The #1 Enemy Of A Successful Job Search?

I agree with this to a point and obviously each person’s situation is somewhat unique.
That said, I’ve left a position voluntarily or was laid off in my most two recent positions over the last 5-6 years. Depending on the situation, I think it is perfectly acceptable for a person to go through a “detox” of their most recent situation, take a step back, do some things they want that are FUN, and then spend some serious time looking deep into themselves to determine what makes them tick, what their likes and dislikes are, what they want out of their next career, etc.
Obviously there are other factors that may prevent this (having to get a job right away to pay the bills, etc.), but if you have the opportunity to do it, it can be a very freeing and rewarding exercise.
I’m going through that process right now. I don’t see it as procrastinating. I see it as doing things at my own pace…and I don’t see a need to apologize for it. Too many people jump into another job too quickly and then find themselves 6 months, 12 months, 18 months or so later in a position where they say “I don’t really like this company…or I don’t really like what I’m doing….”…and they leave or get let go and then make the same mistake over and over again in their careers.
So don’t put off everything that needs to get done in your life. Procrastinating can be debilitating. But, on your job search or career search, take a deep breath and really try to figure out what you want to do next. And don’t feel guilty about it. It’s YOUR life and YOUR life only. If someone doesn’t want to hire you because you took some time to truly analyze the next step in your career, then that isn’t the right company or position for you. And that’s ok. Be true to yourself. Be true to your values and morals. And don’t accept the fact that you are forever destined to be in job or career that you don’t like. One thing is for sure…you always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So quit shooting at the wrong basket.

Hi Mic and thanks for your thoughtful comment. Know that I, like you, believe in planned time off during job search. Procrastination is more about not doing what you know you should do and must do to find a job. And there are many afflicted by this. Absolutely, as you say, take time to find yourself!

Nice article on procrastination. I finally got around to reading it.
It’s important in the new world of work to manage your career intelligently. And that starts with a plan. Ideally it should be a Personal Business Plan, one that incorporates your career and personal goals into a cohesive plan of action.
You could even use a business plan software program, like Business Plan Pro, to create the plan. It works pretty well.
At our Career ReBoot Camp event we provide all the information, tools and resources needed to create a Personal Business Plan or Career Plan. It’s important to gather all the information you need beforehand from websites and blogs like this one, and events like ours, before you create your Plan—just like you would if you were building a business plan for a client or your own business.
I would also suggest taking a break now and then from the job search—a mini vacation (or even a real vacation). From my personal experience you will come back energized and recharged to tackle the considerable tasks that you will face job searching.
Once, back in the 90s, I was suffering from career burnout and decided to take a year off and live in Europe. I sold a lot of stuff, cleaned out my savings, and rented out the house for a year.
Everyone said I was crazy, that I would harm my career, and would lose momentum. I went anyway.
I bought a car and traveled all over Europe from Sweden to Yugoslavia. I settled in Paris and lived there for half a year. I went to great restaurants like Taillevant and collected wonderful art and just soaked up the delights of being in Paris in the summer.
When I returned I had less than a thousand dollars. But, to make a long story short, within six months I was making far more money than I ever had before.
I also had an idea in Europe that became a wonderful and profitable business. I like cars. And in Europe I visited as many auto manufacturers, car museums and Grand Prix races as I could. I thought, if I like this so much I’ll bet others do too.
So I started International Motor Tours. For six years I took auto enthusiasts to Europe all summer. I met Enzo Ferrari. I hung out in Monte Carlo. I went to fantastic nightclubs and restaurants. I headquartered in St. Tropez. And I made about a thousand dollars a person.
At the same time I started an advertising/PR agency and it bacame successful.
Looking back I think taking the year off was the reason why I entered this long and successful (and financially rewarding) period of my life. The time off recharged my batteries, released all the stress from my life, and allowed me time to think and dream.
Very few people to anything like this. They go to school, they get a job, they get married, they have kids and then they get rewarded by getting laid off. It’s important to carve out your own life in this world and do what’s right for you. And if that means taking a sabbatical, take it.

Thanks Bernie! We all had those days – I’m here for you!

Voluntary delay on an intended course of action despite its grave consequences….procrastination…..can land one in trouble & can make one miss the golden opportunity. One really needs to clear & practical about job search, career related decisions.