How Long Should You Continue Searching for a Job in Your Field? -The Long and Short Answer

 Reddit Jobs - as well as its more specialized professional subreddits such as Big Law, Consulting and Public Relations - is jam-packed with this lament: The posters have been searching for jobs in their field for too long and not landing any offers. So, they have gotten to wondering if they should consider radical shifts. Those transitions range from reskilling in knowledge work to training for hands-on work. The latter could be personal caretaking or the trades.

What do I recommend?

Actually for those who come to me for coaching after a few months of a fruitless search I do the usual recommendations. You know, retrofitting all search materials and practicing for interviews according to what AI screening mandates. But, along with that I deliver the oldest and most effective insight: Nothing gets you a job like having a job. Therefore, grab work. Any kind. That could even open doors to a fresh approach to earning a good living. 

A laid-off middle manager in Pharma couldn't get back in. He manned the counter at a truck stop. He asked all about it. It only took a few months and a $7,000 investment for training/licensing to become a long-distance driver. Some companies will train free for a commitment to work for them for two years. 

But, how about those of you who have been looking for more than a year and are only now in a panic because your financial reserves are running out? Overall, things don't look promising, not in white collar fields. 

Sure, there are those happy endings. There are reports on all the professional anonymous networks of landing that great job in their field, finally. But, there are also the realities that those jobs could have a short shelf life. It's common sense to continue to be alert to other opportunities even when employed.

In general, few are willing to surrender to leaving behind the familiar career path. There's no reason to not continue to search, even after a few years. Keep the resume current with paid contract assignments and unpaid volunteer assignments. 

Simultaneously, though, it's smart to labor for income in lines of work which could evolve into a solid career. You "learn on the company." Money is coming in. That means you perform better on interviews in your career since you're not desperate. 

In essence, trying out other types of work means you're becoming an open system. And you're connecting with those who could really help you. Maybe even are eager to do that. Back in the field where you had been successful but no longer are those on your network could be distancing yourself.

In addition, I pitch starting a small business, even if you're employed. Stick with what you know. I have witnessed some enterprises taking off. SCORE (the Society of Retired Executives) has an entrepreneur unit. The guidance is free. Also, you can post your queries on myriad professional anonymous networks. You will receive broad-based caring input.

The short answer to how long should you continue searching for a job in your field? Until the money runs low. Then you have to begin to think differently. Hopefully, though, you started that kind of thinking before your financial reserves disappeared. 

Rattled, maybe the first time since you started working? Faith-based Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry.