Hi there: First of all, let me acknowledge how hard it is to try to stay motivated in this job market. I am so sorry that you're going through this and that it is so unbelievably hard. I've been in the job market since the February layoff cycle, and believe me, I was seeing a therapist weekly at one point. The peaks and valleys of this experience can be brutal, and the only way I'm surviving, and at some points thriving, is within a community of people who know the struggle. Based on that, I'd offer this advice at random:
- Think of experiences or things that either make you laugh, or that hold you in a state of wonder, or help you feel connected. Think of the word "play" and what it means to you. What are those experiences that speak to the above? The chances are, some of these things are free. SCHEDULE them on your calendar, and treat them as if they are extremely important...because they are, for your mental health and wellbeing. This will also crucially give you something in the future to look forward to.
- Find folks online or in your network who are going through what you're going through, and be intentional about scheduling coffee chats with them to commiserate, b&tch and complain, pray, hope or anything that helps you feel seen and heard. Be sure to hold space and learn from the other person. You will feel full both by sharing and by receiving. Do both.
- Adjust your expectations: Remember that there is a complete disconnect in the job market. Typically you are probably used to sharing a few resumes and at least getting one call back, or even simply seeing at least 2-3 jobs that you are excited about online that you'd apply for. In this market, none of these things are happening for thousands and thousands of people. When I went to complain and commiserate with a friend that I had gone through nearly three months of interviews for a job only to have the company pull the requisition because they lost their headcount, my friend smiled and said, "Oh, you actually got that far during an interview process? That's amazing!" Some people are getting zero hits on their resumes, or being eliminated at the recruiter round. Adjust your expectations.
- One Career Coach suggested changing your target. The challenge I had was that the job that I loved and was excellent at, well, no one was hiring for those jobs in the moment. Many recruiters, HR or Marketing folks are saying the same thing. Ask yourself, which job requisitions are you seeing in the highest volumes that might be close to or adjacent to the role you want? What about industries - some industries are hiring like crazy, and some are in a retraction. If needed, consider switching industries. More importantly, make a list of the most important traits in a job to you and ask yourself serious questions on what you'd be willing to compromise on and why or why not. This will both reinforce your values and what's important to you and give you some interesting ideas that might help you adjust your career targets.
That's all for now. If you want to chat feel free to DM me. And, I send you sunshine and some positivity. No pithy "you've got this" or "you'll land something soon," from me. What I will share with you is: hope and truth.
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