What do you do till you start doing what you’re going to be doing?
I was thinking a bit today about the concept of “the time in between.” Right now I’m in one such period of time.
I’ve finished a great chunk of schooling (The Iron Yard – Ruby on Rails class), but I don’t have a job just yet.
In fact, the job search has just recently started.
So I’m finding myself in this between time.
The first half a week or so I was pretty happy to not do to much of anything. I think my brain appreciated it.
The past week though I’ve found myself needing to do a few things. Once my brain had taken a few day’s to only do what was necessary, I knew it was time to start working on the things that I needed to be doing to prepare for what comes next.
First and fore most I’ve been attempting to prepare myself for the next step. interestingly that step isn’t getting a job, instead it is preparing my portfolio/resume to approach companies who are looking to hire people who can do what I do.
On one hand this has meant building an entirely new website, designing it, writing copy for it, doing some Photoshop and indesign work… All little pieces of a puzzle that will help show prospective employers what I have done already and what I know how to do.
On the other hand this means that I’ve needed to start cleaning up some code in some older applications. Not all of them mind you, but especially those that I will be placing in front of possible employers. I want them to be able to click through and view my code on Github and get a good feel for what I can bring to the table. When they do click to view that code, it had better work/be pretty decent. I have a feeling I’ll be continuing on in this vein for a couple of days yet.
I’m a pretty laid back person. I tend to just believe that everything will work out. However there are moments of clarity when I suddenly realize that I really do need to be doing my part to make sure that what happens next is magical. Well, maybe not magical, but at least profitable.
The more I think about it, the things that I do in my “time in between” will eventually make a difference.
Even if you don’t think you’re working towards something, stop and think a minute… You are headed somewhere. Could be in your career, a relationship, a health goal (I’ve got to lose some weight), or something else… but you are headed somewhere.
Make the “time in between” count. I know I want to.