Managing your mental health while job searching
How to best care for yourself in times of stress.
Job searching sucks.
It’s hard. It’s frustrating, it’s overwhelming, it’s draining, and on and on and on.
In today’s market, with all the layoffs, people being ghosted by recruiters, fake job postings, antiquated application processes, long drawn-out interviews, broken hiring systems…
It’s easy to understand if your mental health has taken a toll because of the hours, weeks, months (dare I say years) you’ve put into it.
If you’re feeling like you’re at the end of your rope, please know you are NOT alone. I have been there, and countless others have been there, and many are in the same position at this very moment.
If you are feeling like you won’t ever get a job,
If you feel like you aren’t good enough,
If you feel like you cannot take another second of this,
This is your cue to STEP AWAY…
Step away from your computer and take a break.
You wouldn’t expect someone else to push through when they are mentally, emotionally, and physically depleted… so why would you expect that of yourself?
It’s time for a recharge. It’s time for a healthy dose of intentional self-care.
With that said, we are here today to offer some tips to help boost your mood, energy, and perspective so that when you are READY (ready is the operative word here) to get back to it, you can do so with a healthy outlook and mindset.
So, let’s start with…
> If you are feeling alone or isolated, please reach out to a trusted friend or family member.
Connect with someone who will provide encouragement, support, and a listening ear without judgment. Someone in your life who makes you feel at ease and who you can be your authentic self around.
You don’t have to do this alone, and it helps to have people in your corner who can offer a shoulder (…or hand…or listening ear) when you need some support.
> Engage in a mind-clearing activity.
It’s important to engage in an activity that calms your crowded, spinning mind. What exactly that activity is will look different for different people.
For me, that would be meditating, being out in the fresh air, journaling, getting a massage, or moving my body.
So, ask yourself: what is something that helps to ease your mind? Whatever it is, do it when you are feeling the strain and tension of your job search.
> Shift your #perspective.
If are losing confidence in yourself and your future, first give yourself grace… you are not alone. The hard truth is that the current job market is a crazy and chaotic one for job seekers.
Second, it may help to flip your perspective. Instead of dwelling on 'why not' or 'what if', focus on what you’ve learned from each of your job search experiences (the good and the bad) – and leverage that knowledge and insight to tweak what may not be working so well. The best way to learn and adapt is by being in the trenches.
Also, keep this in your back pocket whenever you receive a rejection:
If an employer does not see your value, then why would you want to work for them in the first place?
> Celebrate your successes (even if they don’t seem like true wins to you).
* Networked with 3 new contacts on LinkedIn?
* Applied to 5 jobs this week?
* Did something outside of your comfort zone?
* Took a break from applying to jobs (Kudos to you for knowing when to step away!)?
Acknowledge and reward your small wins along the way because they matter…
They are all a part of your journey and your growth, and when you look back on this journey, you will see that all the small wins eventually led you to your big ones.
> Schedule breaks.
The quickest way to get in a mental rut is by pushing through and not allowing yourself to take breaks.
Do yourself a favor and schedule intentional self-care time on your calendar. Take breaks regularly and consistently. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
This week’s #hirethishuman is Malolan V!
Check out his career slide deck here: Featured Job Seeker: Malolan V
Words to inspire:
Grab a chance and you won’t be sorry for a might have been. — Arthur Ransome