Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How can I manage looking for a new job while busy with my current one?

22 Answers
Last Updated: 07/12/2021 at 4:38am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
December 18th, 2014 7:05am
Unless you know your computer is closely monitored you can job hunt during your breaks. You can also try to work from home on your interview days. Just be sure you're putting in the time.
Stephen373
December 21st, 2014 9:59pm
If you're feeling stressed out don't over do it take a break from your search for a day or two if you need you're still providing for yourself. Just keep in mind that if you want to move on that your breaks can't be too long. Perhaps set aside some time on your day off.
BrittW182
December 7th, 2014 8:17am
I am in this situation currently and have been before, too! I would dedicate on day/night a week to job searching online. I would fill out 3-5 applications and then send them all out. It really helped to keep a log of where I applied and when to keep me organized.
Uniqueg
October 23rd, 2014 9:40pm
Time management, you can keep a date book or put reminders in your phone(if you have one) for times dedicated just for looking for a new job!
Lennya
April 8th, 2015 3:31am
Take a little time each night and on weekends to apply for other jobs - even just filling out 2 or 3 applications each night when you get home from work goes a long way. Also, you can apply with employment agencies that help do the looking for you! As far as interviews, depending on the length of your lunch (30-90 minutes) you can use your lunch break to go off site and interview, or use sick days to schedule multiple interviews on the same day.
Anonymous
March 29th, 2015 6:05pm
It is good to schedule your time wisely. Try making a physical schedule to put in time for applying!
peacefulWinter54
March 11th, 2015 1:15pm
It is very hard to find time to look for new jobs, especially when you are busy with a current one. Any amount of free time you find yourself in, take advantage! Make finding a new job a priority and goal with determination.
starryRiver83
December 28th, 2014 12:36pm
Keep a look out for new jobs in the local newspapers, or even online. If you get a day off, spend some of that time looking further as well. It is easy to send your CV via email to any potential employers so make sure you have a saved copy on your computer/ laptop. That way if you find something you can apply for it straight away.
Anonymous
November 20th, 2014 8:11am
Its all about keeping Your options open and stay postive. Keep Your CV enrolled in online websites etc
Pandette
November 18th, 2014 4:50am
Well, you can always look for a new job in your free time. I mean, whenever you are at home watching television, what about taking about half an hour of your time and try searching for these jobs? It really depends where you can find the time and how badly you want another job! Just keep trying and you will definitely find one!
DouglasListens
November 2nd, 2014 5:50pm
Scheduling a set amount of time every day to work on extracurricular activities can relieve the stress of doing those tasks during the work day. Finding a new job is no different. Negotiating interviews, and appointments, can be really tough but keep in mind that potential employers want to work with you around those timing issues. They want the best candidate for the job and they understand that you currently have one.
Doc3Mar
October 27th, 2014 11:53am
Setting up a daily schedule is a good way. Set time look for jobs and to file and submit applications. Keep to the schedule even if you only set aside 20 minutes a day for it.
Snowfire
October 20th, 2014 9:56pm
It can be very challenging trying to find a new job while still working full or even part-time. It can also be stressful and a bit frightening. I would suggest making a "to do" list and just devote one hour each day before or after work to prepare/update your resume, look through classifieds, email or contact job leads, etc. so it doesn't feel so overwhelming. And reach out to someone here if it begins to feel too daunting. We have all been in that situation and talking to someone who cares can help a lot. Whatever happens, remember we are here for you whenever you need a kind ear.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2015 7:17am
Stay focused to current one and take few days off to search new one. That is the best thing you can make sure that the current one is t\running well until and unless you find a new one.
Anonymous
May 15th, 2015 12:52pm
Linkedin, monster.com, and a personal email address are your friends. Most companies understand that if you are working for your current employer. The only advice I will give is reason for leaving. Just tell the new potential employer in the interview that you were looking for a change. Listen, no one leaves a job they love and one that has everything they want. You can perhaps say that the new company offers some things you find valueable, etc..but do NOT EVER EVER bad mouth your current employer. The interviewer may attempt to hook you into doing such a thing. DONT!
Supergirl94
July 13th, 2015 12:38am
During lunch you can take time to go online, read newspaper or go out for a bit to look around at places that are hiring and put in applications. Or when you are not working take the time to do it. Most if not all places are often online to apply for jobs so all you really need is internet connection and a computer and take whatever time you can to apply to jobs even if it is once a day :) Or one application a day
Stephanie01101
July 21st, 2015 8:22pm
Applying to jobs is always difficult, especially when you are already swamped with work. Maybe allocate a certain amount of time everyday to looking (ex. 20 minutes). I used to do my searching/applying while eating breakfast in the morning. It made me feel accomplished before I even got to work and allowed me to put it out of my mind for the rest of the day! Good luck with your search!!!
TheMusician
August 11th, 2015 9:14pm
You have a few options, which include looking on your coffee or lunch breaks, or during those hours when you're not working. And I'm sure that more than a few people have surreptitiously taken time during their workday to fill out applications.
PoliteOcean
September 1st, 2015 4:27am
You could try using a "work" lunch break where if you are eating at your desk or eating on break ,you could also be reading the paper or looking online for other work. Do this everyday for your lunchbreak (5 days a week/ 30minutes to 60 minutes) can add up to a lot of time invested in finding something new. In addition to searching on your off-days.
Ev3rlastingHope
November 23rd, 2015 9:03am
You can try using brokers and friends and online applications to help you get your job without having anyone to know interms of your current job
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
June 27th, 2016 4:09am
Put your resumes up on recruitment agencies online. You will just have to update your resume from time to time if you need to, other than that as long as your email address and contact is correct and there the companies will contact you if needed.
TheTravelersWord
July 12th, 2021 4:38am
This is a question everyone asks themselves at one point. The best part is knowing that you will get to your goal so you can relax and take a breath. I suggest trying to speak with your employer about it and be as honest and polite as you can be. Your employer won’t take it personal as a bad mark on your employment record. When I was a manager over 3 food stands years ago, we had a big turnover rate. It’s okay to want to accelerate your knowledge to another career and they understand this as well. Once you have communication with your current employer regarding your plan. You can then take some time at home or a local library. Anywhere you feel comfortable. Take some time and build your resume and start your search. There are numerous resources online for finding work. Don’t feel any pressure. You will get there. And you already have a job. So don’t you worry if the one you want doesn’t work out. You can always try again. Remember. Great things don’t come easy. But you can always think with ease if you remember that you will get there.