With this weekend’s time change, Halloween and the end of another month, it dawned on me that I have less than two months to prepare for Christmas. This time of the year always reminds me of when I was having my kids (all born around the New Year). Every time I was pregnant, I knew I needed to get my shopping done early. I also knew I would probably need a little more time, just in case labor came early or I simply wasn’t feeling up to fighting the crowds and standing in long lines, when I was eight or nine months pregnant.

Now with November here I realize it is time to start my preparations for the Christmas season. For me it means getting the lists started, it is really important to me to find the right gifts for the people on my list. It is always fun and informative to check out the sales at different stores, online and even QVC for great gift ideas. It was important to shop early, otherwise all the best gifts would be gone.

If I didn’t prepare I would be running around the week of Christmas, shopping in stores with no merchandise left. The selection would be less than plentiful! I still purposely try every year to shop early so I can enjoy the season and remember the true meaning of Christmas and not just the Hallmark side of it. I wouldn’t be able to do this if I wasn’t preparing along the way.

Whether I take steps to prepare ahead of time and enjoy the season or cram in everything at the end and have to settle for what is still available, is up to me.

The same preparedness should hold true when searching for a new job. Whether you are laid off, or looking to change jobs, things move much smoother and efficiently with proper planning! It starts with lists – or an actual plan. Deciding what type of job you are seeking, searching for the right company, networking on and offline and having your resume written with deliberate focus to so it stands out and gets noticed are all part of that plan.

Do you dare face your job search unprepared? Considering we spend anywhere from 40-60+ hours a week involved with job-related activities, shouldn’t it be something special, something you’re qualified for and something you love to do? Finding the right job doesn’t happen overnight. So take the time necessary a job that fits you well. Prior preparation will let you enjoy the journey and find the right job without settling for what ever happens to be available. Not sure when to start? How about Now!