If you’ve been searching for a new job for awhile, it might be getting tougher and tougher to keep your spirits up. You’ve probably been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and maybe your teddy bear is not comforting you the way it should! When things have gone well, like you’ve gotten called to come in for an in-person interview, or were among the finalists for a position, you were probably on cloud nine. Conversely, if you have had to hear “I’m sorry, but we’re going in a different direction,” or it’s been awhile since your resume has gotten a bite, you might feel like you’re on a never-ending job search. However, the best thing you can do is stay positive. Here are five tips to inspire you to keep moving forward and fight off the demons of discouragement.
1. Schedule your days
If you’re looking for a job and you aren’t going to work every day, it’s easy to let Monday turn into Tuesday as you pass the time on your couch watching TV or closely monitoring your social media feeds. However, fight the urge to become a permanent couch fixture by setting up an agenda for your week just like you would at work. It’s important to set up tasks for yourself each day so you can set and achieve goals and feel like you’ve accomplished things during your week.
2. I’ve always wanted to. ..
“I’ve always wanted to”. .. How would you finish this sentence? If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, and it’s financially feasible, do it. If this means you’ve always wanted to get in shape, dedicate part of your day to your fitness. If you’ve always wanted to travel to a certain location, go. –There are so few parts of the planet that you can’t get an internet connection or cell service, you can find a way to stay as connected as you need to while checking something major off your bucket list.
3. Volunteer for a Cause
We’re sure that you’ve heard the old saying, “looking for a job is a full-time job.” There are times during every job search that it probably feels that way. However, if there’s a cause that is close to your heart and you’ve always wanted to get involved, schedule time in your week to donate your time. This benefits you in more ways than one. You’ll feel better about yourself after you volunteer. In addition, a 2013 Carnegie Mellon study showed that volunteering actually has positive effects on your health. Lastly, volunteering is an effective way to grow your network. Not only will you meet other people who are volunteering, you’ll likely work with a volunteer coordinator. Volunteer coordinators are like professional networkers who are always connecting with people and companies who can help them meet their needs; either in manpower or reaching capital goals. One conversation with your volunteer coordinator may lead to a whole host of connections you never could have found on your own!
4. Treat yourself
Now is probably not the time to go out and buy the Mazerati convertible you’ve always wanted, but a new interview suit could definitely go a long way toward feeling great in the interview you just landed. Find ways to treat yourself when you achieve a goal or want to celebrate a small victory. It will keep you focused, motivated and give yourself the encouragement you need to reach your next target.
5. Surround yourself with positive people
Spend time with the people in your life who are known for their words of encouragement, supportive attitude and upbeat demeanor. They are the ones who are most likely to help you take any lemons you’ve had to endure along the way and make them into lemonade.
No matter where you are in your job search, we hope these five tips help keep the rest of your job search feeling like less of a rollercoaster. However, if all else fails, breakout the teddy bear and give it one more try.