Time for some real talk: job hunting is incredibly stressful.
Because finding lucrative and fulfilling work is one of the greatest and most urgent life challenges, job hunting can quickly become fraught with negative emotions. While you work on your interview skills, spin up a CV that knocks ‘em dead and keep scouring for job postings, you need to do another little appreciated part of the job hunting process: keep your spirits up.
Make Self Care a Priority
Being unemployed can feel like a bit like being in limbo – while you’re not technically doing anything, you’re probably more stressed out and exhausted than ever before. Dwindling finances, stress on relationships and the constant pressure to find something can wear you down quickly.
Unfortunately, many people end up unconsciously beating themselves up for being unemployed. They cannot relax until they find work, and they feel guilty about staying at home. The paradox is, if you stay at home and “punish” yourself for remaining unemployed, you actually lower your chances of eventually finding work.
Self care should be a priority because when you are well rested and confident, you project a strong image and will probably land up in gainful employment sooner or later. When you are tired, stress, overwhelmed or feeling unconfident, you project an image of insecurity and desperation – exactly the kind of things an employer will try to avoid.
Take Care of Yourself While You Look For Work
As much as possible, keep a fixed schedule day to day. Think of job hunting as your actual job. Get properly dressed each morning, sit at a desk and work solidly. Look for a job as though you were getting paid to do it!
At the same time, know when to stop for a while and de-stress. Eat with your family, relax, do things you enjoy. Make sure that your diet is healthy and that you are leaving plenty of time for exercise and enough sleep.
Managing Disappointment
Finding work can be tricky when you find it hard to take rejection. Seek out ways to get support as you navigate the difficult process of getting a job. Whether this is prayer, spending time with supportive friends or even speaking to a counsellor, you’ll need someone understanding to talk to.
Try not to be hard on yourself – the worst thing you can do is give up or grow apathetic in your job search. Try to surround yourself with the right people, get out there and make it known that you are looking for work.
Unemployment, especially if it goes on for longer than you expected, can be very hard on the self esteem. Part of an effective job search is making a plan to deal with the inevitable bad feelings that arise as you go out there into the marketplace and try to make your way. But know that keeping your spirits up and taking good care of yourself is just as important, if not more important, than a good CV and a firm handshake.
