The Simple 4-Part Time Management System That Helped Me Through Challenging Career Moves - And Can Help You Too

When I made the leap from civil engineering to software development back in 2015, I didn’t have a roadmap.

No coding bootcamp, no technical degree - just me, my laptop, and a lot of ambition.

Within a year, I successfully taught myself to code and landed my first role in tech.

Now, I’ll be the first to say: the job market has changed a lot since then. It’s more competitive. More automated. And often, more overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: the beauty of this approach is that it still works today.

Because while the tactics and tools may evolve, what hasn’t changed is the importance of how you manage your time, your energy, and your focus during a job search.

What made the difference for me wasn’t just motivation or hustle. It was having a clear, manageable system for how I used my time every single week - one that kept me consistent, focused, and moving forward.

Today, this same system not only powers my own career moves - it’s the framework I teach job seekers and career switchers to stay on track and avoid burnout.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to apply it to your own job search, so you can stay focused, make real progress, and land your next role faster.

Step 1: Decide How Much Time You Can Spend Each Week

Before you open LinkedIn or tweak your resume, start here.

Decide: How many hours can you realistically dedicate to your job search each week?

This is non-negotiable because:

• It prevents burnout by setting clear boundaries.
• It helps you focus on quality actions over mindless busywork.
• It creates accountability — no more “I'll get to it eventually.”

How much time should you spend?

Here’s what I recommend:

Note: I committed to about 30 hours per week when I made my career switch. It felt manageable, and the real magic happened not just in the hours I spent, but in how I spent them.

Step 2: Split Your Time Across the Four Essential Areas

Most people (myself included!) naturally gravitate toward the parts of the job search that feel more comfortable.

When I was learning to code, I loved the learning and building part. But if I only focused on that and never reached out to people or applied for roles, I’d still be stuck at square one.

That’s why I recommend dividing your job search time across four essential areas:

💡 Pro tip: Pair The Daily Lift with simple color-coding on your calendar or a weekly planner to balance your time across all four areas of your search.

Why This System Works

This balance creates momentum — a positive cycle that builds week after week:

• Applying keeps you in motion and sharpens your skills.
• Networking opens doors to opportunities you can’t find online.
• Learning builds your expertise.
• Applying your learning brings your progress to life.

It also keeps you honest.

If you’re spending 90% of your time learning but avoiding applications or networking, you’ll catch it early and adjust - instead of realizing it months later.

Step 3: Check In Weekly (Stay Honest with Yourself)

Even the best plan needs regular tune-ups.

Every week, pause and reflect:

• Where did you spend too much or too little time?
• Are you avoiding one area? If so, why?
• What’s one small adjustment you can make next week?

This is exactly where The Daily Lift comes in.

It’s your companion for keeping the bigger picture in view while staying motivated in the daily work. Use it to set your weekly intentions, keep your mindset strong with daily reflections, and review your progress at the end of the week - so you keep moving forward with clarity and confidence.

What This Looks Like in Practice (Sample Weekly Schedule)

Let’s make this real.

If you’re job searching full-time, aim for about 20–30 hours a week of intentional job search activity.

Here’s an example of how that could look, based on a 24-hour commitment:

Make Your Job Search Work For You

Job searching full-time doesn’t have to mean full-time stress.

By following this simple, structured approach, you’ll make real progress across every part of your search - not just the parts that feel comfortable.

And if you want to stay organized and motivated along the way, grab a copy of The Daily Lift. 

It’s the tool I wish I had when I was job searching or switching careers. It's designed to help you create a high-level plan, stay motivated each day, and finish each week with a clear view of your progress and next steps.