Panache

Many people who quit one job get a feeling of FOMO when they are either hunting for new jobs or are looking for better opportunities. But you can utilize this time to the best of your advantage.

All you need to do is to be clear, adapt, and plan. Wondering how to do it? Below is a list of things you can do instead of anxiously waiting for your phone to ring.

Re-asses your career path.

One of the best things that you can do when you are taking a break in-between two jobs is re-aligning your career priorities. We have become part of a system where you need to work from 9 to 5 and be free only on the weekends.

However, for once you are supposed to look at the bigger picture and see where your priorities lie exclusively. Not where the system is pushing you to be. What kind of job would you want to have next? Would you require a certain skill set for that?

Would you need a job that will give you enough time to work on your side hustle or passion project? Or your regular job would be the main focus of your career? Would you be looking for promotional opportunities next? Or should you work in the same job position?

These are some of the most important questions that one needs to ponder before one start working at the next place.

Update your resume.

This is also the best time to update your resume thoroughly. Add any leadership roles that you might have taken at your last workplace. Mention successful projects that you were a part of.

What about specific contributions that you might have made in the company you last worked at? Don’t forget to mention any skills that you have acquired during your tenure. And how much personal growth that you have gone through from the time you started working there.

Also, remove any unnecessary things from your resume that do not contribute to your career trajectory any further. Keep your resume short and crisp. Design your resume in an interesting way to stand out among all the black-and-white resumes that an HR goes through.

Research and look for mentors for your next step. (Network)

Once you update your resume, you need to update your LinkedIn profile. Add the relevant people to your account and try to get any recommendations from your peers or colleagues where you last worked. This will not only help you in networking but leave a positive effect on the recruiters.

Once you are clear about the kind of work or job role you want to pursue next, you can start networking with people in the same industry. Try to DM them and ask them relevant questions. Probe them to share their experiences from the same industry.

This step would give you a high chance to impart in an effective network as well as getting into the circle that can benefit you accomplish your career goals.

Learn and add some new skills.

By the time you leave one workplace and try to join a new workplace, the technologies are already updated. While waiting for a call from HR, look for the latest upgrades in your industry.

Check and see if there is any new software that can make your work faster and more efficient. Can you incorporate AI into your work? MS Office has updated its software dramatically. Try to update yourself on the new AI- incorporated MS Excel and MS power-point.

You can take classes and learn something related to your side hustle or your passion project as well. It would not only give you motivation in your 9 to 5 but enhance your skillset for the future.

Check and see if there are any workshops, fairs, or conferences happening that might interest you or are relevant to your industry.

Side hustles or freelancing work.

According to a study done by Upwork, over 64 million Americans have a side hustle or freelanced through various industries. There is no denying that we are already a part of the gig economy.

Though the income from these gigs is not sufficient to run a household they are more than enough to maintain a source of passive income if you can prove your prowess.

Therefore, it is high time when you can convert one of your passion projects into an income source. Make sure it is somewhat related to your passion or the industry you are a part of. That way it won’t be a burden for you, thus making it more sustainable.

Re-asses your finances.

Your regular 9 to 5 barely leaves you with time and energy to look at your bank account. But now when you are in between jobs you can always look at the financial statements and check where your money actually goes.

Get rid of any unwanted subscriptions. If you can renew any EMIs or loans, it is high time to do that. Diversify your investment portfolio by researching into new ventures. And see other ways through which you can earn money.

After deciding your financial priorities, you can easily re-align your financial goals and set something aside for the future. Don’t hesitate to plan a vacation, maybe, you need it the most.

Think about the work culture.

It is very important to think about the work culture that you want to be part of in the future. Many people experience some or the other kind of toxicity at their workplace. And that may affect them in more ways than one.

Now, when you have all this time by yourself. It is not only essential for you to get rid of any past toxic experiences but it is also significant that the next time you work, it would be in a supportive environment that contributes to your growth as well.

Robert Greene has written many masterful books on human relations and interactions. He stated in an interview that working in a toxic environment for too long can traumatize you for life. So, you better think about the work culture and environment before you say yes to the next opportunity that comes your way.

Take a break to understand yourself.

When you’re too invested in your work life, it is easy to forget yourself. You might not be the same person who started working. Now you are a different individual at a different stage in your life.

You might want to think about yourself. Think about your purpose, your health, and your mental and emotional well-being. It is okay to take a break and check your personal priorities and where you want to go next in your life.

Jumping from one job to another may make you more lost in the system without a sense for yourself. You would want to come back and feel your existence every once in a while.

Also read: 8 things to know about yourself.

Also read: How to become the best version of yourself?

Also read: How to live for yourself?

Take a break and Travel.

You might have always wanted to visit your dream place but you never got the chance to do the same because of your work schedule. But now since you are on a break from your regular life, you can utilize this time to do some traveling.

Vacationing when you have to return to the same workplace and the same schedule is not the same as traveling and getting lost. Use this moment to travel and get some insight into a new culture and a new perspective altogether.

You may discover new meanings to life and might start to see life with a different lens altogether.

Also read: How to live an interesting life?

Declutter your Life.

When was the last time you got rid of all the things that are of no use to you? Clothing, accessories, home items, digital files, etc.

This is the best opportunity to get rid of the things that don’t serve any purpose in your life. It doesn’t matter if you are a minimalist or maximalist. Tossing things away that are cluttered will create room for more opportunities and growth.

Also read: How to get out of Life-rut?

Also read: Why don’t you feel fulfilled in life?

Conclusion

When you are in between two jobs, it can be a highly stressful time. Suddenly, everyone is going to their regular work and you are feeling left behind. The feeling of missing out during these times can become toxic and demotivating.

Instead, make it the best time to turn your focus towards yourself and your life goals. You do not have to run in the same race as others or even on the same track as others.

You can build your path and decide for yourself.

Also read: 5 expectations that GenZ has that they should not anymore.

Also read: 10 ways to maintain work-life balance without compromising either.