Looking for a job or starting on a new career is a full-time job in itself, but for those who have not been in a layoff or in job transitions it is not easy to understand your situation and know what efforts and time go in the hunt and the process itself.

What can you do to make your family / spouse understand your situation?

• Talk to them on how you are spending your time through the day. The first step towards communicating your new routine – you must plan your daily activities and prepare a plan for the week or more.

• Talk about your job search strategies and any input from your spouse and family that can help you. Seek their help if you know that their previous experience can help you in your job search. Everyone likes to be asked and you can always expect a favorable response from family members and close friends.

• Let them know that just because you are out of work and at home, does not mean that all the extra chores would be done. You have to drive well the message that looking for a job or starting a new career is a full time job.

As far as you are concerned make sure that you are also doing your best while during the job search and transition. Frustration and a sad outlook could be there for a couple of days but don’t make it linger on any further, you have a full-time job ahead of you – to be on the look out for the next job or career.

Few tips that can get you going and focused (I am sure you will find scores of articles to guide you through the job hunt and transition process elsewhere on the web):

• Be ready to invest your time properly and in an organized manner. Plan your day or a week well ahead on schedule. Identify some milestones that you wish to read in a certain amount of time and mark them on your calendar or your to do list. Have deadlines for targets during the job search as you would have had during a project in your full time job. You target could be editing / rewriting or sending out resumes or active networking during a week. Seeing your benchmarks being met and celebrating your success should all be part of your plan.

• Limit your time on the internet also, with so much information overload one tends to get lost in the maze of job hunt websites and more. Target a few job search boards and resume submission websites, and more so target a few companies and industries that you wish to focus on rather than sending out hundred resumes and waiting for a response. The point is to keep the focus on what appeals to you the best and best matches your skill-set.

• Consult professionals if you are not able to handle the pressure or feel some guidance can help. A career coach or a mentor might be able to help you when you feel overwhelmed or direction-less. Never be afraid to ask for help, and not only when you are down-under pressure or de-motivated – taking charge of your career should be on your agenda on an ongoing basis. See more tips at Who all to Contact when Looking for a Job.

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Christiane Rivard for sharing some of the above information with me.

Question: Do you have any comments / tips to share on how to connect and communicate with the family during these trying times?