Thanks to what I learned during the great recession, this job search is much better. The old saying is that job searching is your full-time job while you aren't working. Like any other job, I learned the skills and strategy to thrive. The hardest part of a job search is keeping your spirits up. I went eight years without a full-time job between 2004 and 2012. It was long, painful and frustrating. Before then, I had spent 12 years in a manufacturing plant and had no transferable skills. During the long, dark teatime of joblessness; I got to the local career centers and learned interview skills, how to effectively read job descriptions and reply, how to write great cover letters and how to write a resume. I also began building new skills that would be in demand from employers. I am a Data Manger. I lost my technical job at the end of July in the middle of the worst economy since the Great Depression and I'm back in a new job search, but now I'm getting about 2 interviews a week. Having the skills for a job search and the job skills that are in demand is the key. However, those same painful feelings remain. This hasn't gotten any easier. I lost my job through no fault of my own -- my compay lost funding and they had to cut my position. It's still some form of rejection and that stings. It's a loss of hope -- it was a contract to hire postion and they were going to develop my career. I was very happy there. I had to leave my colleagues behind -- even the ones who annoy me. It's like being put onto an emotional rollercoaster -- the highs when a recruiter calls or responds to an application! You are being considered for a job! The lows when you are not a fit -- or worse, when you are "ghosted". The anxiety -- will I be as happy on my next job as the last one? Will I fit in as well? Self-care is not only selfless, but it makes you the best asset to other people you can be! Over time, I developed a few habits that I rely on: 1. Set a regular job search schedule. Mine evolved: Sunday - submit for unemployment benefits, Monday - Thursday search listings and reply to ads. Take Friday and Saturday off except for monitoring email for anything that could be important. 2. Set work hours. I generally keep 9 AM - 5 PM EST because that matches most company hours. 3. Remind yourself of your previous success. 4. When you are away from your job search, completely unplug. Do your own things - I knit, sew, watch my favorite tv shows, etc. 5. Make yourself herbal tea if that works. 6. Take up a new hobby. 7. Keep a journal of good thougths and review it -- possibly, a list of things you are grateful for Eventually, that new job will come in and everything will work out.