Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

DId anyone see the note about being unemployed and that offering a better perspective or nature for getting a job?  There was a comment made in the Harvard Business Review about it being a really great strategy.  I did not have the opportunity to read the article but just a few notations…however I find it quite odd that this was the position.  Looking for the good in all situations and that sort of hash is fine, but it being a good strategy - come on.

Position was similar to things happening more naturally when someone was not looking hard for it.  One of the examples was love - finding it when you are not so focused.  I think your perspective changes when it is not the sole cause of your life, but I do not agree with it being a strategy and even off the cuff support of that is damaging.  People need to have a plan and that includes diversity.  Job hunting, like anything, done on a sole note is not positive.  People become worn out, they do not operate efficiently, and bouts of depression and desperate behavior become common.  All huge turns offs when seeking employment.

So is there an upside to employment?  I would say yes….It does allow for the planning of ones career and efforts to align with long term goals since time that was not there has become available.  Perspective of being outside the grind is now opening up possibilities and ideas that were not previously seen.  All very positive things and a by-product of becoming unemployed and having additional time to review the situation carefully.  But thinking and planning will come to an end, and action will be required.  Process and a road map for the job hunt will be needed, making a focused mind a must have.  Unemployment could be good for a while (like a long vacation) but not a strategic must have when seeking new employment.