The job search can feel like a black hole, consuming hours without any progress. Do you feel busy but still lost or unsure if you’re really moving toward your goal?

In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining is joined by Demir Bentley, co-founder of Life Hack Method and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Winning the Week.

Demir helps individuals and teams reclaim their time, reduce burnout, and focus on what truly matters. Melissa and Demir apply this philosophy by discussing crucial mindset shifts that help job seekers gain clarity and confidence, while setting themselves up for success both at work and in the job search.

You’ll learn how to:

• Use the time before you leave a job to test boundaries and practice bold behaviors without the fear of consequences
• Maintain a low-level, "never-ending" job search to prevent getting to a place of desperation and build authentic network connections before you need them
• Identify your non-negotiable lifestyle criteria and "pre-negotiate" boundaries during the interview process so they aren't a surprise during your first 90 days on the job
• Reframe perfectionism and procrastination by identifying the hidden fears (like fear of rejection or success) that are trying to protect you

Guest Bio:

Demir is an executive productivity coach, co-founder of Lifehack Method and WSJ Bestselling author of Winning The Week: How To Plan A Successful Week, Every Week.

He teaches hard-hitting efficiency techniques and proven accountability strategies that have helped clients generate millions in revenue while saving thousands of hours.

His team has helped more than 100,000 professionals, including executives from Facebook, Google, Uber and PepsiCo, and teams from Microsoft, Caterpillar, and many more to prevent burnout and create more freedom in their lives. Professionals who want to stop burning out and start hitting their 12-month goals in 3 months can join the Lifehack Tribe community.

Demir’s advice has been highlighted in ABC News, Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Entrepreneur and more.

Connect with Demir:

http://winningtheweek.com/

https://web.facebook.com/demirandcarey/

https://www.instagram.com/lifehackmethod_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/demirbentley/

http://www.youtube.com/c/LifehackBootcamp

https://lifehackmethod.com/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The 2-Hour Job Search

The First 90 Days

Episode Timestamps:

00:48 – Meet Demir Bentley and the Life Hack Method

01:39 – Using the time before quitting to address burnout

02:53 – Why the problem might be how you do the job, not the job itself

07:15 – Why testing boundaries might lead you to stay… and even get promoted

09:28 – The "Two Hour Job Search" approach and the low-level, infinite job search

11:16 – Real Life Example: Using informational interviews to get an unlisted job

17:05 – Getting radical clarity on what the right next fit looks like

18:38 – Probing questions to ask in an interview about productivity and lifestyle

19:13 – The importance of claiming your first 90 days in a new role

23:43 – A small mindset shift to increase confidence in an interview

26:53 – Tracking progress and using soft metrics in a slow job search

30:11 – Focusing relentlessly on the things you can control

33:10 – Strategies for staying motivated and getting out of "messy brain"

38:39 – Dealing with perfectionism and procrastination

42:14 – Where to find Demir Bentley and Life Hack Method

44:24 – Final words: It’s not just you; it’s the system

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.