As I wrap up nearly seven months of an incredible journey of re-employment, I have to stop and appreciate where I’ve been so far. When I stepped out into the job market back in December of 2012, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of uncertainty, but elated by the possibilities that lay ahead. There are several things I learned along the way, but the most important one is this: every job is temporary.
That’s been a hard reality to swallow, and it’s certainly not been one unique to me at my previous employer. Turnover at my old job was frequent, anyone from an administrative assistant to a Senior Vice President has been shown the door abruptly, unceremoniously, and unexpectedly. And that’s just in the past few months. No kidding. Whatever your job is right now — whether you’re a cubicle slave in a soulless corporation or a full-time job hunter — it won’t last forever.
That has several implications. First, you need to have your escape plan ready. Don’t keep personal valuables at work. Store all electronic data you’d like to take with you on a USB flash drive — your address book, documents, and anything that might come in handy if you’re ever shown the door.
Second, remember that experience is the most important thing you can gain at any job. If you’re comfortably watching the clock day by day doing the same boring tasks over and over, pay attention. No matter how much you’re being paid, you gain nothing when it’s your time to leave. Use your job as an excuse to gain experience and learn new things. Knowledge is one thing nobody can take from you when you’re told to clean out your desk.
Third, remember what really matters. Your friends and family will still be there even when that soul-sucking company is just a footnote in your resume. Always make time for them. Especially don’t put your job ahead of your children — no job is more important than being a mom or dad.
Here’s one last bit of advice for those between jobs right now: enjoy this brief pause in your employment history. I know it can be terrifying to have your supply of income cut off for the time being, but don’t overlook the most valuable asset you have on your side that nobody chained to a desk can enjoy — time. You have more time on your hands to pursue dreams and try new things. You won’t have to ask your boss for permission to take a long lunch and visit a former co-worker. Now is the time to start your own business, pimp yourself out as a freelancer, or make a go of that business plan that’s been sitting in your desk for the last few years, collecting dust as you kept your feet on the ground with that rock-solid career you thought would last forever. Dreams can be achieved when you have the time and freedom to go after them.
For me, these have been some of the best months of my life. I’ve spent quality time with my little girl, taking her to the park for lunch, visiting the Y and getting exercise in the middle of the day. I’ve also been doing loads of freelance work from the comfort of my own home. Financially, we did great. We didn’t have to take a dime out of our savings, and we’ve actually paid off some serious credit card bills instead. I’m especially glad to leave the angst-filled cubicle world far behind me, but that’s another story and will be told another time. For now, I’ve learned many important things, but the key one is this: every job is temporary. Take what you can from it wherever you are now and remember never to stand still.