Both/And, not Either/Or
I recently worked with a job seeker who wanted to relocate fromSeattletoCaliforniato increase her intake of sunshine. She’d been trying to make the move happen for at least two years, mainly through traditional means—applying for open positions listed in her geographic area of interest. At some point, I suggested a more creative approach.
She had mentioned that her current job inSeattlemight be done at home or through telecommuting. I suggested that she ask her current employer if she might be able to set up this type of arrangement, and because she had done such a great job over the last couple of years, they agreed. She moved down toCaliforniabut kept her job inSeattle, flying back up a few times to do some work in-person.
Being in the city of her choice made a difference. Because she was no longer relocating, she had fewer hurdles to jump to be considered for jobs inCalifornia: she could meet employers in person rather than by phone or Skype, could start a job much sooner than if she had to move, and could do in-person networking. After only a month or two of telecommuting, she landed a full-time job inCalifornia.
Once in a while, I work with job seekers who say no to every suggestion I make about their job search. Nothing I suggest can work for them, because they can think up a reason why it won’t work, would be impossible, would cost too much, etc. Start embracing the possible and you may see more success.
Heather Krasna, PhD & Associates 