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Photo by Michael Schroeder
I’m trying to learn, this year, how to make time for recharging. It’s a hard lesson for me. Even taking moments out of my day to sit in the sunshine is hard for me, but I am trying.
Early starts
I tend to start my days very early. My alarm on weekdays is set for 4:42am because Son #1 must be at work at 6am. He sets his alarm but I still want to make sure and often he needs a ride to work. Son #2 has to be at work at 7am on non-rainy days. He does drive and did have a car and will have a car again as soon as we find him one to replace the one that was T-boned a week ago.
My husband could have a second vocation as a taxi driver. When he is not driving sons, his full time job is to care for his father and his father’s projects. At 88, my father-in-law is mobile (with a walker) and alert but for the past 4 years, my husband has been on a 12 hour day, 6 day a week schedule with him.
Since I work from home, after everyone is awake, I get started on the computer. I write most blog posts early in the morning if I can because I have most clarity then. I love writing. Doesn’t matter what, I love writing posts, resumes, and almost anything you ask me to write. I love social media so connecting with others and networking isn’t work for me.
All work is not good for you
But I know as well as anyone that all work (even if it is fun) is not good for you. This year, I change my settings, I go outside for lunch on sunny days. I end my days on the deck many nights with candlelight on the table just appreciating the day. And I schedule lunches or just fun with friends to break up my days.
We need to Recharge
Whether you are self-employed, working, or job seeking, we need to recharge. When we don’t take time to do that, we run the risk of burnout. As a job seeker that may seem odd but since job seeking is as much work as any other job and probably more stressful on the individual, you need to recharge too as a job seeker.
Recharging doesn’t have to be a vacation on the beach or a ski trip to Aspen. It can be as simple as breaks to appreciate the world around you or lunch with a friend.
Tell me how you plan to recharge today.
Julie, I think it’s critical for job seekers–esp those managing a longer (6 month plus) transition process–to periodically take some time to recharge.
The absolute worst mistake a job seeker can make is getting an opportunity and blowing it due to fatigue, negative mentality, etc. I refuse to let myself be that guy.
Oddly, this was something that I blogged about once upon a time, myself.
Ed Han recently posted..Staying Focused- Stand Out with Social Media
Thank you, Ed, I think you are very right. And I am glad you refuse to be that guy! I am guessing that the post you might be referring to is Staying focused: Learning from Actors, so I am sharing the link here so my readers can hear your perspective and the perspective of job seekers. http://edmusesupon.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/staying-focused-learning-from-actors/
Julie, thank you so much–and yes, that’s precisely the one I was thinking of. I didn’t feel right linking it as I didn’t want to distract from your message in this blog entry.
Thank you for your generosity, Julie!
Ed Han recently posted..Being Network-Worthy
No problem, Ed! I respect that in my visitors but I am always happy to share good info.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dawn Bugni and JulieWalraven, ed han. ed han said: And remember to do it! | RT @JulieWalraven: Where do you recharge? http://bit.ly/b5ITx6 #jobseeker Just Posted! [...]
Julie, I love this post and agree that it’s helpful to remind ourselves and those we care about (our friends, family, clients, community…) to allow time to rejuvenate. You’re so right that each of us benefits from doing so, and that even a moment to “just be” can be just the opportunity to re-energize that we need. Gardening or sitting and watching a butterfly flutter by, listen to the song of the birds (or their playful antics as they bathe) are just a few of the ways I invite in peace and quiet and recharge.
Yes, Shahrzad, the photo actually inspired the post. The idea of taking time to recharge is one that we often run from but it can be the best place to be. Thank you so much for sharing your recharging points with me. Teddy provides opportunities for me to work on recharging as he pulls me outside to stop and see the sky or plants changing. I know he is your favorite!
This post is an excellent reminder about keeping life in balance. If we burn ourselves out we won’t be of much use to anyone. As with most things it requires we be vigilant in keeping family, friends and fun a vibrant part of our life.
Great reminder Julie!
Bridget Haymond recently posted..Trusting your gut and slaying your Goliath
Thank you, Bridget. Great reminders from you also! I love that you often remind me to work on these things but it so fits your coaching talents.
Great post Julie! I seek refuge in exercise, books and time with my wife and daughters. Anything not electronically powered! Does the treadmill count? uh oh.
Treadmill counts, Brent, if you take the time to reflect as you do that. Even though mowing the lawn is work, I find that the break from the screen and being outside lets my mind wander. As Shahrzad said being in the garden or watching the birds takes you to another place. Thank you, Brent!
I have another client in love with the Interview Angel padfolio! See you bless others all the time!
[...] that means taking a short trip or trips to recharge your batteries and give you another point of view. Or perhaps it means you need to be out there [...]