un-ca-reer-ment [uhn-kuh-reer-muhnt] n. 1: The pursuit of opportunities below or outside of career aspirations. 2: A general lack of progress or course of action toward professional goals (see desperation).
Attend networking events or read blogs and discussion streams, and you will find the highly skilled workforce talking about how to navigate around HR gatekeepers, virally penetrate “hirewalls” and get noticed by decision-makers. Those with the financial means are pursuing career reinvention, a personal passion or complete independence from the employer-to-employee relationship. Those without the means are relying on online crowdsourcing to land project-based income independently or succumbing to temporary staffing accommodations.
There is a very real sense of desperation in a very competitive job/work market. Without a principled foundation, desperate people take desperate action in desperate times. Compounded in this manner, desperation has two possible negative outcomes during career building:
1. It blinds you into bad, short-term decisions with long-term impacts.
2. It overcomes your outward persona during the search and interview process.
The economy is wrought with variables, and government socio-economic policies have only created more uncertainty. Do not add another variable into the equation. It is old, common sense advice, but focus on controlling what you can: your attitude.
Be principled, be thorough, be innovative, be unique, be in control, but never be desperate in your search. Rejoice in the job you have or someone else will. Focus on the career path you desire with a positive demeanor. Be a contagious influencer, especially with decision makers.
Also remember that volunteerism and pro bono work during times of transition is a great investment of time and energy. Our community needs that from you from time to time, and it has a therapeutic way of bringing perspective and meaning to an “Uncareerment” time in your life.
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