful work contributing to a larger purpose.
They are part of a team as they take turns checking on patients–sticking, probing, taking, and drawing whatever they need to help create better health. There’s a rhythm to their work, even when they don’t know each other’s names.
Watching this activity reminded me of the sense of place our employment frequently offers. Our work environment provides structure, routine, and the familiar—good and bad.
So what happens when you become unemployed? That sense of place is gone. You have nowhere you have to be Monday morning. Your 10:00 a.m. bagel run is replaced with checking out monster.com. And the bantering, teasing, arguing and support that comes from working with people? Probably replaced by the drone of the TV.
May I suggest this…
During your unemployment, create your own sense of place. Create a work area that becomes your office. You are now CEO of John/Jane Doe Finds a Job. Set your schedule—mark it on the calendar. What are your office hours? When is lunch? Identify your daily goals from your job search strategy. Create your own team. Schedule regular meeting times at the local coffee shop with other job seekers or supporters—banter, tease, argue, and support each other.
You are the CEO. What does your calendar and list of responsibilities look like for the week of January 4th?
