Job Search Burn-Out

As we have written about in several blog posts, job search is a job in itself.  Countless hours are spent revamping resumes and cover letters, browsing job boards and newspapers for the perfect job posting, submitting online applications, preparing for job interviews, networking, and the list goes on.  Eventually, Job Search burn-out can happen.  It can leave you feeling emotionally drained and exhausted (much like typical job burn-out), de-motivated and wanting to just give up. 

We have compiled a few tips to hopefully help to bring you back to a motivated and upbeat feeling about your job search:

Admit Defeat – let yourself feel the symptoms of burn-out; do not try and run from them.  This is not to say give up on job searching completely; because as we all know, most things in life are just not handed to us, they are worked hard for!  Let yourself feel the emotion of loss of motivation and then shake it off and hit the pavement running in a more refreshing frame of mind! 

Take a Step Back – give yourself a break and an opportunity to look at all of the positive things you have done  throughout your job search;  determine what is working and what isn’t, and take some time to re-energize through doing things that you love to do (like taking a walk, hobbies and interests). 

Manage Stess - feeling stressed can contribute to feelings of de-motivation and burn-out.  When feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about your job search, incorporate tools to reduce your stress level; deep breathing, time-outs, exercise, laughing (watch a funny movie), journalling, talking to a support person etc. are all ways to alleviate stress.  

Simple Reminders – reminding yourself why you are going through all of this in the first place is a good step in the right direction.  The obvious is that being employed is a goal most of us have, but also that finding the perfect job that aligns with your way of life, values and passions is why you are working so hard!

And remember, with determination and perseverance you will see the light at the end of the job search tunnel!
                                                                                                                                                        -Sunny & Sassy

Job Search Toolkit

Down and Out

Dear Job Search Girls

I am not motivated to look for work anymore.  I have been unemployed for too long.  I don't want to even get out of bed in the morning and I would rather watch TV than look at another job board, newspaper or talk to someone about a job.  I don't have all this "positiveness" and "light" that you two are talking about and I don't know how you expect someone who has been out of work for so long to even stay motivated and bother looking for work.  It's clear that no one will hire me and the longer I am out of work, the less appealing I am to employers.  I have never been unemployed before and I feel like a loser.

From: Down and Out

Dear Down and Out:

Sunny:  Your situation is tough, and I can relate to that.  I was in a similar situation for about a year.  You are right, its hard to get out of bed in the morning when you don't have anything to do other than sort through countless job ads, tailor resume after resume, or go to an interview; all that effort and you're not landing the job!  But you do need to stay positive, no matter how you get yourself to your positive spot, you need to remain focused on that.  It will work out and you will find employment soon enough! 

Sassy:  Maybe your job search skills need some fine tuning!  Have you checked your cover letter and resume to see if they are properly formatted, edited for errors and that it is targeting the type of employment that you applyig for?  Maybe you are applying for positons that you are under or over qualified for.  I think that you should take the time to really reflect on this experinece.  Write down a few things from your last interview; what could you improve upon?  Have a good friend or family member give you some constructive feedback to ensure you are on the right track.  I know at times "staying positive" is WAY easier said than done... but you have to do it.  Wake up every morning and tell yourself:  "Today, I'm going to find a job" or "Today, Im going to accomplish something that will move me forward in my job search".

Sunny: And remember,  job search is a full time job AND it takes patience. Try not to be so hard on yourself! You are not alone!

Add Your Own Creativity to Everything That You Do!

Believe it or not, everyone has creative tendencies, but not everyone take's the time to tap into that energy. When it comes to your job search, take a few minutes and think outside of the box about how you can make your job search unique. Get some ideas from our blog entry today on creativity! You can also use your creativity to deal with the emotions associated with looking for employment &/or the feelings related to job loss; write poetry and/or stories, journal,work with clay, collage, make cards or scrapbooks,build something, draw, paint, make music, the list goes on...and before you know it you will begin to see results, not only in your job search but in the attitude you have towards your job search and your life in general. You will also see tangible artistic pieces which you can be proud of. Releasing your creativity will bring you closer to seeing the light at the end of the job search tunnel! From Sunny + Sassy