Often as a résumé writer and career coach, we focus on the what a job seeker needs to do to maximize their chances of finding new employment – create an accomplishment-rich résumé, optimize your LinkedIn profile, research target companies, etc. One area that often gets over-looked is coping with a wide-range of emotions that come with a job search.
When you are passed over for a promotion – anger, frustrated, confused, rejected, inadequate
If you are terminated or laid off – ashamed, depressed, hurt, embarrassed, hostile
As you enter into the job search – nervous, hopeful, energetic, overwhelmed, valuable
As you go through the job search – sadness, surprised, rejected, insecure, anxious, stimulated
During an interview – nervous, apprehensive, confident, optimistic, excited
Receiving an offer – elation, appreciated, skeptical, hurt, confused, proud
Beginning a job new – thankful, nervous, excited, optimistic, isolated
How does someone manage to work through the natural ebb and flow of the job search?
The key is taking time for yourself and appreciating the small things. This can be especially taxing for someone that is engaged in a job search while working full-time. Juggling your work, job search, family, kids, school, volunteer work, etc. is no easy task.
The goal of this exercise is to pick one item each day, for three weeks, to help you stop and look around you. Appreciate simplicity and remember the reasons behind your decisions.
• Go to bed 1 hour earlier than usual
• Journal 10 things you’re grateful for
• Take a walk outdoors
• Call someone you love
• De-clutter your room or desk
• Take a social media sabbatical
• Make a list of short-term goals
• Make the most epic, creative salad you can think of
• Slow down, sit and watch the sunset
• Get rid of 5 things you never use
• Enjoy the sun, eat lunch outside
• Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails
• Send an encouraging text to 5 people
• Wake up 30 minutes earlier to pray/meditate or exercise
• Have coffee with a friend
• Go the entire day without complaining
• Buy yourself flowers or for someone
• Make time for a wholesome breakfast
• Do one thing you’ve been putting off
• Don’t overthink…practice being present
• Call a relative that you haven’t spoken to for awhile
• Write a letter to someone
• Visit a pet store or adoption shelter
• Visit an art museum
• Unfriend 5 people on social media
• Clean out your email inbox
• Delete any unnecessary apps on your phone
• Take a bubble bath
• Try a new type of food
• Find a motivation quote and research the author
• Visit the public library and read for 30 minutes
• Treat yourself to lunch
• Clean out your wallet or purse
• Unplug for the day – no social media, no tv
• Go to a shopping mall and simply people watch
• Take a 20-minute power nap
• Spend 20 minutes listening to a different type of music
• Buy a plant
• Pay it forward
• Hug someone and let them know what they mean to you
