You know what makes job hunting exponentially more difficult? When you are struggling with stress from overwork, and/or a toxic work environment in your current role.
You know you should be networking and applying for jobs, but when you finally have a free moment, you’re wiped out from everything it took to get your current job done. You feel trapped, and wonder how in the world you are going to get out of a situation you know is bad for you if you can’t even muster the energy it takes to do the work of a job search.
If this all sounds familiar, here are 3 things you can do to improve your energy and manage the madness until you can get the $#@% out of your current hellscape.
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- Put one thing on your calendar every week to look forward to. This could be lunch with a trusted friend, a hobby or physical activity – anything you enjoy – and do not cancel it. Treat that calendar engagement, even if it is just an appointment with yourself, as though it’s a doctor’s appointment you’ve been waiting 6 months for. It’s that important and so are you.
- Identify 5 hours every week, broken up in any combination, when you can do something toward your job search (The best, most impactful activity is talking to people in companies you’ve targeted). Put it on the calendar, with an alarm. Engage your family in helping you stay accountable. Kids love telling their parents to do their “homework,” and you’ll be teaching them good time management!
- Find 10 minutes, ideally in the middle of your work day, to step out of the office, close your door (if you have one), or go to your car. Anyplace you can grab some privacy (yup, even the bathroom!) will work. Download one of the free mindfulness apps (I like Insight Timer, and get nothing for saying that), and listen to a brief guided meditation, body scan, or breathing exercise to calm your nerves.
If it’s Thursday and you can make it, I offer a free guided meditation session at 11:30 am ET. If you want to join me, email sarah@avarahcareers.com for the Zoom link!
You are not alone and let me be clear: This is not your fault. So, STOP blaming yourself. Trust me, beating yourself up over your job search (or lack of it) is just contributing to the cycle and making things worse.
Hang in there – you’ve got this – and I’m here if you need support!
I am a career REBEL!
I define my work.
My career is in my hands.
I stand up for who I am and how I contribute to the greater good.
I will invest my portfolio of knowledge, skills, and abilities
where they will earn the most significant return.
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