Put aside your job search for a while and enjoy the holidays.
One thing on shopping lists at this time of the year is batteries. Batteries come in different sizes to accommodate the various toys and electronics they will be used to power. You want the ones that will keep going, and going, and going.
You are like batteries when you search for a job. You keep going, and going, and going. But like batteries, you will lose power and need to recharge. For the next couple of weeks, take time off from your job search. You have worked hard on your search for a long time. It’s time for you to enjoy the holiday. Think of it as your holiday vacation.
Taking some time off from your job search won’t hurt. In fact, it can only help. In order to recharge most batteries, they need to be not working when recharging. That is what you should be doing. Be fully in the moment without the job search being on your mind. Put it out of your mind and concentrate on the holiday.
You can put to rest the resumes and cover letters, refrain from searching the big boards for open positions, and anxiously waiting for the phone to ring with an interview or job offer. The only thing you will need to continue is networking. Nevertheless, you can build relationships instead of leads, relationships that you can follow-up on after the New Year and should certainly do so. You can enjoy the friendship and conversation instead of trying to get a sense of whether this person can help you.
Make some time for you. Relax, read a book, take a nap. Do whatever makes you feel good and less stressed. Watch your favorite holiday movies and other things that make you feel good. Spend some time laughing with others. When you get back to your job search, you will feel rejuvenated and ready to go.
Make happy memories with family and friends. With this time, you can do things you haven’t done because you didn’t have the time. Do some cooking and baking; they make delicious gifts. Decorate your home. Attend the parties and events that you haven’t been able to in the past. Enjoy the holidays and what comes with them.
Yes, enjoy the even the children wired up from eating too many cookies and too much candy; the friend or relative who had just a drop too much of Christmas cheer; the crowded stores and traffic; and the unsolicited advice from yet other well-meaning source. These, too, are what memories are made of.
Enjoy this respite because this little break is soon over. On January 2, you will be back at your job search rested and ready to go with new enthusiasm.
