What Landing Your Second “Adult Job” is Really Like
Okay, so you’re out of college, you tinkered around with your first adult job for 2-3 years, and you think it’s finally time to step up your game somewhere else. At first you think it’s going to be really easy and then you think of all of the different complications. How will you take work off last minute for an interview? Will coworkers notice that you’re going to the “dentist” again? How do you get those recommendations without letting people know you’re looking for a new job. Check out my newest post to find out what you need to know to land that second job.
Top ( Thrifted Anthropologie) | Jeans | Shoes
It’s Going to be Awkward
Calling out sick to drive two hours to a different city, sneaking to your car on your lunch break for phone interviews, and making up excuses to why you had a dentist appointment again. It isn’t easy but let me tell you, it’s worth the awkwardness. Push through it. Try to space out your interviews so they aren’t so frequent. While I was looking for my second job, I was interviewing at three different places. It was difficult to call out but eventually it worked out. Although it’s going to be difficult now, once you find that new job it’s going to be so easy.
Figure Out Who You can Trust for Recommendations
To me, this is one of the hardest parts about looking for a new job (other than trying to figure out when you can actually interview). No matter what type of office you’re in there is going to be some type of gossip. The key is to make sure you looking for a job does not become the gossip. When you’re looking for recommendations make sure you pick people that are not only going to speak highly of you but are going to keep quiet that you’re looking. It would be ideal to ask your boss for a recommendation but that puts you in an awkward position if you don’t get the job. Choose carefully.
Leaving is Bittersweet
When my last day finally rolled around, I was extremely excited but sad to leave some of my wonderful coworkers. For a brief second you think you should just stay because it would be easier than starting all over again. Nonetheless, you know that this will be better for your career. Once you start your new job in your new fancy role, you’ll look back and giggle at the thought. Things will be easy, things will be hard. It’s up to you to make the best out of your new circumstances.
Give Your Current Job Two Weeks Notice
Giving your job two weeks notice is a standard in most fields. Treat your old job with respect by offering them time to find a replacement. Help them finish up any loose ends before you leave. Since they gave you the respect of hiring you, give them the same respect while you leave.
Since I Started My Second Job
Since I started my second job, I’ve been trying new skills and loving my new environment. Like anything new, there is a learning curve. Thankfully, I’m trying to embrace it as much as I can and tackle as many new projects as I can.
Other Posts You Make Like
- What Finding a Job After College is Really Like
- What’s in My Work Bag?
- How I Maintain My Sanity During My Daily Commute
Where are you in your career? Are you going through this process or remember what it was like? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
12 Comments
jenniferpickering22gmailcom
These are great tips!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
PeculiarPorter
Thank you girly!
Becoming His Tapestry
Great advice 🙏🏽
PeculiarPorter
Thank you!
justviasyl
Kudos to you balancing interviews for three different places at once! The recommendations piece- so true! Wishing you the best in your new role!
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much! It took a lot out of me but it was definitely worth it! I’m head over heels for my new job.
Deborah
Great tips! This post reminded me of when I was leaving my first job for my second (I’m on job #3 now! Haha). I will say, something I learned is that it’s better to use your vacation time to look for jobs than using sick leave. I would use my lunch break to send out resumes and field phone interviews. Basically use time that’s your own and not your company’s so you don’t give them a reason to question your ethics when you leave. You’re going to want to keep some connections from your old job and not burn bridges!
PeculiarPorter
I completely agree! I tried to use as much vacation time and lunch breaks as I possibly could. Sometimes it was hard asking for a vacation day so last minute which is why I had to take one or two sick days. It’s a hard balance during the entire processes but its always worth it in the end!
karasclosetblog
These are really great pieces of advice! I haven’t gone through this yet so this is definitely going to come in handy. Giving your two weeks notice and tying up an loose ends at your old job is the best thing to do. It’s always smart not to burn any bridges. And I love these photos! Your white and black outfit is really pretty!
x Kara | http://karascloset.net
PeculiarPorter
Ahh that makes me so happy! When you get to that point it is super stressful but is beyond worth it in the end.
Jessica
Good on you dear! Love reading inspiring posts like this. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much, girly!