Tips for Balancing Job Hunting and Current Employment

Whether you’re starting to search for a new job while you still have an old one or looking for a job while holding down multiple positions, balancing job hunting with current employment can be complicated. It is important to maintain your highest performance and take into account the strain, mentally and physically, of keeping up with a job search and existing job demands.

Create a Plan for Your Job Search

Before you can begin your job search, you need to create a plan. Take into account your current position, hours, and responsibilities. You'll need to decide how much of your free time or energy you are comfortable putting toward job search activities. You also need to make sure you allow yourself enough time to rest. It's important to have a plan in place to hold yourself accountable and ensure you don't overwork or burn out. Set a timeline and stick to it — for example, you may create a goal to send out five resumes per week.

Avoid Talking About Your Job Search at Work

Discussing your job search with your employer can be a tricky situation. It's generally not a good idea to talk about it on the job, as it may create tension with your co-workers or supervisors. Of course, if you get promoted or receive an offer from another employer and decide to leave, you should notify your current boss in a respectful and professional manner. When informing your employer of your decision, be sure to say that you’ve enjoyed the job and learned valuable skills.

Be Discerning about When to Network

Networking is a crucial part of a job search, but you need to respect the boundaries of your current job. If you decide to attend networking events, look for ones that are held during evenings or on weekends so that your job search activities don't interfere with your current job responsibility. You should also use discretion when talking about your job search online. Refrain from posting job-related updates or messages while you're at work.

Balance Your Tasks Wisely

Balancing job hunting and your existing job requires you to prioritize your tasks wisely. Identify the areas of your job hunt that require the most effort and work on those activities when you are not on the job. For example, spend your evenings updating your online resume, writing cover letters, or researching new job opportunities. During the hours you are on the job, finish your workload and focus on meeting or exceeding job expectations. As you update your skills or increase your productivity, ask your employer for a reference while you’re still employed.

Start Looking Early

Before you start to balance a job search and current employment, you must be realistic about the timeline. it could take weeks or months to find a new job, so plan ahead. Begin your search as soon as you realize you may be looking for a new job, as this will give you more time and flexibility to manage your workloads. Make sure to review the terms of your contract carefully if you are a contracted employee and understand the rules around the length of notice.

Take Advantage of Your Paid Time Off

It's important to take breaks if you’re juggling a job search and current employment. Schedule time off in advance and use your vacation and sick days strategically to attend interviews or travel to interviews without sacrificing too much pay. If your employer has flexible scheduling or telecommuting policies, consider taking advantage of them to save energy and create more time for job hunting activities.

The Bottom Line

Managing a job search and existing job can be difficult, but with careful planning, you can do it. The key is to create a plan, set boundaries, and be smart with your time and energy. Keep in mind that your current job is a reference, and the better you perform, the more likely future employers are to consider you. By following the tips above, you can ensure that the balancing act of job hunting and current employment goes smoothly.