CAREER DOWNTIME PROTOCOL

how to attract your next big opportunity

I spoke to an executive this week who is “in between jobs.” We’ll call her Vera.

Vera and I spent the first 10 minutes laughing and telling stories from the lifestyle brand world. I learned that she’s spent decades in a tier-one city, which has compounded her relationships. We traded life philosophies and book recommendations.

Then she told me how she’s been spending her downtime: Creating a business plan for a friend, guest lecturing at a school, attending fun events, immersing herself in the culture of which she’s an enthusiast.

I could hear the smile on her face. The usual topics of “the weird job market” or “applying to 457 jobs on LinkedIn” didn’t come up once.

Vera is 100% convinced that she’s still on an upward trajectory. She has spent her career creating the conditions for opportunity. She believes her future will be better than her past.

And it will.

Inspired by Vera, here’s a 3-step protocol for any A-player who’s in between jobs:

1. MENTALITY

Many people are in between jobs with little hope for their next gig. But you are not many people.

You are uniquely positioned and well connected. You are a force of erudition, action and positive energy. Your standard of excellence is high and your cortisol is low. You understand that abundance doesn’t come in controlled doses; it comes in exciting waves.

You are one impromptu conversation away from a life changing opportunity.

2. ACTIONS

Your skills are services. So deploy them.

You don’t need the permission of an employer to exercise your vocation. Freelance, volunteer, do some pro bono, help your friend with her business plan. Put all of your hard-learned experience into an instructional manual. Get experience and exposure.

Be too busy to worry. Stay off LinkedIn. Have fun.

3. EXPECTATIONS

The most interesting things in life cannot be pursued directly.

Everything great that has ever happened to you has been somewhat unexpected. Your biggest dreams come true, not as a result of attempting to control the uncontrollable, but as a delayed result of your past inputs.

Just keep up the inputs.

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