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Five Traps to Avoid While Out of Work
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Friday, 20 March 2009
Five Traps to Avoid While Out of Work
Featured Speaker: IT Career Coach Margaret Meloni
Over the past three weeks IT Career Coach Margaret Meloni has shared her insights into how to make the most of your time while out of work and looking for a new job. She started by telling us all the things you should do, but what are the things to avoid?
Turns out there are plenty of time wasters just waiting to snare you now that you're hanging around the house. Here are five traps to avoid.
1. Daytime television
Sure, you haven't caught an episode of General Hospital for years and you're wondering what book Oprah is reading these days, but there are much better uses for your time. Don't fall into the daytime TV trap—it can be hard to escape. Besides, says Meloni, if your spouse sees you watching TV when she leaves for work in the morning and sees you watching TV when he gets home from work, they might start feeling resentment no matter how much you accomplished in between.
2. The Internet
Yes, the Internet will prove invaluable as you search for your new technology job, but it can also be a huge time waster. "There's so much out there," she says, "one link leads to another and before you know it you're reading an urban legend about a 200-year-old catfish."
3. You're too busy to try something new
It is very easy to tell yourself you're too busy to try something new or you're afraid to take on something new because you'll be going back to work soon. What a waste of opportunity, says Meloni. Seize this newfound freedom. If you want to join a group, take a class, or volunteer...do it. Sure, a new job may cut your classes or volunteer time short, but you won't feel like you wasted an opportunity.
4. Buying Yourself a Treat
Being out of work can be depressing and it feels good to buy yourself a treat. Getting yourself a double mocha cappuccino is one thing, says Meloni, but buying an expensive piece of jewelry or a new toy for the car just isn't smart. "Don't shop your way out of depression," she says.
5. Having too good a time
Throughout this series, Meloni has been advising people who have been laid off to enjoy this time. But don't over do it and have such a great time that you no longer have time—or the inclination to look for work. "Enjoy the time, but set limits. You have to continue your job search," she says.
Meloni also has some great advice on how to avoid personal characteristic traps. To learn her tips, listen to the audiocast.
Featured CIOZone Blogger Margaret Meloni
Margaret Meloni heads Meloni Coaching Solutions, which helps Information Technology professionals create career strategies that bring them success and enhance their work experiences. Margaret has more than 18 years experience in Information Technology.
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