As we’re staring down the middle of summer (How did Fourth of July get here so quickly?!), job seekers may be wondering if it’s okay to take time off during their job search. The answer to that relies heavily on your timeline for landing a new role, but I do find that many clients have some runway built in, be it from severance pay or savings, and they aren’t desperate to secure something next week. If that resonates with your situation, I have news for you: incorporating time off into your job search might be just what you need to refocus and reenergize your search.
Here’s the reality: a job search today is a lot of work. If you’re following my approach and suggestions, you’re applying strategically, updating your resume as you go, and following up repeatedly after applying. You’re also building a bevy of connections and scheduling informational interviews to make inroads into target companies and with target people. That takes time. Plus, competition is fierce! No longer are you applying alongside 50 other applicants. Now, you’re up against 500+ highly qualified job seekers.
All of that amounts to stress. And too much stress doesn’t help your job search. It can actively hurt it.
Why Time Off Is So Important—and Guilt Is Real
I completely understand that you may have created a schedule of how to spend your time during your job search. And that’s a very smart approach. But everyone needs time off. I mean, there’s a reason we have weekends. And most of us enjoy unplugging for at least one day a week—without guilt.
Let me tell you a little story that might feel relatable.
Up until about a year ago, I used to work out a lot. Like “a lot” a lot. Being extremely active seven days a week wasn’t uncommon for me. I’d go to the gym five or six days a week, about two hours each day, where I would split my time between weight training and cardio. Then I’d walk with my dog and husband around five miles a day. Plus, I’d hike six to ten miles on the weekends. I loved it, and my mind needs that level of activity, but my body was screaming at me.
After taking time off, consulting with some healthcare professionals, and trying different things, I landed on my current schedule that prioritizes four days at the gym, where I do a bit more weight training and half the cardio time (cutting down from two to one hour each visit). I continue to hike six to ten miles, and my pace on the trails has slowed a tad. Now I have one or two days a week when the only exercise I get is walking the dog three to five miles. I actually let my body rest. And you know what happened? I’m stronger and more focused with a whole lot less pain.
Now let’s align this approach with your job search.
By being more focused with your schedule, rather than committing to six to eight hours a day of active job searching, your results can actually increase over time! This level of dedication allows you to earn time off during your job search, whether that’s enjoying an afternoon with the kids at the park or a weekend away with your significant other.
Intentionality Trumps Busy Every Time
The goal of a job search is clear: to secure a job offer. How you get there can vary.
It could look like a lot of busywork and not strategic.
- Busy: Apply for 15 jobs
- Strategic: Apply for 5 jobs. Customize. Connect. Follow up.
A successful job search is work, that is 100% true; however, you don’t need to do things just to say you did them. When you are more strategic about what you’re doing, you’ll find that you secure a lot more wins than if you were to attempt to accomplish everything. It’s akin to throwing noodles at the wall to see if they stick versus aiming a dart at the center of a target. One’s going to hit the mark way more often than the other will.
Time Off During the Job Search Is Part of the Strategy
If we’re aiming for a more strategic, thoughtful, and intentional job search, time off is naturally part of it. No matter what you’re doing in your life—working, training, enjoying a hobby, or searching for a job—you need a break from that level of focus. It resets your brain and gives you time to think about other things.
When you’re mentally exhausted, every job looks the same. You don’t pay as much attention in informational interviews or at networking events. You overprepare for that interview, making your responses sound robotic rather than authentic. And your search stalls because you’re burnt out, which is a whole different problem (and much harder to get going again).
The trick is to incorporate time off into your job search.
Here’s an infographic I shared online that intentionally makes time for family, hobbies, working out, learning, and just being. No one else expects you to spend eight hours a day looking for a job. Neither should you.
And believe me, I get it. I’m a total Type A in many aspects of my life. In fact, I’m pretty happy when I manage to take a full day off work on the weekend. Working for myself means I work odd hours: sometimes three hours a day, sometimes eight, and I can find myself catching up on weekends. But I’ve discovered that downtime is integral to my mental health, physical health, and overall happiness. And once you embrace a little time off during your job search, you may find the exact same thing to be true for you.
Remember: Employers Take Time Off Too
It’s a fact of life: summers tend to be a little slower. Recruiters and hiring managers go on vacation, email responses take longer to arrives, and phone calls aren’t immediately returned.
Could you maybe learn a little something from their lead?
No, I’m not saying that you should take the entire summer off—far from it—but a long weekend away from your computer isn’t going to kill your job search. Rather than take your foot off the gas completely, you’re letting things coast a bit, which is a good thing to do from time to time.
The caveat here is that you need systems and a schedule. Employers have them, and you should too.
Create Consistency for More Wins
When you have a repeatable schedule, it’s easier to. . .well. . .repeat! And it allows for time away because you know exactly how to pick it back up. Cutting out for a day, a weekend, or even a week won’t derail your efforts because you’ll be able to jump back in without issues.
Before you step away, just tie up any loose ends by following up with people, answering messages, and reviewing your calendar for what’s next. Remember that looking for a job is your job, so put an out-of-office message on your email and phone if you’ll be gone for a longer period of time. Tell callers and emails when they can expect to hear back from you to manage expectations.
Either before you leave or as you get ready to return to the office, make a short list of priorities so you can jump right back in. That allows you to walk away without the anxiety that anything will fall through the cracks.
It’s Okay to Take Time Off During Your Search
The big thing to note is that life is all about balance. You can take off a few hours or a few days and not lose your momentum in your job search. In fact, for many job seekers, time off can help you get reengaged and more purposeful when you return to your search. You may even have reconnected with friends and family who can help with your efforts. Or you might make new connections, and you’ll be happy that you stepped away from the computer!
Here’s what I hope you remember during your search: your worth isn’t measured by how many hours you spend searching for a job. It’s measured by the experience, leadership, and value you’ve spent years building. Those things aren’t diminished because you stepped away for a long weekend. In fact, they may shine even brighter when you come back rested, focused, and ready for whatever opportunity comes next.
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Need help navigating the job-search process? There’s a reason I named my company Your Career Advocate: I’m here to guide and support you from initial application through salary negotiation. Learn more about my services.