Is there anything worse than a long, drawn-out job search? It’s disheartening and frustrating and tinged with anxiety. Here are some tips for staying motivated.
First of all, I like to think of each application as a book. You can open one and apply, interview, network with people in the organization, etc., and when you are at a place where you can’t do anything, like after you’ve had an interview, close that book and put it on the bookshelf. For me, that gives space for each application to be its own thing, and I found it helped when I didn’t get an offer.
As you dig into your search, also clarify your daily and weekly goals. These should be manageable and realistic so you don’t get burned out or overwhelmed, but they should also be things that really help move you forward. If one task is large and daunting—let’s say updating your LinkedIn profile, for example—break that down into smaller tasks, like a single section at once. I sometimes find it helpful to set short blocks of time on my calendar to get these things churned out. And be sure to keep track of these goals so you can really see your progress!
When you know your goals, set up a weekly schedule for yourself. Remember that you don’t need to sit around and stare at the computer screen for 8 hours a day. Plan to focus on harder tasks when you have more energy, and reward yourself with things that are more fun when you’ve completed something difficult. Plan for lots of breaks in your schedule because this is exhausting stuff. On nice days, go outside and get a little sunshine. Stand up and stretch whenever you remember to.
Next, build connections. You can reach out to former colleagues, and you can search for new connections on LinkedIn, but also think about joining a job search council or forming a job search group. These can help combat the loneliness and sense of isolation that job-seekers frequently report.
Consider volunteering, but with caution. Your work has value, so if you do choose give your time away, be sure you’ll be doing something that helps you. I know that sounds a little mercenary, and it isn’t the case when you have a job, but when you’re worried about money coming it, you will want to be a bit more strategic. Look for volunteer opportunities in which you can build skills or connections, and make sure it’s not too big a time commitment.
And finally, remember self-care. I know that sounds trite, but it really is key. If you don’t take good care of yourself, you won’t have the energy to engage in the search. Plus, feeling bad physically will lead to feeling bad mentally. So keep exercising. Eat those fruits and veggies. Go to bed and get up at reasonable times.
The market is tight right now, so you’re not imagining that it’s taking longer and feeling harder. Staying motivated is hard, so remind yourself of these steps as necessary!
