What if I Don’t Have the Time or Energy for a Job Search?
Posted on April 06, 2025 by Kristin Snyder, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Worrying about not having enough time can keep people stuck in a job that’s not a good fit. Some simple tips can help jumpstart your search.
It’s true that job searches, and especially a bigger career pivot, are time-consuming, and can also be stressful and draining. But try asking yourself:
– How is my work/life balance at my current job? Is that the reason I don’t have time?
– How much energy is drained from me by doing work I don’t like?
– If I have to push a little harder temporarily to change my long-term situation for the better, is that a trade I’m willing to make?
– It will cost me something to make time for the search– but how much will it cost me to stay put in my current job indefinitely?
If you’ve asked yourself some questions and decided it’s worth it, how do you make it happen?
First, identify something you do each week that’s optional. This might be harder than it sounds because our habits tend to feel necessary. For example:
– That TV watching on Sunday night might feel very, very, necessary. Maybe it feels like your only time to relax, or be alone– and those are important things!
– But could you work on job search for 1 hr first and then watch less TV? Or if it’s not really about the TV, could you find a less time-consuming way to unwind or treat yourself to replace some of the reward TV was giving you?
Second, ask for help. This is hard for a lot of people. We get ingrained in the ways we operate at home and in our social circles. But maybe it’s time for a temporary renegotiation, or for a favor. E.g.:
– 2 or 3 nights a week your partner could make dinner while you job search
– On a weekend afternoon a friend or a babysitter could take the kids to the park so you can work on your job search
Third, focus on small steps. Carving out 30 minutes here, and an hour there, can add up.
– Start with whatever feels doable, even if it’s a very small amount of time.
– As you make progress, you may feel more motivated and energized and able to find time on new days, or in longer chunks.
By taking these steps you can get started moving toward the future you want. Even if it makes things harder temporarily, you deserve a fulfilling job that’s a great fit. Ideally, it will also give you more balance so time and energy won’t seem as scarce anymore.
