Started a 9-5 (W-2) Job...Tips to stay on track searching?

November 15, 2023

by a searcher from Texas A&M University in Cedar Park, TX, USA

I had been working some 1099 jobs while I dug into a self-funded search. Worked on a few deals that never materialized. Due to quality of life (travel) issues I took a W-2 job in October. It's an executive director level position with a fairly high demand on my time. What are some tips from others who've been through a self-funded search on staying on track with your searches?!

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Reply by a searcher
from INSEAD in London, UK

Thanks for the tag ^redacted‌.

^redacted‌
It is not easy but do-able. You have to accept the day job (pays the bills) takes priority. A few things to consider:
1. Accountability is key. Find ways to keep yourself motivated. Maintaining focus is hard
2. Work out your priority order. For example, day job > family > search
3. Work out how much time you can realistically allocate to Search during the day, say ~1 hr could be the first hour of the day or the lunch hour. Use it for all external work, calls etc.
4. Saturday is a work day. All organising and planning happens here. Get significant other/family etc on board
5. Work out the holiday you have and use it wisely - you might need to book .5 day at a time for key meetings, LOI and such
6. Be realistic. Your Search productivity could go down by a factor of 50% or more. This means it will take longer to get to every significant milestone
7. Look after yourself. It is important to effectively manage the stress/pressure of wanting to succeed. Give yourself time off as you would in your day job
8. Always be upfront that you are a part-time (and if relevant, self-funded) Searcher
9. Consider hiring a virtual assistant.
10. Be prepared to drop one of the priorities to give attention to the other. Life happens.

All the best. Happy to connect 1-1.

Reply by a searcher
from University of North Texas in San Antonio, TX, USA

‌Congratulations on securing the new executive director role! I truly understand the balancing act of managing a job while actively pursuing a self-funded search. I've encountered my share of setbacks and obstacles, and in response, I've consistently contiue to fine-tuned my strategies. My diverse background encompasses launching ventures, navigating acquisitions, and thriving in various corporate roles. As an executive coach, I've undertaken a meaningful project to alleviate this issue. (Not trying to sell anything here.). What fuels my continued commitment is the desire to assist others, having witnessed the callous nature of leaders in organizations. I've seen a lack of leadership in caring for people, both before and after a sale. It's this very realization that propels me forward. One vital lesson I've learned is the importance of not going it alone. While it's often said that it's lonely at the top, perhaps it's because some leaders didn't bring others alongside them. I believe in the power of community and collaboration, and that's what drives my passion to support and uplift fellow searchers. Wishing you continued success on your journey,

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