All too regularly I am in touch with friends who are finding themselves with a lot of extra time on their hands due to more corporate “right sizing” and we sort thru the immediate steps of goal reassessment and plotting the job search strategy. Then comes the step of actually putting yourself and your talents out there and opening up for the harsh reality of a very tight job market.
I try to frequently tweet and post articles relating to staying engaged and motivated in our creative endeavors by volunteering some of our talents to organizations to which you feel connected. They are feeling the economic crunch from all levels and can probably really use the help and support of your time and talents while you get the creative rush of doing something new, different and challenging of your skills in a whole new working environment. We don’t mind “making money for the man” when it’s a cause we believe in and it is particularly satisfying to be around like minded people making progress toward our mutual goal.
Showcase your talents, connect with others in your field, stay primed and ready for the next job and feel great at the end of the day for all that you’ve accomplished on the way. Positive energy can be created quickly while the alternative is often lost focus, dwindling momentum and precious time wasted while waiting for things to happen as opposed to making good things happen. Forward your phone to the cell and you won’t miss a call that day or two a week that you are out pro bono.
Some corporate structures include pro bono as a part of who they are, like GSD&M in Austin, and it helps balance and center creative energy to apply it positively to mankind as well as to the bottom line.
For many this is a great opportunity to decompress, reassess, and properly address our most heartfelt passions and that energy created will cross into your job search as well as the excitement of learning the systems employed by the non-profit. I just put together an IP Television system for streaming races for my daughter’s team and had a blast doing it!
When asked in your next job interview what you have done since leaving company X, it will be fun to feel your pride as you explain the progress you helped facilitate within that favorite organization and that will speak volumes on who you are!
Let’s get busy.
