In the space of a few hours, I spoke to two colleagues about their next career step.  In both cases we discussed the principles found in The Rat, The Race and The Cage. But that wasn’t the exciting part of the conversations.

Both individuals expressed a willingness, dare I say eagerness, to move from Boston and Los Angeles, respectively.  Why? I tend to think it is explained in a list the individuals share in common:

1. Educated (Bachelor degrees)
2. Experienced in their respective fields
3. Able to see themselves applying points 1 and 2 in new positions or new industries
4. Willing to relocate if required – WITH full support from their spouse

These individuals know that in today’s uncertain times their next a career step simply cannot be limited by any criteria.  While both want to remain in the city where they are living today, they understand that true friends and family will remain connected thanks to nearly-free long distance calling, social networking via the Internet and cheap airfares.

I have a name for what I saw in both of them: “Rational Realism.”  Do you have it?  Or, are you hanging on to something that places an unnecessary criteria on your job search.?

There may be critical reasons to stay put in a given area – perhaps a child or spouse requires the services of a particular hospital or you are a caregiver for a family member or friend.   I am not advocating uprooting from those types of critical, and often entrenched, situations.  I AM suggesting, however, that you to be as open as possible when planning your future.

Be rational.

Be real.

A move across the state – or across the country – might be an welcome experience AND start the next phase of your career.

“Closing time, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”
Closing Time – Semisonic

This morning I opened the L.A. times expecting another article about job losses, banks, TARP, TALF and such. These stories are the raw materials I use to connect the dots of career planning in hopes of encouraging job seekers.

Instead, I found an article that provided an apt reminder of how important it is to take in the view and relax for a moment.

I am from Los Angeles. Born out here, went to college here and work here. Lived in Connecticut and Florida for a few years while growing up due to my Dad’s job, but the Golden State was always home, specifically the san Fernando Valley. A lifelong passion for the Dodgers grew out of it and Dodger Stadium was a place that seemed to never age.

This morning in the L.A. Times, Hector Tobar wrote, “A lot of things have changed in Los Angeles since Dodger Stadium was opened in 1962. But the experience of settling into your seat for a night game after a day of suffering down in the city below is the same as it’s always been. We leave behind hot asphalt and smog for the cool air and comfort of watching a slow game unfold in a dry valley.

In a city that allows few things to grow old and familiar, twilight at Dodger Stadium is the same steady friend we’ve known since our childhoods.”

Amen, Hector.

Do you take time to breathe and take in the view where you live? In the midst of a renewed job search there is also a need to let the mind relax. Cheap seats at Dodger Stadium remain remarkably affordable and a walk up any hill to see the sunset is free.

The gruel and stress of any job is nothing compared to the concern during a job search. It’s critical to set aside the 10,000 articles on resume writing and find some balance. Make an intentional plan to take in the view and breathe…

Today.

“The leaves have fallen all around, it’s time I was on my way.
Thanks to you – I’m much obliged, such a pleasant stay.”
Ramble On – Led Zeppelin

Today I read that jobless claims were up, no down, no up.

Huh?

It would be silly if it wasn’t so pathetic. The popular media (a description given to journalists and their publications who tend to be unpopular) seem to think that the crafting an isolated statistic into a juicy headline will case us to feel better. And, lest we forget, a subtle tick-up in the stock market on any given day is cause for celebration and declaration that “the worst is over.

The moral: do not be deceived by headlines. We are in for a long haul.

That same attitude that should be taken when it comes to a job search. The long haul is not meant to be a discouraging description of the search for your next position, it’s about taking a long view of your career.

The current economic malaise / disaster / recession (pick one) will teach the wise one thing: from this day forward we can and must take a different attitude about our career. Today’s job, be it 5 months of happiness or 5 years of drudgery, is one part of a much larger career portrait that will be painted over time.

Today is but one day. Whether you are searching for a job, happy in a position or dying to get out of the 4th ring of Dante’s Inferno, make the most of today. Take time to reflect on what will be the longer story. While it’s composed a day at a time, you will find that all-too-quickly days become weeks and weeks become years…

If life was just a spontaneous daily headline, we’d all have the same one:

“Fine, and you?”

“Even when your hope is gone,
Move along, move along just to make it through”
Move Along – All American Rejects