The Working Blog
Working Tips, Working Chronicles, Working Confidence
It’s quite common every now and then and even for a season to have to pick up an extra gig or part-time job. Whatever the reason, it can at times feel overwhelming adding more to your plate. Even when it is planned, the change can be an adjustment. I put together these tips (from experience) to help you stay focused, be engaged and keep an open mind while working towards your goals.
Tip 1- Look for a light gig. Take some time to think about what your availability is and what you would feel the most comfortable giving to a part-time or seasonal job. Also think about the simplest thing you could do (that is still connected to your strengths) so that you are not overexerting yourself. Keep in mind that it is only for a season and always keep your why close to heart. Only apply to places that have the availability and flexibility that you need. If you are only available a few days a week, don’t apply anywhere that asks for more than you are willing to accommodate. This arrangement is just as much about what you need as it is what the position needs. Think of you first! Tip 2- Be open and honest at the interview. When you land an interview, be open and honest about your goals, when the interviewer asks these kinds of questions. If it’s a part-time job and potential for longer term, don’t be quick to rule out the job long term. It may take you longer to achieve your initial goal. Consider also letting the interviewer know that you have other interests and aspire to do more and that you are open to exploring more if and/or when that could work for both of you. This shows that you have given thought to what you need and thought to what they need as well. It also keeps dialog open down the road should you need to renegotiate. Tip 3- Take your time learning the position. Even if you think you know and already have experience in the field or position you land, take your time learning how THEY do it and how THEY want it done. It’s common to want to move ahead and get to the core elements of a position, especially if you have done it before or are already highly skilled in an area. However, take your time! If there are hours, days or even weeks of training classes or modules, however boring they may feel, don’t rush this process. Use this time to learn more about the role, get into a routine and ask lots of questions. Also use this time to float and take it easy! There will be plenty of time to “go hard” when it’s time. Tip 4- Take your designated breaks! Take your breaks and take them all! Get in the habit of taking them even when you feel like you are in a groove and don’t want to stop. You’ll be surprised how fast burnout can happen even with part-time or seasonal gigs when you don’t give yourself breaks! As a matter of fact, make this one of your interview questions to the employer about expectations of how long breaks are and when. If you are asked why that is important to you, you can let them know that breaks give you a chance to recharge and come back ready to reengage with your job! Tip 5- Participate in a work/office activity. The tendency to want to shy away from all things “work related” with a part-time or seasonal gig is understandable. You don’t have to orchestrate an event but consider showing up for an after work comingle, team boosting activity or a holiday party. Your part-time/seasonal gig doesn’t have to be a no fun zone! This may be a way to network and you never know who might be a good reference for you in the future. Tip 6- Be open to staying a while or moving on! Many times we have an idea of how long we would like to hold a part-time job. Sometimes things go the way we want and we are ready to move on, then sometimes we need to hang in there a little longer. As long as both you and the employer are doing fine with the arrangements, you are still feeling confident in the role you are in, why not stick around a little longer? Try not to get caught up in what you think you SHOULD be doing by a certain time, even if it doesn’t quite fit your initial plan or timeline. Remember, by this time you have committed your time there and most likely are doing the job well. If you have a chance to open dialog again with an employer about staying longer, moving on, or exploring a new role within the company, it’s O.K. either way! You are 100% in control of your time and availability!
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AuthorNherie is a creative freelancer who enjoys creativity, teaching & writing about best administrative or business practices and virtual assisting. Archives
January 2022
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