"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." — Unknown

I hate to admit this, but I became dull recently. Several weeks ago I was working around the clock on a re-branding project for my business. Even though I was getting through the technical work, my creativity slowly became stifled.

I also noticed that my connections with colleagues, friends, and loved ones were suffering — because when I wasn't working, all I was talking about was work. I officially felt myself becoming dull.

This took me back to my own job transition years ago. I worked ten-hour days, came home, and applied for more jobs. It was a cycle of misery — until I decided to change things up and stop applying for a while.

I started a Meetup group instead and began organizing young professional networking events. It was a blast. I met new people and got connected to businesses and nonprofits, one of which hired me to run their events. Over the course of one month, I transitioned into a job I loved — all because I decided to do something I genuinely enjoyed.

Now, as a career coach, I see clients get into the application grind and actively encourage them to play their way out of it. Here's why:

1. Play gives you insight into what you love to do

If you love building things in your free time, there's a good chance you'd love something similar in your career. Some people keep their play as a hobby; others find a way to incorporate it into their work. Either way, play reveals how you think, how you problem-solve, and what kinds of work you might genuinely enjoy.

One of my former clients loved tinkering in his garage and learning technical skills at work. When we started working together, he took a free online class on website development — just for fun. Eventually, he went back to school for a certification in web development and built a career he loves.

2. Play gives you something else to think about

It takes your mind off the search for a while. Most job changers who add play and travel into their lives come back to their search with more enthusiasm and energy. It also breaks cycles of anxiety and depression that can come with major life transitions.

3. Play increases your connection with other people

During a career transition, connection and support matter enormously. There is more to you than your work — and play creates opportunities to connect and network in a way that feels natural. One of my clients landed a job opportunity through someone he met at a Meetup group he attended purely for fun.

If you're not sure how to start playing, think back to what you loved doing as a child — the activities where you lost all sense of time. Loved Legos? Try woodworking or a building class. Loved performing? Look for improv or acting. The clues to what energizes you are already there.