Take Care of Yourself During Your Job Search

March 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Take Care of Yourself

D. Wayne Bogue
Pro Resume Writer

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A job search is, for many, one of the most stressful adventures they ever undertake—especially if they’re currently unemployed. For a great many of us, our work is central to our self-definition, and if we find ourselves without a workplace to go to, or without colleagues with whom to interact, we can begin to devalue ourselves.

Sometimes depression sets in. And if the “blues” take over, you can find yourself withdrawing from family, friends, and activities you love. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself during your job search.

Take time daily to think about your identity apart from your work. Who loves you? Whom do you love? What relationships are nurturing? If you are a person of faith, you can remind yourself each day that God loves you and is on your side. You have not been abandoned.

If you hear such words as “failure” or “loser” taking up space in your mind, you can tell yourself: “There’s no such thing as a failure. There are people who have setbacks. Many successful people have gone through job changes. Some have been terminated and had to search for new positions—sometimes entirely new careers. And they did it! I will too!”

If you say to yourself: “I can’t stand this! I can’t bear being unemployed!” You can rework your thoughts to say: “I’d prefer to be employed again, but right now I’m not. I will  employed again, but for now I can handle this.”  

Spend time focusing on the needs of others. If you love animals, take a little time and walk dogs at your local ASPCA. They’d love to have you. I know. I did this during a time of unemployment. It really helped.

Read a book for entertainment, something you’ve had in mind—or a good “beach” novel from the NYT Bestseller List.

Remind yourself daily: “This is just one moment in time. It won’t last forever.” Write it down if that helps you remember.

Exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep. Don’t sulk. Don’t whine. Be kind to yourself. And, be intentionally kind to those you love. They’re most likely hurting with you. Lean on them. That’s what relationships are for.

If you need to talk, to get it out, then do so with someone you trust.

Stay connected with friends and family. Let everyone you know in on your job search. Don’t let pride keep you tucked away like the Lone Ranger.

A good friend lost his job as a middle manager when his company “downsized” a large group of staff. He came to my office every Wednesday morning and we sat out on my steps drinking coffee and eating Danish. It was good for both of us.

Breathe.

Sit.

Love.

Enjoy what you have today.

You’ll be Okay.

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