Sometimes, it can just take forever to find a new job. This is especially true when you don’t have something stable. How can you keep your spirits up (and your bills paid!) while you’re searching?
First off, don’t compare this search to anything pre-Covid. Changes since the start of the pandemic are deep and strange, and we haven’t yet figured out what “normal” is going to be moving forward.
Second, try not to judge yourself in this process. I know that can be hard, but more than half of the job-searching process is stuff beyond your control: who’s hiring, whether or not there’s an internal candidate, what kinds of qualifications they’re seeking, and on and on.
Next, remember that you really do have things to offer an employer. You are, in fact, awesome. This is true whether you’ve been in your industry for 25 years or you haven’t ever really had a grown-up job. This is true because everyone has something utterly unique and deeply fabulous to offer the world of work, and this includes you. My favorite way to remind people of this is to have them start a list of accomplishments. These can be personal (I promised myself I’d clean out the garage and I did!) or work- or school-related. Focus on things that are meaningful to you, and keep adding to your list. I favor something hand-written because of how much better I remember things that way, but do whatever works for you. Just make sure your list is something you can access easily so you can note things as they come to you.
Also, try to keep yourself busy. This can be through hobbies or volunteer work, but also plan some concrete tasks related to your search. I have always found it helpful to have a schedule set up for myself, including things like time to exercise, meal breaks, and quittin’ time. You can color-code things if that helps.
Try finding an accountability partner or group. These are great places to find motivation and remember that other amazing people are also looking for work. And they can be whatever makes sense for you—a weekly in-person session with friends, a virtual group, a phone call. Do what makes sense and helps you feel motivated.
Finally, if it’s helpful, try some mindfulness exercises. These can include simple deep breathing, yoga or Pilates practice, meditation, or EFT, whatever works for you.
Got any other tips to add? Let me know!
