Hob Knob Job Search: You Can't Let it Define You

I've never been a "do nothing" sort of guy. I like being active. I like getting stuff done. I like having purpose to my day. That's why this whole job searching thing has been straining. I really don't have a reason to be out of bed before about five o'clock in the afternoon. I really could just play Candy Crush, look at buzzfeed articles, and binge watch television shows. (I've never seen Game of Thrones.)

But I know I would hate myself if that became my daily routine.

There's a lot of stigma that comes with not having a job. When people ask "What do you do?", you don't really have a good answer. You're still in your pj's after nine o'clock on a weekday. And you are still perusing Facebook during the day. (Although, I've seen more and more of my friends on it during the day.)

My girlfriend told me that I'm not being lazy. I'm applying to jobs, I'm scheduling networking meetings, and I am staying active in a number of ways. I realized it's important to keep myself in shape physically during this time. It makes it harder for me to feel down about myself when I've got those sweet sweet endorphin's firing on all cylinders. (Is that how they work?)

As of right now I'm doing a lot of things: I'm a comedian. I'm catching up with old friends. I'm staying active with my writing. I'm helping out people with special projects. I'm exploring the career fields. I'm reading a lot. I'm improving my financial management skills. I'm exploring Boston. I'm doing a lot of pushups. And, yes I don't have a full time job, but this sounds a lot more interesting, doesn't it?

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I narrowed down the "what do you want to do" question the other day when I was out with Beth and Keith. Here are three things I want in a job:

The ability to connect and sustain meaningful human relationships. I love talking with people. I love meeting new people. I love helping people out or answering questions. I like creating relationships.

Utilize my impeccable verbal and written communication skills. I enjoy and am good at writing and speaking. I can talk to a crowd or write an article. These are the things I am very good at.

Working in a place that has a mission. I have a strong need to give back and do something productive. I don't know how well I would work in a large corporate setting. I do best in organizations that have a good mission. 

I looked into some "green" career stuff. It was a road I hadn't really traveled down. I guess it's kind of obvious with my undergraduate degree.

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Acomplishments:

-Set up a lunch with my boss at IB who knows a lot of people in the non-profit field

-Applied to a job with the USGBC doing communication and outreach

-Registered for a networking event next week

-Sent out a lot of "feeler" emails for contacts