Treat Yourself!

Often times, guys who find themselves in a crossroads in their careers can grow slowly into a state of depression,especially if it's been a prolonged search. For certain, laying out a game plan for your short range plans, whether it's job search or researching a new business venture,is crucial.

However, one must not forget to reward yourself for achievement of milestones and to schedule in that "re-energize" time into your routine. Remember when you were raising little ones and your wife's full-time occupation was managing the household? She demanded the "me time" and so must you? Many men are finding themselves in that very same situation now, maybe not the little ones factor, but roles in many households have reversed or at least shifted. That "me time" becomes just as important for you as it was for your wife. And when it comes to "recognition", well you don't have a Boss anymore or even co-workers to give you that "pat-on-the-back".
As much as you didn't think you needed that touchy-feely stuff, you did and by human nature still do!

In fact, many of you may find that you are actually doing even more now than before because you now have that "day job" that combines job search,self-development, networking,in-home chores,in addition to the home & auto maintenance duties you held before! In fact, you may find that unless you do schedule in that "me time" and reward yourself from time to time, your life will have become an endless cycle of "must do's" and you will soon grow resentful. No one likes to see a grown man host his own pity party.

I'm not saying it needs to be something big or expensive or long? Flying to Vegas every weekend like you were still single and wild will most likely leave you single and "living" in the wild. However, it needs to be regular or life will begin to drain you of who you are as a person. You'll become less interesting to others as well and therefore even more isolated. Isolation is the last thing you want at times like these. Your next opportunity will come from the contacts you make and knowledge you nurture.

So, don't be afraid to schedule that lunch appointment with a friend or family member. Even if you need to meet them at their workplace or make lunch for them at your home to make it happen. Schedule that day on the river or skiing that fresh dump of powder mid-week! Besides, you just might by accident run into your next opportunity?

"If you don't do it today, you'll just be another year older when you do" - Warren Miller

Be Blessed & Have Faith!