Why this is NOT the time to stop your job search – and what to do instead.

As I sit in my home office, on an extended Spring Break from the University of Delaware due to COVID-19, I’m definitely in stress. There’s so much uncertainty, and I’m worried about family members who are vulnerable right now.

I feel your stress too – particularly as it relates to the economy and finding a new job. And, I am getting a common inquiry from my private clients…

Sarah, do you think this is the best time to change jobs? Maybe I should just press pause and hang tight until this is all over?

My response? A very strong NO, absolutely not! Now, you may be thinking I’m naive, or have my head buried in the sand about the virus and its impact on the economy. I don’t. I’m following the news and listening closely to trusted experts. And, I’m relying on what has been a lifelong passion for the lessons that history teaches us.

In fact, it is precisely my take on the news, on the economic indicators, and my reflections on history that have informed my conclusion…

If you press pause on your job search now, put your head down and literally “call it in” from your laptop at home you are putting your career at risk.

Please, don’t stop. Don’t even slow down. It’s the folks who are pressing on, those who are looking toward the future, who are going to come out ahead when all of the current threats have passed. There are several important reasons why:

1. Sad to say, we don’t really know when this will be “over.” If you stop, you will lose momentum and momentum is everything in a job search.
2. The reasons you wanted a new job haven’t suddenly evaporated! Continuing your search doesn’t mean you have to leave where you are, it simply means you are looking for options that may be better for you. You don’t have to give up on that!
3. Most people – the vast majority of people – are going to succumb to the same instincts you are having. They will stop their search; they will decide to settle for “good enough.” This may mean more opportunities for YOU!
4. This is a great time for networking! People are isolated, working from home, and schedules are all of a sudden opening up with fewer meetings, etc. What better time to connect with former colleagues and old friends? My hunch is that a message from you will be more welcome than ever.
5. This is the perfect time to consider what type of companies are going to thrive in the new normal. Do you have those organizations on your target employer list?

Invest some time now into researching prospective employers, and reach out to people who work there, along with former colleagues, and you will help insure you are the person they think of when an opening arises. As things change – and they will – some businesses will suffer in this new normal while others will flourish and need good people like you.

Sending wishes for good health to you and all of the people you love!

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