Is your job search a hobby or a job?

     According to my financial adviser the IRS considers a hobby an activity that does not generate significant net income while a job does.  Net income is the difference between your income and expenses.  Some activities ie photography are very expensive and therefore to difficult to generate income unless you have a good marketing program and regular clientele.  We could apply this concept to your job search/career exploration.  
    The net result of your job search should be employment in your chosen career.  You define what constitute employment.  For some people the goal would be an internship or volunteer experience at in a new company or different career.  This is an appropriate goal if you are still in school or attempting to change careers.  It could be part-time employment for a variety of reasons.  Perhaps you are retired, have other obligations or have physical limitations.  It could be full-time, seasonal, or temporary or permanent. 
     The expenses that you incur will fall into three major categories.  They are time, money and relationships.  Time is the number of hours per day that you devote to seeking another career.  This includes, research, travel, etc.  The financial cost include stationary, postage, phone calls, special attire/equipment, etc.  Many people do not realize that there are emotional costs to a job search or career change because it is not easily measured or tracked.  This cost will effect your relationships.  The most obvious cost is the emotional overflow you experience by being unemployed.  Your spouse/significant other, children and/or parents would experience or observe this overflow.  Your relationship with co-workers can be affected if they believe you are attempting to advance your career at their expense.  They may also avoid you if you were downsized and they are feeling survivors guilt.  They may perceive you as "not pulling" your weight if they believe you are no longer dedicated to the company's mission or field.   Friends could also become victims of your job search if they become overwhelmed by listening to you vent your frustration at not being able to secure suitable employment or if they feel that you are using them to secure employment with their organization.  You can also begin to question your own abilities and value.  There is a financial cost.  This is reflected in obtaining a resume, transportation, having appropriate interview attire and having phone/Internet access. 
      In theory, the more time you invest in your search, the more likely that you consider your search a full-time pursuit and will be successful.   Theoretically this should keep you motivated.  Initially it does however as time progresses they spent less time in the process.  This is attributed to a loss of  interest or depression.  I believe the loss of momentum can be attributed to increasing emotional or relationships costs. 
      So how do you keep your job search expenses down.  The financial cost should level off once you obtain stationary, an interview suit and other tangible items.  The emotional costs can be mitigated by developing multiple support groups or networks.  Other options include developing an exercise routine, maintaining daily schedules and grooming habits as well as new hobbies.  Be prepared for the loss of friends and acquaintances.  Try to reach out and understand their concerns.  If this is an important relationship seek professional help in order to mediate the break.  Be prepared to accept the fact that not all of your relationships will be able to tolerate the stress of a career transition and judgement should not be assigned to either party. 
      If you would like more information on this subject please contact me at chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com.   

Welcome to the Post Employment Offer Zone.

     OK,  you got the job offer, did the fist pump, victory dance plus your friends and family are ready to buy you a few rounds of your favorite beverage.   Man are you psyched!  STOP THE PRESSES!  There are some really critical things that you need to do because you are now in the Post Employment Offer Zone.
     The Post Employment Offer Zone is the twilight zone of  the vocational world.  It is a shadowy place where things are not what they really seem to be.   First, are you certain that you received a job offer?  Is it in writing?  Many offers are made on the phone with paper work to follow.  Make sure that your new potential employer has your correct contact information.  This is particularly true if you are moving from your college dorm.    If using Email, you don't want this package to land in the Spam Box, so take the time to update your files.  Did you make your intentions clear by sending a thank you note for the offer?  Your thank you note does not have to say that you accepted the position.  It is a written acknowledgement on your part that an offer has been extended.
      What did you say when you received the offer?  If you have been on several interviews recently, you might want to ask for 24 hour grace period  before giving your decision because you could receive another offer.  It would be very bad form to decline a position after accepting it.  Use this time, to tactfully determine your standing with the companies with which you have interviewed and would to obtain employment. 
        You sold yourself to the company but has the company sold itself to you?  Do you know the details of the job?   What is your job title, duties, responsibilities, and work hours?  Does it include relocation, health benefits, life insurance, annual/vacation/sick leave, education, and parking?  What is your salary and is it  negotiable?  If it is, now is the time to act.  If you have more than one offer compare benefits but do not engage in a bidding war.  The world is small and you could loose both offers. Who is you supervisor and are they the same person as your boss?  Did you meet them during the interview?  If your supervisor and boss are not the same person, how will you be evaluated and what is their relationship?   What training will be provided, where will it be and how soon will you need to complete it?
        If this wasn't enough to consider, remember your status has changed under the Americans With Disabilities Act and other laws that protect employees.  The employer now has the right to request a medical and perform other background checks.  Many jobs offers are contingent upon the results of these findings.  Review the information that you provided to determine that is completely accurate in order to avoid any confusion.  Consult with staff at the local department of labor office in order to be clear of your responsibilities and rights. 
         The last but far from the least of your concerns is evaluating the offer.  The key is to performing a good evaluation is to follow your gut instincts.  You need to know how this position will fit into your career plans.  Having a good understanding your life style, values, and attitude, will let you know if you will fit into that corporate culture.  Look at their mission statement, policy and any other information that you can obtain.
       Once you make your decision don't burn any bridges behind you.  Give your current employer at least 2 weeks notice.  If you are currently unemployment benefits, let the appropriate person know and ask if there is any assistance available while you transition into your new position.  This is important because you might be entitled to funds to relocate, uniforms or other supplies.  Let agencies, career centers and job search engines know that you have obtained employment and with who.  You don't want career counselors contacting your new employer with potential candidates for your position, nor do you want your employer to get the impression that you are still seeking employment.        
      Now, you can celebrate!

Career advise from my mom.

      Our parents have a tremendous impact on our career choices, goals and work habits, but, have you considered how they impacted your job search?   In honor of Mother's Day, this  week I am going to share some pearls of wisdom from my mom. 

1. No one will know how good you are if you don't bang your own drum.
2. Nothing beats a failure but a try.
3. Be polite.
4. Respect your elders (more mature people that you supervise and young people in managerial positions).
5. You want your boss to love you.  Always do your best work.
6. God gave you a mouth - ask questions.
7. Wear clean clothes.
8. Sit up straight.
9. Keep your focus.
10. Keep learning to keep earning.
11. Be friends with everyone on your job.
12. Mind your mouth (don't gossip).
13. Remember where you came from and who you are.
14. Just because everyone is doing it doesn't make it right.
15. Ask God to bless your efforts
16. Be mindful of the little people (or be respectful of all people including the cleaning people)
17. No job is too little for you (all assignments deserve your full attention)
18. Be true to yourself
19. Come early - stay late
20. You can't fall if you are sitting on the ground.
21. Be helpful.
22. Think!
23. Be thankful for your job.
24. Smile!
25. Ask God to guide your steps.
26. A dollar has four corners.  Pinch a corner for charity, a rainy day, to invest in yourself and one to live on.
27. Have pride in yourself because you are standing on the shoulders of your forefathers but never be over confident
28. You can learn with your eyes, ears as well as you hands. 
29. Take pride in your work.  Always do your best!
30. Look people in the eye when you talk with them.
31. Beauty comes from within not a jar.
32. Help others because someone helped you.
33. You are never alone.  Someone is always watching you even if it just your own conscious.
34. Aim for the stars, if you miss you'll catch the moon, if you miss the moon you'll catch the clouds, if you miss the clouds you'll land in a tree and if you miss the tree you'll still be on the ground. 
35.  If the Devil closes the door,  God will open the window but you need to climb out.

Amazing!  My mom knew the importance of networking, branding, self care, faith and optimism in order to keep and maintain a job.