Take Time for Yourself
Alright, well, I may be new to the job searching game since I have only officially started on December 31st, but two solid weeks of emailing, and interneting, and networking is enough. Everyone needs breaks. I took this entire 3 day weekend off from my job searching and took a bus down to New York City to visit with some friends. Was my mind *completely* off of the search? No. Did I casually slip in that I was job searching and looking for leads to any friends I hadn't discussed it with before? Most definitely. Was it all worth it? Of course. Now I'm reinvigorated to wake up and get right back to it all tomorrow morning.
When I first started I was feeling guilty about waking up too late, so I started an hour earlier each day with my search. A positive result from the guilt, I'd say. Then I was feeling guilty about taking an hour break for the gym in the middle of the day. I quickly snapped out of that negative way of thinking because when I do get interviews, no one is gonna wanna see a girl who hasn't been taking care of herself.
Unemployment does not mean laziness and time off of gym routines. If anything the gym is a PERFECT distraction even if you're not used to going. First, it gets you out of your house on those days you're just glued to the computer. Second, it gives your eyes a MUCH needed break. Third, it can clear your mind. For me, it's almost like a mid-day reset button that's better than coffee. I'll go, and run on the treadmill for awhile, and glance over at the tvs across the way. I'll see something on there that will spark an idea of a company I could work for, or someone I could contact. In other words, I get creative because I'm not agonizing over the unemployed predicament I find myself in. And finally, it's just good for you. You're not as active when you don't have to get up and go to work everyday. You tend to snack more while you're working on those resumes and cover letters. Your metabolism slows down.
I was lucky - my gym at home isn't the most comprehensive, BUT it gets the job done and is only $10 a month. I would prefer the OTHER gym across town, but being unemployed means also being frugal so spending $75 a month isn't the best way. I can't speak for other cities, but I know for New York, if you can't afford one of those snazzy trendy gyms like Bally's or New York Sports Club, there is an incredible alternative that the city offers. The New York City Parks and Recreation Department offers use of their fitness facilities in the 5 burroughs for $75 a year. My gym was on 53rd and 1st, had an indoor track, basketball courts, free weights, treadmills, nautilus machines, and a pool. For $75 one time you really can't go wrong. The downside - they're closed on Sundays. Big deal. Go for a walk.
If you really are scraping the bottom of the barrel for money - go walk outside. Bad weather? Go walk in the mall after hours with some friends. The point is - get out. Take a break. Get active. There are NO negatives to taking a little bit of time each day for yourself. If anything - it'll only help your job searching.
When I first started I was feeling guilty about waking up too late, so I started an hour earlier each day with my search. A positive result from the guilt, I'd say. Then I was feeling guilty about taking an hour break for the gym in the middle of the day. I quickly snapped out of that negative way of thinking because when I do get interviews, no one is gonna wanna see a girl who hasn't been taking care of herself.
Unemployment does not mean laziness and time off of gym routines. If anything the gym is a PERFECT distraction even if you're not used to going. First, it gets you out of your house on those days you're just glued to the computer. Second, it gives your eyes a MUCH needed break. Third, it can clear your mind. For me, it's almost like a mid-day reset button that's better than coffee. I'll go, and run on the treadmill for awhile, and glance over at the tvs across the way. I'll see something on there that will spark an idea of a company I could work for, or someone I could contact. In other words, I get creative because I'm not agonizing over the unemployed predicament I find myself in. And finally, it's just good for you. You're not as active when you don't have to get up and go to work everyday. You tend to snack more while you're working on those resumes and cover letters. Your metabolism slows down.
I was lucky - my gym at home isn't the most comprehensive, BUT it gets the job done and is only $10 a month. I would prefer the OTHER gym across town, but being unemployed means also being frugal so spending $75 a month isn't the best way. I can't speak for other cities, but I know for New York, if you can't afford one of those snazzy trendy gyms like Bally's or New York Sports Club, there is an incredible alternative that the city offers. The New York City Parks and Recreation Department offers use of their fitness facilities in the 5 burroughs for $75 a year. My gym was on 53rd and 1st, had an indoor track, basketball courts, free weights, treadmills, nautilus machines, and a pool. For $75 one time you really can't go wrong. The downside - they're closed on Sundays. Big deal. Go for a walk.
If you really are scraping the bottom of the barrel for money - go walk outside. Bad weather? Go walk in the mall after hours with some friends. The point is - get out. Take a break. Get active. There are NO negatives to taking a little bit of time each day for yourself. If anything - it'll only help your job searching.