Deb Koen: Turn your job search into something positive

Deb Koen
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Question: I was laid off and am actively conducting my job search. Although it's not my favorite thing, what tips can you offer on turning it into something positive?

Answer: Let's start with your favorite things. You know the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings. These are a few of my favorite things. When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad."

It may take more than simply remembering. How about realizing "my favorite things" through the places, people and pursuits of your life?

Places. Pick three of your favorite places to spend time in — aim for two old favorites, and search for a new discovery. You may know right away your ideal space, or perhaps you'll have to search your memory bank for special places. Once you determine your selections, which could range from a favorite room to a spiritual dwelling to a natural setting to a vehicle, designate slots of time each week to spend an hour or a day to meditate, create, reflect and replenish your energy.

People. Identify the people in your life you appreciate being around — the ones who make you laugh out loud or think deeply or allow you to just be you. Some of them praise and encourage, some challenge you to learn and develop, and others have a way of seeing the brighter side of any circumstance. Make sure that these positive people are on your route of weekly travels.

Pursuits. Develop a list of favorite activities that will fulfill your goal of "making something positive out of this." The clients I work with who weather the job search process the best have a knack for balancing employment activities with personally rewarding pursuits. Becoming a master gardener, taking a child to afternoon baseball games, learning to play an instrument, joining a bicycling club, volunteering one day a week, decluttering a house, starting a fitness routine, researching the family history are all real-life activities that people have pursed to enrich their experience. Pick the places, people and pursuits that will enrich yours.

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