Mitigate the Emotional Effects of Searching for a Job
The emotional aspect of a job search is something that is not as commonly discussed as it should be, but is every bit as real and important as the search itself. When days turn into weeks of not hearing back, the rejection can lead to discouragement, self doubt, panic and depression. Most of us are not used to dealing with these emotions week after week. In a prolonged state of emotional distress you can lose perspective, your judgment can become clouded and your ability to be effective in your job hunt can be lost.
Below are some tips to help mitigate the effects of emotional strain you may encounter.
Focus on Small Successes
If you are anticipating a steady stream of interviews you will most likely be disappointed. Stay away from creating goals that are unrealistic. Instead, build on small victories such as connecting with one person from your network, doing in depth research about a particular position. Searching for a job should be just like any previous full time jobs. Over the course of a day your ability to successfully accomplish multiple tasks was what ultimately gave you satisfaction. The same should be true here.
Understand it is a Tough Market
Searching for a job in today’s economic environment is tough for everyone. Being unemployed for several months does not mean that there is something wrong with you or that you are unemployable. While the job market continues to free fall, HR professionals are not going to provide the usual amount of “red flag” scrutiny about why you have not had a job in months.
Limit Your Intake of Bad Job Market News
There is a big difference between informative news media and sensationalist news media. Whenever there is bad news out there you can bet that news outlets will take it to a whole other level of doom and gloom. But you cannot change them, just you. Filter the information you take in. Focus more on local market news and less on national news. I am not saying completely ignore what is going on, just do not dwell on it. It is not productive. You cannot control the job market. Stay positive by filtering the negative and focus on what you can control.
Join a Job Search Support Group
It helps to communicate with people in the same situation. You can share helpful tips, work on interview skills and have a shoulder to lean on when you need it. There are groups in each state, just google out more.
Take Time to Relax
Over working yourself will only make you more tired, more stressed and less effective. When your body is under so much emotional pressure you may even need more time to relax than usual. You should not look at your down time as time wasted because it is not. It is time to clear your head, get away from the pressure you are under and build up your battery for your next round of job search victories.
Take Care of Yourself
When we are overtaken by emotional stress, sadness, anxiety, etc. it wears on our bodies. When we are in one of these states and have lost perspective, health is not always an important focus. It should be. Everything from helping to reduce stress and depression to keeping you out of the doctor’s office when you are trying to cut costs lies under the umbrella of health. Eat sensibly, get rest and try to exercise as often as possible.
Everything is easier said than done when it comes to being in the situation, but I do want to encourage everyone struggling in their job search to find the positive. You will get through this, you will find another job.
February 26th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Man is she right on target or what!!!! looking for a job is a JOB. It takes time, plenty of effort, and most probably emotional sanity, especially with the crisis that’s going on right now, all seems really desperate. I mean I’m a fresh graduate marine and offshore engineer and I thought the hard part is over while actually It is just the beginning only now at least I’m not graded. I just want to encourage everyone out there to keep looking and searching and you’ll be rewarded only by the effort you put in. Looking for a job will require all that one possesses. Best job hunting lads!!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Looking for a job will require all the skills that one might possess.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:39 am
I have been out of work for 10 months and have never been under such stressful conditions. Small victories ( e.g. gaining an interview, positrive responses to a job inquiry) belonging to several job seeker networks, and getting out of the house to network has been my survival tools. I also volunteer as a geologist at a local museaum of natural history.
I wish all under these circumstances to survive as best as they can, for ” . . . this too, shall pass.”
February 27th, 2009 at 11:18 am
I have been laid off in the last three recessions including this one last August. I have always gone back to a better job and a better position and with great people.
The key is:
To have your support network.
Help other people when you can that are looking (nothing is better than getting a good lead when you are looking).
Make sure you have your finances in order.
Do parttime if you can in your field. It helps to keep your skills going.
Work out. I do several hours of “Job work” each day and then go work out..go to the library..an interview..whatever..
Go to job fairs and trade conferences to meet new people..
You never know when your next lead might come in….
March 12th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
The Question is ……Do you want a job or do you want a reasonable life?
I graduated with a BS in Engineering in 1974 and became a P. Eng in 1976 and went back to complete a MBA in 1978.
I have done many jobs..and completed many projects but the elusive work/life balance still escapes me. It seems work demands ALL my time or I am between pojects with NO happy medium mix.
These days I refuse to devote 100% of my time to work and place my needs ahead of employers demands. It has resulted in a part time or project type of employment but I also get to live a bit of my life.
Employers will have to recognize and accommodate employees needs IF they are going to be successful in attracting experienced and skilled people.
There are many highly skilled and experienced baby boomer types going into post retirement careers….which means we will be fussy about the terms of employment.
Employers will have tp adapt if they want to access our abilities.
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