I Accidentally Got a Full-Time Job Using Our Own Advice. Here’s What Happened.
Note: This week’s edition is written by Jen, with editorial assistance from Alison.
Last week, I started a new job. It was a surprise: I had been freelancing for 15 years and had no intentions of going back to staff. Then an opportunity came up that I couldn’t turn down — a job doing exactly the kind of work I like to do, for a company that I’m excited about, working for my all-time favorite former boss — and I decided to make the leap. (Another note: I’ll still be writing here, too, so don’t think you’re getting rid of me.)
Then Alison pointed out something I hadn’t really thought about: I used all our job searching advice to get this job, even though I wasn’t looking for full-time when I landed it. Here’s how it worked.
Networking Is Still the Best Way to Get Hired
My new job came about because I was shaking the trees for new freelance work. Periodically, I email current and former clients to see if they need anything. It’s way more successful than cold calling and has the obvious benefit that both parties know what to expect.
One of these email exchanges was with a former boss. We worked together on staff at a site 20 years ago, and I’ve freelanced for her at various organizations since. But this time, she didn’t have a budget for freelance … but she did have a budget for a full-time role. Would I be interested in going back to employee status?
I just about sprained an ankle racing to reply.
Don’t Count Your Chickens
While my contact was waiting for sign-off on the new role, I had another potential job come up. (I know — if I’d been looking, it never would have happened. Job searching is unfortunately a lot like dating in this way.)
My first instinct was not to pursue it, because I was so excited about the other role. But Alison reminded me that this is never the right move. You can’t count on anything shaking out in your favor, and it’s a mistake to pass up one opportunity while you wait for another.
In the end, the first job worked out … and the other possibility died on the vine. But it just as easily could have gone the other way, so better not to miss out on the chance.
Look for Multiple Revenue Streams
One of the reasons I freelanced for so long is that it’s hard to “lose your job” in the conventional sense. If one client breaks up with you, hopefully, you still have others.
Even though I’m going full-time, I’m also keeping some freelance work. (With full knowledge and sign-off from my employers, of course.) If you can manage it time-wise, it’s always a good idea to have a side gig. Nowadays, with expenses the way they are, it may even be necessary.
If You’re Having a Tough Time, You’re Not Alone
Finally, let me just say this: if you’re looking for work, and doing all of this, and it isn’t working, it’s not your fault. There’s also a hefty amount of luck involved in landing the right job, especially in a job market like this one. And don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments or in the chat if you need support figuring out what to try next. We’re here to help.
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Earlier Posts From The Job Hopper
How to Job Search When the World Is on Fire
Job searching is stressful even when life is relatively normal. Throw in a rapid news cycle, economic stress, and uncertainty about what lies ahead, and well, it’s a lot. We’re here to help. Here’s how to keep your job search on track.
Jobs Report: Payrolls Added Only 49,000 Jobs per Month on Average in 2025
Economists aren’t panicking yet. Many describe this as a slowdown or a static job market, rather than a freefall. However, we’ve been looking at jobs data for a long time, and we’ll be honest with you: we’ve never seen anything remotely like this.
Free Tools for Job Seekers and Career Changers
You don’t necessarily need to pay for help when you’re looking for a job. Some of the best job search tools are 100% free. You can get no-cost help finding job listings, writing your resume and cover letters, interviewing for jobs, and more. There are even free career quizzes and online classes — just in case you’ve decided to pivot to an entirely new line of work. Find tools here.
How To Find Companies That Are Still Hiring
If your job search is stalled, take a break from looking for specific job openings. Instead, target companies that are staffing up. Here’s how.
SPECIAL EDITION: Resources for Unemployed Federal Workers
If you’re one of the thousands of federal workers who’ve recently lost their jobs — or if you’re concerned that you’re about to join them — you need and deserve support. We’ve assembled some helpful resources to get you through the next couple of weeks and months as you figure out what to do next.
Where To Get Financial Help When You’re Unemployed
What can you do if you’ve run out of unemployment benefits, are about to lose them, or if your benefits aren’t enough to pay the bills? It’s scary to have little or no income, but you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you through this difficult time. Here’s where to go for help.