Going through a break-up is hard. Even more so if you are legally entangled with things like joint property, children, common friends, joint bank accounts and a mortgage to name a few. And that is not even counting the emotional turmoil, second guessing, self-doubt and uncertainty that goes along with it.
Now, let’s take the complex and agonizing break-up process and make it even more complex and agonizing by trying to start a new relationship AT THE SAME TIME as the break-up. Does this not sound like a recipe for madness?
Welcome to the insanity of looking for a job while still employed. The difference of course being that the employment entanglements are usually not as dramatic as a legal divorce, but they can be difficult to navigate in this context. It’s important to recognize when it is time to look for another job, and to avoid getting caught looking for another job while on the job and making sure to be discrete.
Knowing when the magic is gone
The first step is knowing when that flame is dying. Usually, the writing is on the wall. When one an employer or employee decides to end a employment there are usually early warning signs by both parties.
Most importantly, note the employee signs above if you don’t want to tip off your employer. Note the employer signs if you afraid your employment situation may be shaky at best.
The search
Probably one of the most important tips is to not use company resources for a job search. Mistakes can be made, especially if you are multitasking. It can be as simple as leaving a printed resumé on a desk or a job searching website window open on a monitor while stepping away from your desk. It can be easy to be distracted by your job and leave “incriminating evidence” on your desk.
Another obvious tip: Don’t use a company e-mail while looking for jobs which is not only foolish as some companies routinely check what goes through their e-mail server. Plus it is also tacky. Use a free web-based e-mail address specifically for your job search only. You can check it throughout the day on your personal cell phone (not a company issued one). Also, you can have your cell phone handy for any potential calls / voice-mails from recruiters or potential employers. Most recruiters and employers understand the precariousness of your situation and will send an e-mail or leave a voice mail.
If you choose to call a prospective employer back during the day (something you are going to have to do as most working hours are fairly uniform in the same industries), do so in your car or outside. If, say your company starts work at 8:30 and your suitor employer starts at 8:00 then use that ½ hour window to connect. Otherwise, the lunch hour or a breaktime is a great time to try and connect.
Basically, the cardinal rule here is to job search on your time using your own devices.
Networking
Part of looking for a new job is networking, and that may involve talking through friends, colleagues known through professional associations or just about anyone, really. It is important to not let co-workers know that you are looking for a job, tempting though it may seem. At the same time, make sure to tread carefully when in the same professional circles as your co-workers and / or boss(es). You may never know the relationship someone may have with your boss in an industry.
Also, as I have mentioned in an interview, it is never a good idea to bad-mouth a prior employer. The same is to be said for your current employer, even in a non-interview setting. Again, for the same reasons, it can shut down a potential network possibility in the so-called “hidden job market.”
Conclusion
Just be discrete and respectful. Things you don’t want going back to your employer are the fact that you are looking for another job or any grievances that you may have with the company or any of its personnel. It is certainly an uncomfortable minefield to navigate.
The worst-case scenario is that your current employer catches you looking for work and decides to terminate you and you don’t get the job you were looking for.