Most of us underestimate the time it will take to become re-employed. The general rule is 3-6 months for a professional or manager, regardless of the economy or other factors. You can also estimate that it will take one month for every $10,000 of salary you were making at your previous job.

There are ten factors that can have an affect on the time it takes for you to find a job.

1. Do you know what you want to do? Taking the time to evaluate your purpose, values, accomplishments and skills will definitely add time to the search, but the process is well worth your time.
2. Are you willing to move? Being flexible can open up your options, but make it more difficult to manage your contacts.
3. Are you staying within the scope of what you have done before, or are you seeking a career shift? The latter will most certainly add time to your search.
4. How big is your network? A larger network, if used well, can give you access to more unpublished openings and get you hired faster.
5. Are your skills marketable? If you have not kept them up to date with continuous training, you may need to go back to school for a period of time. This will add time to your search.
6. What are the economic conditions? It can take three to five times longer in a recession than if the economy is strong.
7. What is your mind-set? Are you viewing your situation as an opportunity, are you angry with your previous employer, or feeling sorry for yourself? Potential employers will pick up on your attitude. Seek that positive attitude!
8. Do you have the financial strength to withstand a longer search? If you received a substantial severance package, or have several months living expenses set aside, you will not be inclined to accept the first job offer out of the desperation felt by many job seekers.
9. Do you have the support structure in place to provide encouragement during your search? When you are working within your defined priorities and values, and are supported by your family and friends, you will find it easier to get through difficult times.
10. How much effort, time and commitment are you willing to expend? When you are out of work, finding a job is your work! You should spend at least four hours a day looking for work. If you are currently employed, but wishing to change jobs, you should spend at least one to two hours each day, and one day on the weekend

Determine how much time you can afford to spend on your job search, and plan accordingly. Consider all avenues of support, and try to enjoy the process. It is an opportunity for positive change, and should be savored.

If you have been recently laid off, there are steps you can take to move you forward in your job search. Click here to get your free copy of Career Transitions, The Initial Stages.

Georgia Feiste, owner of Collaborative Transitions, located in Lincoln, NE, is a business, career and personal life coach, writer, and workshop facilitator. She has more than thirty years experience as a corporate executive in the insurance industry. Georgia currently writes columns for the Lincoln 55+ Senior Newspaper and Touche, a local magazine. Her website is http://www.collaborativetransitions.com

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