What to do while you wait.

Enjoying the in between

I recently accepted a full time job offer! Although it’s not a traditional pivot (from one industry to another) it is still a pivot. I’m going from freelancer to employee. I’m returning to traditional employment after 12 years running a successful business.

I’ll have to find a new rhythm and routine as I integrate into a new company culture. But I’m going into this new season with a full list of hobbies and my new core values, thanks to an exploratory season. Exploration is stage 3 of a career (and life) pivot and it’s a great opportunity to explore interests and simply have fun. In my season of exploration I picked up creative writing, sewing, swimming and painting (among other things). Some things I’m really good at, others, not so much. The point is I made time for hobbies that had nothing to do with monetization and I didn’t postpone joy.

Maybe you’re in a season of waiting too. While passivity leads to idleness, I prefer actively waiting: exploring new interests, leveraging your existing networking or establishing new goals and determining what success will look like for you in your next season of integration (stage 4 of a career pivot). Here are a handful of things I’ve done in the past to help me navigate career transitions.

Keep sharing your work. Choose one or 2 ways to share new personal work. That can look like posting on one social platform and sending one monthly newsletter to your network. Stay top of mind by still showing up.

Update your back of house. Collect testimonials from past clients. Review your offer’s workflow to make sure everything runs smoothly i.e. email automations, calendar invitations, easy to complete client questionnaires etc. . Make sure you don’t have any broken website links. Update your portfolio with recent work.

Leverage your network. If you’re looking to transition from freelance to employee, let your network help you find your next role. Yes, the current job market is basura. I don’t have to tell you that, but I found my new role by reaching out to a person in my network. Let your network know what roles you’re looking for and what you’re available to do (freelance, contractor, full time, part time, etc.). This time is also a great opportunity to begin building or rebuilding your network.

Maintain a sleep routine. I’ve been broke and I’ve been rich and let me tell you in both instances, losing sleep has never been worth it. I am nothing without quality sleep. Now that I’m moving into a new work rhythm, I’ll be adjusting my sleep routine.

Find hobbies. During adult summer camp I tried so many things: swimming, sewing, french classes and I felt better for it. I’m happy I didn’t postpone joy and instead learned grief and joy can coexist. Do you have any interests you’d like to try? It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment, even one class or workshop is just enough to get your feet wet. Discover who you are when you’re not on the clock.