I can’t stop wildly procrastinating my job search

Question

I was recently laid off from a job a really loved, and I'm nervous and stressed about getting back into the job search — especially because I don't want to blow through all my savings while looking for work. Yet I find I'm so overcome with anxiety about the job search that I end up putting it off and procrastinating! I know I need to forge ahead and keep looking and applying, but I'm finding it really difficult. Would appreciate any advice or tips!

Anonymous · Answer

I'll share an idea that worked for a former colleague who was feeling the same way: Pretend you are trying to find a new job for a friend. This friend shares your experiences, background, career aspirations, etc., but needs you to put in the effort to help her land a new role.  What steps would you take for her? What advice would you share? When filling out an application, what things would you say about her qualifications? By removing yourself from the dreaded job hunt and imagining you are doing it for someone you care about, it can flip the switch in your brain just enough to get started. And sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Good luck to you (and your imaginary friend!)

Vinnette Perry · Answer

What you are feeling is absolutely normal. While being laid off 3 times doesn't make me an expert, I'll share some self discovery.
1. You must go through some of the stages of grief (denial, anger, doubt and depression) before being able to move on to the next chapter.  This is especially hard if you loved your job, your team, and did not see it coming. 
Take a week or 2 off to reconnect to YOU, and answer all those questions people will ask you and you will ask yourself ( Why didn't they lay off Jack/Jane?  Was my performance bad?  Will I work again in this lifetime? How will I pay my bills?  Can I move back home?  What's the worse that could happen to me?  How do I regain my confidence? What should my next step be?

2. Once you're ready, view job search as a project with a project plan.  Stay fresh with courses (great ones on LINKEDIN) take up a new language, etc.  Most jobs I've found were through networking.  So start outreaching to your contacts.  You may even need to go to 2nd and 3rd level contacts.  Make sure everyone you encounter know you're transitioning to a new role.

3.  Use powerful affirmations that prime you for the next role e.g.  I am  transitioning to a new role that will  leverage my  current skills and develop my leadership skills (as opposed to I'm laid off and looking for a job). Listen to motivational speakers (TED TALKS, YOUTUBE), and surround yourself with those who will lift your up.

4.  Know that your industry is seeking someone with your talents to face their headwinds. Stay ready (but cut yourself some slack on the days you're in a slump).

5. Remember you are the same person you were a day before your job elimination as you are now. Those skills never left you.

Your life is filled with many chapters.  The is not the last page (this too will pass).

Kimberly Olmo · Answer

You are so not alone in those feelings! I was laid off during the summer and I honestly struggled a lot with the job search that I certainly did not want to be taking part in!  Thankfully a contact I had made on day two stuck with me and I finally got  a new job months later. But, if I'm being honest, maybe I needed to take things slowly for the first month to six weeks. Maybe I needed that time to process and to really think about what I wanted/needed in my next role. Nothing is perfect right now. I, like you, did not see the lay-off coming and had thankfully never been laid off prior. I was stunned. Allow yourself a little time to feel stunned, work through the emotions, and then time to truly think about your wants and needs. If you allow yourself a bit of time, come up with a plan, and then tackle, you may find it easier. And certainly there are some days you will feel like doing nothing. Allow yourself those too. Best of luck to you!

Margaret Darlow · Answer

Great comments above and the one thing I would add that has been a positive for me is to identify your 'personal board of directors'... people who support you, understand you and like you.  Just setting up regular check ins to catch up on what they are doing/seeing as well as to have a specific job search issue/experience in mind to touch on can be the bright moment of your day/week.  They help you get out of your head and also can give you insights on something you are working on.  I look forward to these calls.  Make no mistake, you are not asking for them to 'do' anything accept to be there for you and share when appropriate.   I am in the job hunt right now as well and feel your pain!  Good luck.

Rose Schipano · Answer

Very relatable! The hardest part for me is starting, but once I start then I get into a flow state and it becomes easier. Try for just 15 minutes every day and see how it feels... You might keep going past the 15, or if you stop that's ok -- you tried and can try again another time. Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

Yes same here between lower level jobs and procrastinate even more because I don't want role similar to this.

Anonymous · Answer

You are definitely not alone!  I am going through the same thing.  In my mind you need to be ready.  No, you do not want to blow through your savings, but taking time if you can is so worth it.  Reconnect with yourself, family, friends.  As others posted, make a plan when the time comes, so that you are focused and most importantly Ready!

Anonymous · Answer

I'm also with you on this one.  I am applying here and there but restricted job applications to those near our area of residence, anticipating the time I need to allot for assisting my kid's online classes/modular learning. I'm having a hard time finding motivation also, though still trying to be productive. I used to apply to at least 2 jobs per week before, but  I especially do not apply to jobs I am not too interested in now that my kid's classes have started since at least 8 hours a day have been taken up by school tasks. As others have said, you are not alone. Good luck on our job hunt!

Anonymous · Answer

I would recommend keeping an eye out for opportunities. The best time to find a job is right after being laid off. I find that it gets increasingly harder to get a job if you have to further explain a gap in your work history. Obvi with covid this can be a bit different.

Erin Howard-Reid · Answer

Sometimes when we procrastinate, it's a sign we're ready for more. Yet at the same time, we don't want to end up disappointed.

Since you loved your last job, it may feel daunting or even hopeless to find another place you love as much. The same exact thing happens when relationships end, when we move to new areas/houses, and even when we're shopping for clothes. If nothing can meet or beat the last one, it's easier to not even try.

If I were you, I'd write down ALL of my absolute non-negotiables for my next job before I even search. Then, eliminate those by limiting non-negotiables to about three - then cater your search to something extremely narrow. It'll help you get off the ground by allowing yourself to be picky, and eventually you'll likely find yourself wanting to expand your search because you've ripped off the bandaid.

I can’t stop wildly procrastinating my job search

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