Who hasn’t, at one point in their career or another, thought about bursting into their boss’ office and quitting in some spittle-laced tirade that’s the talk of the office for years? It’s a fun daydream, but a less likely reality — especially during these times, and especially if you’re a parent with bills to pay. No, dealing with a job you loathe isn’t easy (and the misery you feel can easily bleed through to your family life) but there are smarter — and healthier — ways to cope while you make battle plans for your next move.
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How to Search for a Job When Taking Care of the Kids
1. Focus on Your Network
You don’t have endless hours to search. Hitting apply on job boards — the “spray and pray” approach to job finding — is a waste of time, says Emma Brudner, head of people at Reggora. Instead, it’s smart to focus on building your network with both new people and reaching out to old colleagues. That ups the chances of you being referred when a job pops up — the golden ticket for entry. “Companies don’t want to have strangers, and if you’re an employee referral, you’re not a stranger,” adds Mark S. Babbitt, CEO and founder of YouTern.
2. Remain Flexible
A lot of people are looking for work right now, so stay open to temporary or contract jobs. You might fear it will keep you from getting a full-time gig. This is certainly possible, says Kimberly Prescott, founder and president of Prescott HR, but it’s just as likely that you’ll be holding out for something that may never come. Taking something is a way in. Even if it’s not, it prevents resume gaps, keeps your skills sharp, builds up your network, gives you insight into another company, and brings in a paycheck. These are all good things.
3. Control the Pace
When offered a job interview, you want to immediately accept it so you don’t appear difficult. But if it’s high activity time in the house, you have to say, “I appreciate the call. That’s a busy time for my kids, and I want to give you full attention. Could we do it … ?,” Babbitt says. Schedule it when the kids are at school, napping, or your partner can be in charge. When the interview happens, thank the manager for being flexible, say that your kids are set, and you’re ready to talk. It all shows management, confidence, and that you’re able to be 100-percent focused.
4. Be Authentic
You can plan everything, but you know that with kids the unexpected is bankable, and the prospect can throw you off your game. Calm yourself by realizing that you don’t have to hide it. If you’re in an interview and the interviewer makes a mention of his or her childcare situation, empathize with, “I understand. I got the same,” then get right to business.
If nothing gets acknowledged up top, and an interruption happens, say, “Give me a minute. My child needs me,” then, “I appreciate your understanding.” It’s the ultimate showing of, “I got this,” she says.
Whatever you do: don’t apologize. It’s your reality, one that isn’t changing anytime soon. If you don’t feel a supportive vibe, file that under Good Info to Know, because if it’s like that in the interview, it won’t be better after you’re hired.
Here are some more job search tips to keep in mind.
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