Juggling Job Hunting and Current Work

Two Full-Time Jobs at Once

Many job seekers find themselves in a difficult situation when they’re looking for a new opportunity while also trying to do their best work at their current position. It can feel like managing two full-time jobs at once - one for your current employer and another for the job search.

This can be a stressful experience given that job seekers are often looking for quite different skill sets than the ones they're currently developing. Even if they have the same job title or industry, the new position might require entirely different skills. It’s the job seekers’ responsibility to make sure they can transition between the two environments effectively.

Cultural Considerations

In addition to making sure that their skills are transferable, finding a job while still employed means that job seekers must be mindful of cultural issues in the workplace. The decision to move on from a current job should be handled tactfully and professional. This means avoiding gossiping about the facts or having private conversations with people in the office. This can leave a bad impression on potential employers that also work in the same industry.

It’s also wise to be careful about discussing the job search with co-workers or peers. Many employers will frown on anecdotal evidence that reveals knowledge of the job search, especially if it is used to make comparisons to the old job. This can lead to a decline in performance from the employer’s perspective. It is important to be respectful to all parties when handling the job search.

Know Your Options

As job seekers juggle their job search and current work, they should also consider their options. It’s possible to transition to a new job without completely disconnecting from their current employer. Job seekers can stay in touch with their contacts at the company, participate in conferences and seminars, or volunteer/mentor.

These activities can be valuable in the job search since they can open up different networking opportunities and help job seekers stay current. Additionally, job seekers can get creative and use social media tools to increase their visibility and demonstrate their expertise in the field.

Taking Time Off for Interviews

Job seekers should also be aware of how much time they have to dedicate to the job search. If job seekers are taking time off from work to attend interviews or for other job hunting tasks, they need to be upfront about this when meeting with potential employers. The last thing the job seeker wants to do is hide the fact that they’re actively looking for a new position from their current employer.

However, job seekers can also opt to look for jobs during their off days or after work hours. They can also look for flexible job opportunities that allow them to work from home or on a flexible schedule. This can be a great way to make sure that the job search can be balanced with the current job.

Staying Focused

The job search can be daunting and time-consuming, but it’s important to stay focused on the goal. Job seekers should take their time to understand what’s important to them in their next job, and make sure that they have a clear action plan in place to make it happen. This will help them prioritize their search and make the job hunt more manageable.

Finding a new job while still employed can be a challenge, but it can also be a great opportunity to hone new skills and build valuable relationships. With careful planning and thoughtful execution, job seekers can balance their job search with their current employment.

Conclusion

Attend interviews with employers with directness and professionalism. Take time off from work only when needed and be transparent about taking interview days if necessary. Leverage off days, flexible work, and social media engagement to progress your job search without compromising your current role. Above all else, stay focused on your job search and what you need to do to land your dream career. Juggling job hunting with current work can be a challenge, but the rewards can be great.