Job hunting can be exhausting and scary. You’re wondering what to do, you’re worried about money, and if you haven’t heard anything, you can start to feel defeated. The art of finding a good job can take a while, but there are ways to avoid feeling burnt out and upset, and we’re going to show you how.
You’re Not The Job
You are NOT the job. You are a person worthy of love, respect, and care. Most people get a job because they love the work and identify it as part of themselves, and you shouldn’t. Loving what you do is excellent, but you’re more than what you do. You have value outside of your job, and you need to let yourself know that and accept it.
Boundaries
In life, we need boundaries. We use them with other people, but we also need to use them for ourselves. Place a boundary for how much time you’ll devote to this (filling out applications, researching, networking, etc.). Boundaries are different for all of us; they’ll help you avoid fatigue and focus on your tasks while being more productive.
Get A Routine Going
One of the best ways that you can stay productive and get organized is to have a routine. Make a schedule and try to stick to it. Schedule a time to apply for jobs and search for more, but then give yourself break times. Ensure that you’re eating and resting when you need to.
Be Realistic
Being realistic is essential. When you set unrealistic goals, you’re going to hurt yourself mentally and emotionally. When you start setting goals, you need to make them achievable. For instance, applying to a hundred jobs a day is unrealistic because you have a life and other things going on. Having small goals you can meet will make you feel much better.
Volunteer
If you do have the time, think about volunteering. It’s a great opportunity to help out, but also to make connections, and it could help with your career. For instance, if you want to be a veterinarian, volunteering at an animal shelter could help. If you want to do advocacy work, volunteering at soup kitchens or food banks could help.
Use Your Connections
If you already have connections in place, use them! Your connections and networks are there for you to use and engage with, so there’s no point in letting them go to waste. Tapping into these resources can also open up opportunities to make more connections or put you somewhere productive if they don’t have anything for you already.
No Negative Nellies
When you’re trying to reach a goal, having negative people around you can set you back. Their negativity can get to you and bring you down. So, avoid those people and go for some positive Patties instead. It will work out better for you in the long run, and they’ll have good advice and help you stay positive.
Move On
When you’re trying to stay positive, you can’t dwell on the negative. Does it suck that you got rejected for a job? Absolutely, and the pain will want to stay. But, the best thing you can do is turn it into a learning opportunity to understand areas needing improvement. Or, realize that maybe this wasn’t for you because something else awaits. Maybe something better.
Setbacks Are Not Forever
A setback doesn’t have to be forever. It hurts in the meantime, and while it’s going to be awful in the moment, it will get better. A setback from a company or interview doesn’t define your career. You might not get one opportunity from one person or company, but then get four from another. Focus on the positive and the accomplishments instead of the negative.
Don’t Compare
Comparing ourselves to others is the fastest way to get ourselves in a bad space. It doesn’t matter if your cousin is working for a law firm and you haven’t gotten hired anywhere yet. You’re doing the best you can, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else does. You’ll literally drive yourself crazy if you can’t see the good inside you and what you’ve done, and only compare yourself to someone else.
Frustration Is Ok
We all get frustrated, and in a search like this, it can happen more than you think. But remember, there are hundreds of other people going through this process too. As much as you can, try not to let your frustration grow. Each opportunity could lead to something. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, just remember, it takes time.
Self-Care
So when we say self-care, that means giving yourself enough sleep, moving your body, and ensuring you’re taking the time to eat. Stay hydrated and ensure that you’re putting yourself first. Take the time to keep your health up. You can’t find a job if you’re not caring for yourself.
Practice
Before you interview with a company, practice thinking of questions that you think the interviewer might ask, and if you have someone willing to help you, you can hold a mock session to calm down while putting yourself in a space where you’re not nervous. The less nervous you are, the better you’ll do.
Reward Yourself
You’ve been working hard, and you should celebrate your victories. Updating your resume, looking for work, this all takes time and effort, and you deserve credit for your achievements. Be proud that you’ve been able to accomplish things and treat yourself to a reward, whether it be feeling proud or getting yourself a tangible treat like coffee.
Research
We live in an age where information can be given to us at the snap of a finger. Try listening to podcasts about your career. Learn how others got the job you wanted and see if there are new skills, ideas, or other areas of focus you need to consider. If you’re not a fan of podcasts, find books or articles on the subject. Doing a deep dive might help you focus.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
Finding a job can be difficult, but staying positive will make things better for you mentally and emotionally. Use our tips to keep yourself in a good mindset so you can avoid dwelling on the negative aspects of this. Try researching and getting yourself into a routine, and you should find that this goes a bit more smoothly. Good luck!
