Hi Everyone,

Welcome back to the Career Couch. I bet most of you who are reading this are in the midst of a job search, and due to the simple fact that many production based jobs are short-term contract or freelance gigs, most of us in production find ourselves in this situation from time to time.

Let's face it, being out of work is never easy. Along with the actual process of looking for a job, comes the anxiety of being able to pay bills and meet your basic needs. At best, a job search is drudgery, right? Well, yes and no. If this is your line of thinking, then I totally feel you, but I'm here to propose a different point of view. What if looking for your next gig is an adventure and something you looked forward to doing, so that you wake up every morning ready to tackle the day and see how much ground you can cover? What if looking for a job is actually…dare I say it…Fun?!

"HUH? That's just crazy talk!" Well, maybe so (I won't rule that out, since I am a little crazy.), but I'm here to tell you that looking for a job really can be fun. Searching for your next gig doesn't have to be the end of the world. Your quest for gainful employment can be an adventure like no other, but you must approach it the right way.

Here's a few tips on how to make your job search a much more enjoyable experience:

Adjust The Attitude – The first thing that needs to be clear is your attitude. I've been at this whole recruitment thing for a while now and I can tell you that candidates that just KNOW something will come along eventually and have a healthy attitude toward their job search, are usually those that find a new gig faster. Let's face it, your attitude is reflected in everything you do. Whether you intend for it to spill over or not, it does. So, if you are sullen or down trodden about your job search, then that's what employers will see. No one wants to hire a sad sack! ;-)

Make A Game Of It – Treat your job search like it's a game…a game you are playing to win! See how many people you can network with in one day. How many resumes can I send out this week? Try to get through to hiring managers on a cold call. (And speaking of cold calls…there's nothing to be nervous or anxious about in making cold calls. You might actually be helping them out by presenting yourself as a candidate. I mean, they are there to find candidates, right?). How many informational interviews can you schedule this week? Get some "personal best" numbers and try to beat them. There's really nothing to lose and everything to gain! So, GAME ON!

Form A Posse – Contact friends and former colleagues that might be looking for their next gig, too, and start having weekly meetings. You can even turn things into a friendly competition. Who made the most new contacts this week, or who has the most interviews lined up for tomorrow? Sit and have a cup of a coffee at your local coffee stop and see where brainstorming about your job search takes you! (Be careful not to turn this into a bitch session. You are there to have fun, network and share. Leave the bitching and negative vibes at the door.) ;-)

Random Acts Of Kindness – While you've got a little free time, volunteer for a local charity that plucks at your heart strings. Not only will be you be doing something good, but it will help to keep you from going crazy at home. Plus, you never know who you might meet. Volunteering can be a great way to network! ;-)

Take Care Of YOU – Yep, that's right! Be sure that during this time you are eating right and staying active. Take that yoga class you've always wanted to try or go for a daily run. Set aside some time for daily meditation. You've always put off things like this because you didn't have the hours to devote to them, so take advantage of the extra time you have now. It's a great stress reliever and it will help you to stay clear and focused!

Get Some Learnin' – Speaking of having extra time, now would be the perfect time to take that Photography class you've always wanted to try, or learn conversational French…something just for you. You could also use this time to add to your skill set or take a brush up course! Education is never a waste of time!

Celebrate Your Victories! – Absolutely!! Set goals for yourself and rejoice when you achieve them. For example, it could be something like getting your first interview or a call back for a second one. Then be sure to acknowledge the victory and even reward yourself with a manicure or two hours of non-stop gaming…whatever spells "REWARD" to you! The important thing is to note the achievement in some way. It's fun to do things when you know there's a prize in store!

These are just a few ways in which you can make your job search a little more fun. Above all, remember that your job search truly is an adventure! We all have a tendency to think that looking for work is drudgery, but it doesn't have to be. Having a positive attitude and finding the fun in your job search will not only make it all go much more smoothly, but your positive attitude will help to bring you success and fulfill your goals much faster! So get out there and have some fun!! ;-D

Until next time…stay tuned!