Feeling anxious and discouraged
I've only been unemployed for two days. Nothing catastrophic has happened since then, but I feel as if something has. Whenever I look at job postings on various sites, and I don't see anything that I'm qualified for, I'm discouraged. I'm feeling insecure about marketing my skills and I'm not sure I'm doing the right things. I know that new jobs just don't fall into your lap after a few days (or weeks, or months...) but I have a feeling that a long period of unemployment is in my future. How can I stop catastrophizing?
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career Coach
Helping you know your value to get your next job
1.85k
07/22/24 at 6:06PM UTC (Edited)
Hi anonymous! What if it's all up to YOU? What feels better in the moment, thinking about long-term unemployment, or thinking about doing all you can within your control for your next move? Moving into action can help you stop catastrophizing. It sounds like you already know what you need to do. Write down how you can market and talk about your skills. What are the "right things" you think you are missing?
If you want to talk this through with someone, email me maegan@maeganmiller.com or connect with me on IG @xomaeganlittle or LinkedIn!! I can help you sell your skillsets and experiences you do have.
Dr. Erica WallsCertified Career Coach
348
06/14/24 at 12:14AM UTC
Hi, I appreciate your honesty. As a career coach, I suggest 3 things: 1) Decide what you want, based on your key skills, talents, and interests. Free assessments like High-5 Strengths test (https://www.high5test.com/) and 16 Personalities (https://www.16personalities.com/) can greatly help! 2) Evaluate your assessments' results and develop a job search strategy. 3) Establish a routine that includes your daily (5 days; not 7) job search, socializing, hobbies, time with loved ones, etc. TOO much job-searching is draining and counter-productive. Use this time to focus on what you want and pursue it with purpose. You got this!
Anonymous
06/13/24 at 11:15PM UTC
It's like dating. Being let go is a blow to the ego. It takes time to disconnect and it takes a mental shift to get back I into the game.
Wanda Shaw
885
06/13/24 at 10:09PM UTC
First of all, give yourself the permission to grieve the loss of your job. I don't know the circumstances behind why you're unemployed, but I can imagine that you're feeling deflated, defeated and every other kind of negative emotion. Let it out.. but also, give this mourning period a definite time limit Yep, I know, it's easier said than done, but you're going to have to do it in order to move past it.
Elizabeth Stiles WestEnglish teacher, debate coach, and exam proctor
11.08k
06/13/24 at 8:38PM UTC
Stay as busy as possible. Update your resume, get feedback on it if you haven't already, (you may need to add some keywords to get noticed by AI), connect with former colleagues on Linked In, consider getting some online certifications if applicable to increase your skills, and broaden your search; as well as looking for your ideal position, look for other positions you qualify for or even mostly qualify for; if you meet 5 out of 8 "requirements," it may be worth a try because sometimes the "requirements" are flexible with equivalent alternative experience. Make sure friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else who might be able to help knows that you're looking. If you are a member of a religious congregation, make sure your pastor/priest/rabbi/imam etc. and friends there know you're looking as well. If you haven't already, apply for unemployment if you qualify. Also consider working for a temping agency while you look for more permanent work. If you're in the USA, now is not the best time to substitute teach because most schools are either out or about to be out until August, but you could apply now and have PLENTY of work in a couple of months if you qualify. It used to require a college degree, but now in many places, the requirements are lower and the pay is higher because they are desperate for subs. Also take good care of yourself and do at least one thing you look forward to each week. Even though you probably have to curb spending, try to allow yourself a little something if you can to keep up your spirits.
Anonymous
06/13/24 at 8:04PM UTC
You're not. It's a completely sh***y job market. You and millions of other people are in for a loooonnng job hunt. You have to have thick skin and LOTS of patience.
Anonymous
06/13/24 at 7:59PM UTC
It's important to know that everyone has been in your shoes at least once. Some more than others.
Everything feels like it weighs more than 1000 pounds right now, but it's not going to last forever. If you push yourself, you are more than capable of achieving new goals that you once thought looked daunting. Give yourself grace during a stressful time and know your worth.
Have faith in yourself that you will come across a great job. You will get through this hard time and come out on top. If you find yourself drowning in negative thoughts, come back on this platform and reply to this thread and tell me about all of your accomplishments. I'd love to hear your areas of strength and what skillsets you would like to grow in.
Anonymous
06/14/24 at 6:30PM UTC
Thanks for your response! I've reached out to colleagues to let them know that I'm in the market. I've also updated my LinkedIn profile, spiffed up my resume, and updated it on other job boards (Indeed, Glassdoor). I'm doing my best to put in the work. There aren't a lot of jobs that I'm qualified for that are available, and I want to be prepared once they do become available.
Michelle`
24
06/13/24 at 6:54PM UTC
Breathe! You don't have to be fully qualified, but you do have to be positive and desire to learn and grow professionally.
DRAFT up a few resumes tailored for jobs you'd like to have or that interest you - and have someone take a look to help you out. It can be difficult to sell yourself - we are often our worst critic.
Carve out time in your day to focus on job hunting, applying, and following up with recruiters (whom you might have to find on LinkedIn). Ideally, this should be no more than 2-3 hours a day | then walk away...
Apply for unemployment if you can ease your $$ stress.
I created a Google sheet to capture my daily efforts and keep me focused on the task. Spending too much time in the hunt zone can leave you overwhelmed and frustrated.
Take a break, find a good positive motivational podcast or audiobook, put in your headphones, and take a walk. (Two great audiobooks you might look into: H3 Leadership: Humble, Hungry, and Hustle |The 5-second rule by Mel Robbins ), It can be difficult to refocus your energy | getting outside and feeding your mind with positive vibes will help w/discouragement.
Have FAITH.
Vivian Lee
167
06/13/24 at 6:30PM UTC
Work with your local employment centre. They may offer workshops for cover letters, resumes, and interviews while setting you up with a case manager to support you in finding the next role.
Also focus on taking care of your physical and especially your mental health. Your mental health shows in how you physically carry yourself and perform in interviews.
Anonymous
06/13/24 at 6:09PM UTC
Agree about taking some personal time for yourself to regroup! Then, I'd say work on developing a game plan for yourself.
Creating a job application schedule, getting crisp about applying and where, make intention to network, etc. If you think more skilling could help, look into courses (lots of stuff is free these days).
However, I believe you're doing great! Just sounds like you need some downtime first. Everything will be okay and don't be too hard on yourself. There's NO perfect candidate! If you can do at least 50% of the job posting, then I'd say apply anyway. Push past your fear because YOU'VE GOT THIS!
Good luck to you and be well!
