Fall Is a Time of Transition
For many people, fall is a time of transition: kids going back to school, shorter days, end of daylight savings time, falling leaves. No matter how satisfied we are, the seasons help us remember that we need to let go of some things and move on to others. Because fall is a time of transition and change, it can be a good time to reevaluate your career even though it is a slow economy.
Here are some tips to help you stay focused in a tough economy, especially if you are thinking about a new job or a career change:
#1 Stay in control
No matter how difficult things are in your life, there are always areas that you can control. What are the critical things you need to do to continue moving forward in your life and career? What can you control? Whether it is cleaning up the house, sending resumes out, or exercising, there are always things you can do.
What are crucial things you need in your life for peace, joy and stress reduction? Is it walking your dog, eating chocolate, doing yoga, a family dinner? What are things you can do every day that will make a difference? Accomplishing small things each day can make a change. Doing for others is also helpful. Keep in mind you are living in a country where you have freedom and choices. You live better than probably 90% of the world.
#2 “With a little help from my friends”
Research shows over and over again that stress is greatly reduced by having support from friends and family. Networking, networking, networking. Fortunately, it works. In tough times, this is probably one of the best ways to get a job. The old adage- “It’s not what you know, but who you know” makes a big difference. Let friends and family know you are looking for new work by letter, E-mail or phone and be specific about what you are looking for.
#3 Know and Honor Yourself, especially your abilities.
The more you know about your own abilities and how to incorporate them in your life, the more successful you will be. What kind of work makes you feel like time is suspended? What activities would you do even if you weren’t getting paid because you enjoy them so much?
“One of the primary characteristics of happy, productive successful people is that they see themselves in a future that feels positive and attainable.”
“A defining characteristic of people experiencing stress, depression, burnout, boredom, is that they do not see themselves in a future that feels positive.”
From The Lemming Conspiracy-How to Direct Your Life from Stress to Balance by Bob McDonald and Don Hutcheson.
#4 The economy will change.
History shows that we will not be in this situation for the rest of our lives. We have all been in hard times and know that eventually we move on and the situation does improve. Look at how you handled yourself during other challenging times or observe how other people react in tough times. We are never too old to learn lessons.
