Problems with looking for work while unemployed?

[lasimmon]

Hey all, just wondering if anyone has any opinions on if it is better to look for a new job while working or while un-employed, and thusly able to spend more time doing so.

Reason is I am really unhappy with my current situation and instead of wasting the summer away, I figure I might just quit my job and look for something that I would enjoy much more. Plus being able to enjoy the summer time is always a good thing.

[swak]

Look for a job while working, that way you're not screwed if you find nothing, and you're being paid in the meantime. There's lots of time to look/send out resumes after work and over your days off. (Or even on lunch breaks - I've been known to pull that one)

[Cos]

Always better to look for a job while working. If you are unemployed you become broke and desperate.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I agree, keep working while you look.

[arian_ma]

I would say it depends on your expenses. If you're living at home and are stable, and are fairly certain you can secure yourself a job, it's not as big of a deal to take some time off and enjoy your (presumable) youth and look for work in the mean time. If you have a mortgage and a child to feed and such now that's a different story.

[kvg]

Work while looking, you'll look better to a potential employer

[lasimmon]

I'm only worried about how it would look to a perspective employer. I have enough money to last me at least the rest of this year which would only be worst case scenario if I could not find anything.

[kvg]

Having a job will give you some leverage when negotiating wages, hours, benefits, etc.

[93VR6]

I am in the same boat as you, keep working and looking.

Employed and job hunting makes you look much better, it shows you're a person that doesn't give up on a job easily and even when you are not enjoying work you still do a good job.

[lasimmon]

Ah damn. Its shitty being up north (GP) when trying to get a job in Calgary or closer to home (red deer). Already had 1 interview but since I couldnt make it to Calgary they did a phone interview, and I can only assume that didnt help my case for getting the job haha.

[Phenix]

just enjoy the sushi at prairie sushi while you're there

[leftwing]

to all the people that said it looks better to the potential employer if you still have a job, I see your point. But wouldn't saying something like "I left my last job because I was put in a very undesirable position" or "the working conditions were very poor" or simply "I left because I was not happy with my current situation" null any possible negatives to being unemployed?

While being unemployed not only can you start a potential new job right away instead of waiting 2-4 weeks to quit your current job, but you have the free time to scour the internet for leads and research companies and whatnot.

i personally think being unemployed is better for job searching, UNLESS you have the pressure of putting food on the table/paying bills. If basic necessities aren't a worry then I would say being unemployed is the way to go. Just don't become lazy.

[93VR6]

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2073520,00.html

Thought this was relevant.

[Perceptionist]

Being employed definately helps when looking for a new job, especially if you're employed in your field or with a competitor. It's kinda like how girls are more attracted to the guy that's already in a relationship and less attracted to the single guy. People perceive the single or unemployed person to be more desperate, and wonder what flaws they have to put them in that position.

Being employed also helps when negotiating salary and benefits at the new position. If they ask what your salary expectations are, you can tell them you'd prefer not to take a pay cut, and then negotiate up from what you're already making.

The negatives of looking for work while still employed are that you can't use them as a reference so you might have to dig harder for old references. Also, applications, resumes, and interviews are all time consuming and can be stressful, especially while trying to focus on your current position.

That being said, if you're confident that you can get a new position with your experience and connections, and want to enjoy life without work for awhile, go for it. There's more to life than work, and it might be one of the few times in your life where you're free of commitments and can do whatever you want.

[evoXfan]

Sorry for jacking this thread OP, but what would you guys recommend if I'm moving to Vancouver? I tried few job postings already but no one got back to me. Don't know how companies are about applicants from another province (especially when they don't have any offices in that city/province). So I'll be forced to quit and then find job after I moved. Also, would that entitle me to EI? Oh my reason for moving is because of family.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by evoXfan
Sorry for jacking this thread OP, but what would you guys recommend if I'm moving to Vancouver? I tried few job postings already but no one got back to me. Don't know how companies are about applicants from another province (especially when they don't have any offices in that city/province). So I'll be forced to quit and then find job after I moved. Also, would that entitle me to EI? Oh my reason for moving is because of family.

It's tough for out of city applicants.

Yes on EI. But check with HRDC. I know for sure if your wife is getting a new position out there and cause you to quit, you can get EI.

[Jlude]

Was this question legit?

[sexualbanana]

Speaking from experience....

Everyone else has stated the obvious pros to looking while staying employed. But at the same time if you are truly that unhappy at your job, then it's really only a matter of time before you get fired anyways because it will start to show in your work and attitude.

