Searching for a job can be emotionally exhausting. It can be tempting to ruminate over the things you can’t control, such as the time it takes to find employment.
However, focusing on the factors you can control can help you stay motivated during your long job search. In this blog, we’ll discuss tips for staying motivated, including:
Develop a Daily Routine
Keeping up your motivation during a lengthy job search can be challenging, especially when working hard but not progressing. However, there are things you can do to maintain your optimism and vigor.
Setting daily goals for yourself is one method to improve as a job seeker. This can include activities you can control, such as tailoring your resume, researching companies, and networking with recruiters.
It can also help to find a dedicated workspace that is free of distractions. That way, when you’re sitting down to apply for jobs or write a cover letter, you know it’s time to focus.
Being surrounded by positive individuals who support you and your accomplishment is another effective strategy to improve your mood. Similarly, giving back to those who may have helped you along your career journey is essential by sending them a thank you note. They may feel appreciated, which will encourage them to keep assisting you.
Focus on the Things You Can Control
A key to staying motivated during a lengthy job search is focusing on what you can control. It can be exhausting and discouraging to control things beyond your control, such as the length of your job hunt or the numerous rejections you receive. Instead, break down your job-search goals into manageable chunks, such as updating your resume one week and working on your cover letter the next.
Additionally, look for a group of upbeat individuals that are encouraging and help you feel good about yourself. When you need an emotional lift the most, they can aid in reducing your stress and provide it.
Finally, if you find yourself surrounded by toxicity—folks who derive pleasure from your misfortunes or blame you for your unemployment—start pruning those relationships. This will help reduce your negative feedback loop and keep you from slipping into a spiral that can further derail your career. Volunteering or lending a hand to a needy neighbor may also give back to your neighborhood.
Take Breaks
Looking for a job can take up much of your time, but you must ensure you take breaks. Spending too much time on the hunt can lead to burnout and sabotage your efforts.
When red flags of exhaustion or frustration arise, taking a day off from the search is a good idea. Spending the day reading a book, playing your favorite sport or hobby, binge-watching comedy movies, or tooling around with a new skill set can help refresh your mind and motivate you to return to the hunt.
It’s also a great idea to do something to help others regularly. Volunteering at a local organization or assisting a needy family member can give you a sense of purpose and boost your mood. Plus, it would help if you always found out what connections or skills you might pick up along the way that can further your career.
Give Back
Giving back is a beautiful way to stay positive over a protracted job search. You can do this in a variety of ways, for as, by giving your time to a neighborhood charity or assisting a poor neighbor. In addition to helping you feel better, doing this can lead to a job lead.
Another way to give back is to spend time with friends and family. Especially during this difficult time, spending quality time with those who care about you and want the best for you is essential.
Finally, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t take rejection personally. There could be several reasons you didn’t get the job, and it’s only sometimes a reflection of your skills or abilities. Remembering these tips, you can stay motivated during a lengthy job search and find the proper role. Good luck!