Looking for a job is painful. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of September 2009, the unemployment rate was at 9.8 percent (a 26-year high), and 15.1 million people were out of work. In addition, the Bureau reports that another 9.2 million workers, in September alone, had to become part-timers because their employers scaled back hours, or they couldn’t find full-time jobs. With these grim statistics, and no prospects of a job in sight for many, negative emotions are sure to come up.
On the brighter side, some of the ways below can help a person fight bad feelings and persevere in what could be a rigorous and lengthy job search.
Job Rejection: It’s Not Personal
Searching the job boards and reviewing job postings, sending out resumes, making follow-up phone calls, going on interviews, and getting no results is a letdown. This can go on day after day and sometimes year after year. How can a person possibly stay optimistic? Not taking the lack of feedback or rejection personally is one way. There can be a number of reasons why employers don’t get back to job seekers, or why they didn’t hire a particular person for a job. They could have stopped recruiting for the job, hired a relative of an employee, or a better suited person for what they needed.
So why struggle with the unknown? Although rejection is a blow to self-confidence, taking things personally only makes for a defeatist attitude and in the challenging process of finding a job, a person needs to stay resilient, optimistic, and in charge for success.
Take a Mental Break
At times, a person must remove him or herself from the job search, especially if it’s done every day for a long period of time. A break can help keep negative emotions from snowballing to the point of inertia. If a person works hard at the job search, there is no reason to feel guilty for taking time out, even a whole week, because looking for a job is mentally and emotionally draining. Here are some ways to decompress:
- Go to an afternoon movie
- Walk, bike ride, hike to help burn off stress
- Take a class in something enjoyable
- Read a good book – during the day!
- Have a fun night out with friends
- Get a massage, or buy a new pair of shoes – it’s deserved!
Look for Hidden Job Opportunities
Some people can describe how a job loss opened up a new door of opportunity, or led them down a new path of growth and development. A job loss can be a great time to repackage or reinvent oneself in a way that is more suited to the person and that brings greater joy and fulfillment. A job loss can be used to: explore a new career, go back to school, enjoy some well-deserved time with family and friends, start a business, catch up on projects, and finally stick to that exercise routine.
Something positive is sure to result from the loss; it may just need to be brought into awareness. Of course paying the bills can put a damper on all of this, but there is always some downtime while looking for a new job. Seize the opportunity to take a good look at what this job loss can bring because this could be just the change that’s needed for a better life.
Find a Job and Spend Time With People
People contact is key to helping with the disappointment, frustration and self-doubt that goes along with a job search. Sitting at the computer for hours and hours is isolating. So make follow-up calls, reach out to managers of companies for research interviews, even go to the employer’s door to drop off a resume. In addition, research local networking events to get out amongst people. A chance meeting with someone can be all it takes to land a job.
Remember also that it’s important to be among friends and family for ongoing support and encouragement.
Stay Positive by Not Blaming
Being hard on oneself during a job search adds to the hardship. This market is tough and it can take awhile to find a job. Although it’s not easy, especially for people facing foreclosure or struggling to pay bills, worry and blaming oneself can cause angst. A person who does his or her best is doing all that can be done. This mindset can help maintain the hopefulness needed for the long haul.
Best-selling author and renowned spiritual teacher, Dr. Wayne Dyer says in his book, The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way [Hay House, Inc., 2005],"…continuously contemplate yourself as being surrounded by the conditions you wish to produce." He said Thomas Edison didn't contemplate the darkness of things, and Alexander Graham Bell didn’t contemplate the noncommunication of things. Contemplating, manifesting and visualizing goals helps a person to stay positive by focusing on what’s wanted instead of focusing on what’s not wanted or what’s not working.
Above all, keep spirits high by knowing that the next job is around the corner, and tomorrow is another day full of renewed promise and hope.
Stacey Porto - Stacey Porto, CC is a certified life, career and business coach, graduating from the Life Purpose Institute of San Diego, CA. She has a ...
Join the Conversation