I was extremely unhappy at my last job and it was showing in my work. The job wasn't what I was told it was, and the environment wasn't somewhere I felt particularly comfortable. In the end, my boss and I had a sitdown about the job and we both came to the mutual conclusion that it just wasn't working out. It was an amicable split, so I get to use them as a reference and we leave on good terms.

Now I'm unemployed and looking for work. Depending on the industry you're in and what your network is like, you might be able to find a job right away or it may take awhile. For me, the industry I want to get into is a pretty closed-off industry so I have to network my way into it which is taking some time. Fortunately for me, I live at home with my parents so the financial pressure to get a job isn't nearly as bad.

For me, looking for a job while unemployed provides a little more motivation to do the necessary work. Ie. Set up meetings with industry people, volunteer within the industry, etc. Whereas if you were looking while employed, you have to be a little more incognito with your job search (showing up to work in a suit when you don't normally), and your job search is a little more passive (ie. applying to job postings)

Just my 2 cents.

[nonofyobiz]

Hey man I know how you are feeling. IF your unhappy in GP then just say fck it and do what is right for you. If you wanna be back home with friends and family then do, enjoy your summer. Being away makes you appreciate home more.
I went back and forth in my mind on what the best thing to do was and it would change daily! The bottom line is that you are unhappy and that will always come back to you no matter how many 'logical' reasons you have for staying.

I recently did the same thing, except it was only in Edmonton! lol Now i'm back home and found a job in less than a week. I can see my kids every night, and be around on weekends to hang with friends and actually do stuff with my kids.

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by sexualbanana

I was extremely unhappy at my last job and it was showing in my work. The job wasn't what I was told it was, and the environment wasn't somewhere I felt particularly comfortable. In the end, my boss and I had a sitdown about the job and we both came to the mutual conclusion that it just wasn't working out. It was an amicable split, so I get to use them as a reference and we leave on good terms.

.

Wait, the last I talked to you, you were a playing poker for a living. So what you sat down with the pitboss at the casino?

[max_boost]

Originally posted by TomcoPDR


Wait, the last I talked to you, you were a playing poker for a living. So what you sat down with the pitboss at the casino?

That lifestyle didn't work out for him so he got a real job and unfortunately that didn't work out either. :rofl: haha sorry bud. :D

[heavyfuel]

Originally posted by kvg
Work while looking, you'll look better to a potential employer

True but try not to look like a ship jumper, could go sideways in too many different ways.

[Troll-ol]

I've always found a job then looked for a better one while working . When they ask if I'm employed i say no then make like a fetus and head out.

[pheoxs]

Depends how you word it to your new employer. Don't say you hate your life and are quiting anyways. Say something like you're looking for new challenges / new opportunities / relocation / etc. Use other good reasons for changing employers/careers.

[UndrgroundRider]

Here's my two cents, as an employer myself and someone who does all of the interviewing and hiring for my company.

First, I want to preface what I'm going to say with a quick note that this is only a small part of my interview process. And I also want to note that every position I hire for has different criteria, such as how soon do I need someone? What's the budget? How specialized is the field? How long will I need this person for? Will this person work from a field office or a company office?

Hopefully you can work out for yourself the answers to the above questions and how that will affect your own employment process.

On the topic of looking for a position while being employed, here are my main thoughts:

1. Anyone who is currently employed (in a similar job role and/or industry) while I'm interviewing them gets a mental +1 fictional hiring points. I definitely like the fact that some other company hasn't fired your ass yet for being incompetent (and by that I mean my estimation of the chance of you being incompetent drops from 90% to 75%). It's a good indicator that you're a good employee in general, but I also keep in mind that it's only an indication, not a fact.

2. Some people mentioned that it will give the impression that you like to jump around from company to company. That seems silly to me, since I'm going to know that from your resume. Either you've worked with your previous employers for a reasonable amount of time or not. Here's a good time to note that I also verify all resumes, and if your references are Joe from 7-11, don't bother dropping off your resume. (Unless you're applying for an entry level position.)

[M.alex]

Hmmm, just had a thought - if you're worried about being unemployed and it looking bad on your resume, pay me and you can use my investment management company (incorporated 2006) on there - take whatever job you like and tell me what your job duties were and I'll give you a raving review :thumbsup:

I truly have no shame when it comes to earning a buck :rofl:

[Kobe]

Originally posted by TomcoPDR


Wait, the last I talked to you, you were a playing poker for a living. So what you sat down with the pitboss at the casino?

Ummm Maybe I could charge for poker lessons? It works for me :D

Imagine what I'm gunna be putting on my resume when i go for a job "Unemployed for the last 2 years, but lived in Vegas and Europe" lol