Simplifying for a new year

I’m no neatnik but I’ve come to appreciate the value of decluttering — or at least the value of shifting the clutter — to create new synergies for the work ahead. This penchant for order helps me when it comes to diagnosing what ails some job searches: clutter and chaos, leading to confusion and inertia.

To be fair, it’s almost impossible not to stumble under the cascade of emails, online subscriptions, workshop packets and just plain paper that rains down on job seekers the minute they announce their interest in new work. It’s one of the mysteries of modern life that each of these items individually can be so helpful while the totality of them can be so paralyzing.

Nor is the problem limited to the search. I’ve known numerous people over the years who were caught in a web of inter-related problems, all stemming from or made worse by the loss of control symbolized by their job search clutter.

One woman had taken to living entirely in the bedroom of her small condo to avoid seeing the dining room table over-flowing with a years’ worth of job search detritus. She no longer entertained or even went out with friends. Of course she was depressed, but which came first, and what was affecting what? Losing the heart of her home to an intractable problem certainly wasn’t helping.

Even job seekers who are managing well emotionally are impacted by the clutter of job search. How many versions of a resume are enough? Never mind — better look at them all to select the right one. Which emails need to be read immediately? Oops — too late, the interruption has already happened — might as well read them right now.

If this sounds too familiar, you’re a likely candidate for an end-of-the-year de-cluttering. Here are some basic steps to get you started.

Clear your email backlog by creating categories of files: perhaps Newsletters and Job Postings, Review Weekly, Toss Later, and Official Business. If you move everything possible into one of those four files, your inbox should be left with only two types of emails: Personal correspondence, and things requiring immediate action.

Reduce future inbox clutter by diverting incoming emails into preset folders. For example, if you receive leads from job boards, type their addresses into this feature of your email program, sending them directly to their folders. Then you can read them at established times during the day instead of being interrupted by their arrival.

Invest in file folders and two plastic file boxes — the kind you can hang files in, so you can see them vertically rather than in a stack. One box is for leads you're currently pursuing, the other is for work that is on hold or materials you're not likely to reference often.

Adopt the filing habit on your computer as well. Never accumulate multiple documents with names like "Resume 1" and "Resume 2." Instead, name documents clearly and create ample folders to contain them. Learn to use the list feature on your desktop so you can scan visually by name or date, rather than stumbling through dozens of icons.

Create a job search regimen where each session concludes with all materials going back into their boxes or electronic files, with only the to-do list for the next session remaining visible. When you sit down for the next session, the to-do list will prompt you to pull the appropriate files forward to begin your work. At other times of the day, your space will revert to "neutral," allowing you to maintain your boundaries more effectively.

Don't overthink this whole thing. While there are plenty of good books on the market for decluttering, the steps above will get you back on track. Nor do you need to hold each item in your hand and thank it for its service before tossing it, as one popular author advocates. In fact, don't toss a thing — just box it up and label the carton "Shred after first paycheck clears." Now that's what I call cathartic.