The morning is tough though I have to admit. It's the most difficult in those very early subconscious hours when I think about my job, what I could have done differently and what people are doing at the office. I drift in and out of sleep thinking of these things and also about how I failed to keep a good job. That's why getting up early, getting ready and started on the job search is so important- to push those subconscious defeating feelings out of your mind.
Since I have the opportunity to do so now, I walk to school with the kids. It's really a golden time talking with them and seeing how they operate and interact with their classmates. The time is extremely special because once I find the new job, it will be gone. So it's definitely one of those silver linings. The walk occurs after my daily day planning and initial online job posting search. After the walk home, I start the application process and communication with colleagues.
Today I talked on the phone with the managers of both my IRAs and the kids' 5/29 plans and had them lower the monthly contribution amounts. I still want to contribute to my savings at this point. If our times get too dire, I will outright stop all contributions.
I had the luck of getting a phone interview with one of the companies I applied to yesterday. The interview will occur on Thursday. From now until then I'll learn as much as I can about the company and the industry. These first interviews are always the same, with HR screeners. If all goes well with the screener, they'll recommend that the lawyer/accountant/manager/etc. speaks to you in a second interview. Wish me the best for this.
As to the online applications, I again recommend using Excel to chart progress, like in the following chart:
If you want maximum success, you need to fire out as many applications as you can. A chart like this helps you keep track of all them. Moreover, keeping track of all completed applications helps you feel good about your new job, looking for a job. After a certain point, you think to yourself, "Wow, I contacted a lot of companies!" And the most important thing to remember about the process is, all it takes is one successful application.
The day ended with a conversation with my best friend from law school. Like me, he went through a period of unemployment, right after the Lehman Brothers crash for him. After a few months, he got through it. After talking with friends, I realize how common unplanned unemployment is and feel less and less ashamed about it.
Day Four Lessons:
1. By Treating the Job Search as a Full Time Job You are Too Busy to Feel Bad About the Situation
2. Enjoy this Special Time because You can Enjoy Things You Never Would have Been Able to
3. Unplanned Unemployment Like We are Facing is a Common Occurrence and Nothing to Be Ashamed About
Total Contacts Reached Out To: 24
Total Applications: 20
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