How do you keep sane during this horrible job market when looking for a job?

12 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 3:20PM UTC

   Exercising, finding free things to do and getting outside even for a short period in the day. While keeping food expenses low, I have brunch out on Sundays that's an affordable hot meal and forces me to get out and socialize instead of staying glued to my computer. I'm taking Duolingo language course each day to provide structure and keep learning. I've started taking Hubspot courses and they provide information as well as certifications to LinkedIn to show that your advancing your skills. It's hard to stay positive but anything that helps keep you motivated, in better spirits and engaged helps.

2. Jessica MinterMarch 8,2024 at 3:37PM UTC

   This was great advice! :)

3. Jessica MinterMarch 8,2024 at 3:39PM UTC

   I am a big advocate for volunteering! You could use your talents in an area that is a personal passion, or you could try to find opportunities that would utilize your professional skillsets. It could also give you a little something to talk about during your interviews.

4. AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 4:00PM UTC

   Join your local Junior League. There are leadership opportunities and free training, as well as a plethora of volunteer opportunities.

5. AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 5:16PM UTC

   I envision that I WILL overcome

6. AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 5:57PM UTC

   You balance it out with volunteer work, long walks to destress and doing things that make you happy. Spend only a small portion of each day looking say 1-2 hours. 1 hour for researching jobs and companies, and one hour for applications. Then fill the rest of the day if you are not working with doing something that takes your mind off the search.

7. AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 6:17PM UTC

   I must agree with the post below. You pace yourself. Burning out is a waste of your health. You do a few hours a day networking, applying and researching. Then the rest is selfcare and staying connected with your family, friends and community. Balance is your best friend.

8. Sandy PochapinMarch 8,2024 at 6:39PM UTC

   Try and network with others in the same boat. Nobody else understands what you're going through except for others who are going through it as well.

   Well-meaning people say cheery things like "I know something will break this week" when in reality they haven't got a clue, and those people can be hard to listen to, even though they mean well.

   Find someone or a small group that you can talk to regularly, maybe an accountability buddy to report in to so you can make sure you're following through on what you've said you will do. Good luck!

9. AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 6:59PM UTC

   Such great advice thank you all for sharing! This is is such a dark time and trying my best to stay positive. I hope anyone that is looking will find an opportunity soon.

10. AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 7:15PM UTC

    Thanks for asking this question and to everyone replying for tips! I found that this is a good time to volunteer: it puts something on my schedule, it helps me feel I'm doing something worthwhile professionally as well as contributing my time/efforts to a worthwhile cause and I've also done it to network. No luck/leads so far (networking has always been info for me in that regard) but I'm hoping it just might be another outlet.

11. Dr. Patty GrossMarch 11,2024 at 1:54PM UTC

    Yes, and you can add volunteering to your resume to help fill a gap, especially if you are volunteering in something relevant to your career path.

12. AnonymousMarch 9,2024 at 2:30PM UTC

    Volunteer, tackle things around the house that you put off when you were too busy with work, self care, get outside for walks/exercise, spend more time with your pet if you have one, take time for hobbies, get together with friends/family.Put a schedule together to keep you on task and factor in fun.