Mikey P is the latest reader to ask this question. “Laurie, how will I know when it’s time to start looking for a job?”
My answer is always the same. You should never stop looking for a job.
- You look for a job when you are gainfully employed because it’s easier to find a better job — and a better-paying job — while you still have a job.
- When you find the perfect job and you are happy, look for another job in the same company — or with a competitor — so you can gain more responsibilities and earn more money.
- You’re at the top of your game and you don’t want to earn more money? Bullocks. You’re never at the top of your game, and your kids will never stop bleeding you dry. Complacency will get you fired. Look for a job so you are prepared when the hammer falls.
Many people look for a ’sign’ before they begin a job search. Let me be your sign. Your company won’t turn down a chance to outsource your job to China, and your boss wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to throw you under a bus to save money in the budget.
This is the sign you’ve been waiting for, yo. Start your job search today. Look for a job from the comfort of your warm cubicle with free, company-sponsored high-speed internet and your cushy Aeron
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Amen sista! I have been on a job search for the last 7 years and (knocks on wood) have been able to always stay gainfully employed(at a couple of different jobs) the entire time.
laurie,
I am under the impression that going through life is a job search. Or else, a lengthy audition for a role in a sitcom pilot, especially for those of us working in HR!
– Michael
I always feel a sign that you need is a full-time job is that you’re talking to an object and actually having a conversation with it a la Wonderfalls.
@HR Underling I’m always on the look out for a new job — but I’m 99% unmotivated to go back to work in Corporate America. I have my own personal struggles with this very issue.
@Michael Life is a lengthy audition in general. You are so existential. Le sigh.
@Tracy That’s a very good sign. Also, here’s a sign: your boss no longer makes eye-contact with you. Hit the streets — STAT!
Agreed except for the part of doing it from your cubicle/office over company internet. While you have those things sure, but not on or with company property. Never know who in IT or otherwise is watching.
@Corey Have you ever fired someone for using the internet to look for a job? Have you ever fired someone for using the internet? I’ve fired someone for looking at pornography — but that was 1998. Since then, I’ve fired people for being assholes and being thoughtless. I’ve fired people for being crude. I’ve fired people for being lazy and unproductive.
I think this is a blog post — have you, as a HR professional, ever fired anyone for using the internet to do a job search?
My guess is no — or at the very least, it’s an anomaly.
Actually I have. There are a good number of employers who would see using company time and resources to job search as a betrayal. Better safe than sorry. If you don
Corey, awesome. I think this is the new HR controversy of the week. We need Breanne to weigh in on this one, too!
Let me be your sign.
You are kicking out one great post after another!
I just found your blog and like your style. A nice change from a lot of somewhat stuffy career sites. I agree! In this age of at will employment, you have to keep your eyes peeled.
Curious: Does your blog have a theme song? How about “I wanna be sedated”?