Job Search Burnout and Frustration are Real, Here’s How to Move Past It
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Even a short job search can become a significant burden on your mental health. Unemployment is very stressful, and looking for a job quickly becomes frustrating for many people. Employers want to hire energetic, motivated people, and you will be a much more attractive candidate if you have a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
So how do you do it? By focusing on your mental health and overall routine. Whether your job search takes a week, a month, or a year, it is important that you take steps to keep your mind, body, and relationships healthy.
Identify Your Frustration
What’s really driving your job search frustration? Maybe the market demands have changed, or you’re lacking enough experience, or there aren’t many jobs available in your field, or you’re using the wrong search methods. If you’re in a prolonged job search, this negativity can grow over time, but once you identify the issue you can take steps to correct your frustration.
Set Goals
Your overall goal is likely to find a job. But in addition to that, you can set smaller process goals for yourself, such as reaching out to a certain number of businesses a week. Or reaching out to a certain number of former colleagues. Perhaps updating your LinkedIn page or exploring new job search methods. By setting small attainable goals you will move towards your ultimate goal of finding a job and feel accomplishments along the way.
Set a Schedule
The loss of a regular routine is a large part of what makes unemployment feel so disorienting. Using your time effectively when you do not have a work schedule to follow can be a real challenge. The best solution to this is to treat your job search like it’s your job. Your personal schedule doesn’t need to be a corporate nine-to-five, however. Create a schedule that works for you.
Reach Out
Having strong emotional support is essential during this process. Find someone who can listen and really understand what you’re going through without any judgments or expectations. You may not necessarily need advice; you may just need a sounding board. Connecting with people who see your potential can change your perspective, keep you motivated, and ward off that job search frustration. A positive attitude is essential in your job search – not only for your personal well-being but also for your success in landing your ideal job.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Sharing your stresses with a compassionate friend will likely go a long way to improving your mental health. Unemployment can be an isolating experience, but you don’t have to suffer alone.
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