For me, summer is about cruising (taking it easy): lakes, family, and a bit of R&R. If this is the case, then how did we get into August so quickly? Is anyone else thinking it was just June? As much as I crave these traditional summer activities, I find slowing down can be hard to do. There are lots of projects on my plate and never quite enough hours in the day to get them all done.
If you are in “summer-time mode” and in job search, balancing your time can be particularly challenging. Maybe you want the opportunity to enjoy your first free summer in years. Maybe you feel you are entitled to some downtime. I get it. But, what can you be doing to lay some of the groundwork for a productive search when you return from vacation?
Read
Catch up on some reading to boost your career! Looking for suggestions? Here are some
Or perhaps you could pick up one of these books that influenced other people:
Whether you pick up Rand, Gladwell, Sagan or any other author, do chose one that will inspire, refresh and update your thinking! Got a book that influenced your life? List it in the comments! I’m always looking to share good reads!
Start Blogging
If nothing else, create a blog and use it as a professional profile and portfolio of your work! Not sure how to get started? It isn’t as hard as you think. No coding or programming skills required. Go start a blog or at least start commenting on blogs related to your industry!
Here are some helpful sites you may want to check out too!
We Blog Better
Oh, you ARE employed?
Actually, go read it even if you aren’t employed yet! 15 Tips to Rock Your Career from WorkAwesome. There are some good ideas for career development!
So…what will you do this week to make your summer memorable?!

Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.