Managing Your Mental Health while Job Searching
How to best care for yourself in times of stress and uncertainty.
Job searching quite frankly 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, candidates being ghosted by recruiters, scams (e.g., fake job postings), antiquated application processes, drawn-out interviews, broken hiring systems…
It is completely understandable if your mental health has taken a toll.
If you’re feeling like you’re at the end of your rope, please know you are NOT alone. I have been there, countless others have been there, and many are in the same position right now.
If you feel 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 from your computer and TAKE A BREAK…
You wouldn’t expect a friend or loved one to push through when they are mentally, emotionally, and physically depleted… so why would you expect that of yourself?
It’s time to recharge, my friend.
We are here to offer tips to help boost your mood, energy, and perspective so that when you are READY to get back to it, you can do so with a healthy outlook and mindset.
So, let’s begin 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.
A person 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 listening ear when you need support.
❤️🩹 Clear your mind ❤️🩹
Engage in an activity that will calm your 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.
Whatever you choose to do, do it with your full attention, heart, and soul.
❤️🩹 Shift your #perspective ❤️🩹
If you are losing confidence in yourself and your future, give yourself grace… You are not alone. This job market is a crazy and chaotic one for job seekers far and wide.
Second, it may help to flip your perspective.
Instead of dwelling on 'why not' or 'what if', focus on what you’ve learned from the experiences (the good and bad) – and leverage that knowledge and insight to tweak what may not be working so well.
Please keep this in your back pocket whenever you receive a rejection:
If an employer does not see and appreciate your value, then why would you want to work for them in the first place?
❤️🩹 Celebrate your successes ❤️🩹
Networked with 3 new contacts on LinkedIn?
Applied to 5 jobs this week?
Did something outside of your comfort zone?
It is important to recognize and appreciate the strides you have made. They are all a part of your journey and your growth, and when you look back on this time, 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 #hirethishumanS are Dawn Schell and Srishti Verma!
You can check out Dawn’s feature by clicking here —> #hirethishuman: Dawn Schell
and Srishti’s feature by clicking here —> #hirethishuman: Srishti Verma
Words to ponder:
"It's hard to grow beyond something if you won't let go of it." — James Clear