GTD and job search

[jmeras]

I was laid off late last week due to budget cuts. I was working for a non-profit that assists people who are doing job search. And now I find myself looking for a job. The previous week I was on vacation using that time to start fully implementing GTD. Now the lay off seems to be a mixed blessing. It seems like I have much more to do than when I was employed. Dr. Martin Luther King originally used the phrase "The fierce urgency of now" in has famous "I Have A Dream" speech. I fully understand those words. Since my employer was a faith-based non-profit agency, I cannot receive unemployment benefits. My severance pay was minimal. The bottom line is that I need to find employment in my field ASAP. I am sad and somewhat scared. At the same time, I am also feel like I am on track with my job search and optimistic. People are finding employment and there are jobs out there. This is all happening, of course, in a very difficult economy. The lay off was only four days ago and it is amazing how many next actions that are associated with job search. Some examples:
* Go online and update resume
* Send resume on 9/20 to D... T...... at XYZ Company
* Go to barber and get hair cut
* Take suit(s) to dry cleaners
* Call P... G..... to get okay to use as reference

That is all for now...

[kglade]

From what I've heard from my friends who went through a lay-off, your experience is not unusual. A real job search is hard work - there are always too many leads to follow-up since a proper follow-up is very labor intensive.

It is also common to go through varying emotions, sometimes all in one day.

Keep your optimism, and keep your job search active. I know that companies are hiring.

Ken

[benjamin]

Im sure that from the area you work in, you are also aware that applying for a job usually goes through a range of more-or-less standard steps.

From a GTD perspective, you could consider each of those applications (for company X, company Y and company Z) as separate projects, each with their own next actions (which could be waiting on/call/submit/etc). If you do that, with at least weekly reviews (ideally a few times a week for the urgency you are describing) you will be able to keep on top of each applications progress, and know what you need to move on and when, hopefully resulting in the job that much faster.

Good luck, and stay positive (and yes that can be hard).

[Duckienz]

Hello. I just wanted to say that I am thinking of you. Good luck and believe in yourself and your abilities. Things always work out for the best, even if it takes years to see the reason. So glad that you got your GTD system up and going before you were laid off! What a huge weight off your mind! Once again Good Luck! Allie

[johnataylor]

jmeras,

This is a great time to hone your GTD skills, because as you know, a job search is hard work, takes management skill, organization and needs a structured plan to succeed.

Like you, I've assisted people in the development of their career skills. Might I recommend a book to you?

The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search by Orville Pierson.

Orville takes a very simple but systematic approach to the job search (not unlike GTD in both it's simplicity and complexity).

It's a book I recommend to everyone, and I always get great feedback from those who have made use of it.

Though it's a scary time, it's also a time of great opportunity. I'm sure that the right doors will open for you, regardless of the current state of things economically. Persistence, planning, and passion will pay off!

P.S. I'm also empathizing, because I've been in a similar situation--my whole career has been in the field of Nonprofit and/or Faith-Based organizations. I understand the impact when there seems to be nothing to fall back on (like unemployment). This is a good time to look toward your Horizons of Focus, using them to guide you to just the right place, with just the right fit.

[Oogiem]

The bottom line is that I need to find employment in my field ASAP.

Others will have lots more useful info. I am self employed and haven't had to do a job search for over 20 years.

One thing that struck me is the statement about needing work in your field.

I live in an area where there are many jobs available and many people looking for work. I personally get extremely frustrated with folks who complain about no jobs but refuse to do the honest work that is available because it's "not in their field" My view is warped by my area and experiences but I'd at least open yourself up to any job not just one in your field.

What I'd also do, in parallel to looking for jobs in your field is look for jobs that use the same skill set, or one you wish to develop, no matter what field they are in.

Also, while I know my view is again warped by my area, if someone really wants to work there are always jobs available. You may have to move, change the field you are in or even, gasp, do some physical labor but there are plenty of jobs that all pay a living wage if you are open to really working.

Just a different viewpoint.

[jmeras]

Thanks to all of you that replied to my postings. I would like to reply to each person that responded. Just a quick update. I have already made contact with one hiring manager. This manager has two openings and is town. This looks very promising.

First, I would like to respond to Oogiem's comments. You are absolutely correct that there are jobs available and a person should be open to jobs outside of their field. It is my preference to continue to look in my field because that is where there is the path of least resistance. Every job requires SKE/E. That means skills, knowledge, experience/education. So I am focusing my particular SKE/E where my chances of closing the sale is much easier. That said, I am also looking at other job options. Brainstorming is part of project planning and trust me, I have really exercised my imagination!

I would like to thanks johnataylor for his recommending Orville Pierson's book to me. Why I am not familiar with Mr. Pierson I am very familiar with Lee Hecth Harrison, the consulting firm he previously worked with. I took a workshop from Lee Hecht Harrison back in 2001 and still have the materials. Mr. Pierson advocates treating job search as a project incorporating measurements. I'll order the book and check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.

The advice benjamin is very interesting because each company/organzation could become its own subproject. I am currently using Nozbe to manage my action lists. I plan on keeping it simple right now and not listing companies I apply to as subprojects. I may, however, have to come up with subjprojects and that is something I will consider as my job search continues.

I would like to give my thanks to duckienz and kglade for their support.

Again, I would like to give thanks to everyone who commented on my posting. Everyone's advice and support was most helpful.

[jmeras]

sorry for the grammatical errors in my posting, I am in hurry and getting ready to visit a potential employer. I very carefully read my resumes and cover letters going out.

Thanks again,

Joe