At least not all of them. I like folding laundry, I like hauling mulch. I even enjoy exercising.

But sometimes I really don’t like looking for work. I find myself simultaneously over and underwhelmed by the possibilities. Even though feeling excited and bummed at the same time is as interesting a phenomenon as wearing sunglasses when it rains, (which can happen sometimes), it’s not exactly productive.

So I’ve developed a list of job-hunting research tips to help myself, and others like me, get through these cloudbursts of a funky career attitude. Work these steps, even if you don’t feel like it, and the simple activity alone will improve your mood – and your prospects.

1. Never stop. Keep looking all the time, at least a little, even if you have a job. There are so many reasons to do this:

• You can’t apply for what you don’t know exists. Keep current with possibilities.
• You need to keep your head in the game. It’s easy to get soft and cozy up to wherever you find yourself. Nowadays we all know nothing lasts forever and it’s important to stay sharp in case you find yourself needing a job sooner than you thought you would.
• You need to stay aware of what’s going on in your field. Keep an eye out for changing basic skills. Very often, what were once add-ons are now essentials. Pay attention to want ads, note what skills are in demand and make sure you have them.

2. Go specialized. Make a point of checking in on websites and job boards that cater to your line of work. You’ll find items more suited to you, and you won’t waste time plowing through lots that isn’t.

3. Work your associations. Yes, this is more than another way to broach networking – although you should be doing that. In this instance, I’m talking about monitoring professional journals, websites and yes! membership associations. Use these outlets to note happening companies, regions and specialties.

4. Work the off-times. This is one of my personal things. Peruse job boards or other sites where you look for work on an off time, like early in the morning, late at night, on the weekends, or in between big seasonal ebbs and flow. I suggest this for three reasons:

• You might find something promising before anyone else does.
• I think employers who post at odd hours are very, very serious about getting help.
• It helps me tackle a task I might not feel like.

Now let’s all put our sunglasses on and cruise through the rain to the careers we want.