How to Deal With Job-Search Fatigue And Reignite Your Drive
By: Olivia Polony
Tags: Unemployment, Job Search Tips, Inspiration, Job Hunting, Self Development

A prolonged period of unemployment is an impasse most of us will come to face in life. It can happen as suddenly as your boss deciding to fire or lay off a segment of your department, or as unforeseen as an illness stealing away the vitality you once took for granted. Wide-eyed college graduates, middle-aged people, and the elderly alike each may find themselves peculiarly uncomfortable when in this position of trying to keep one foot in the familiar and another on the path towards a new career. There is always a beginning, middle, and end, but we as humans are often inclined to overlook the middle — the journey.

At first, being unemployed with accessive free time can be exciting. You will attentively read job descriptions, be thankful for the newfound time to catch-up with friends and family, and optimistically send out resumes along the way. But alas, studies suggest these lengthy periods of unpredictable schedules and not knowing what is around the next corner can quickly lead to higher levels of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and even a lost sense of self. Small wonder, eh? In summary, the more time that passes between jobs, the more likely you are to feel you have hit rock bottom.

I’ve been there myself, and have come to find during these low periods, where there is the chaos of uncharted territory, there is also great potential. Always remember that something can never be truly novel or new unless it emerged from the unknown. So, although you may feel scared right now, you may find hope in knowing something new is coming. You are about to uncover qualities, characteristics, and strengths you didn’t know you possessed, and learn from all the mistakes and mishaps you make as you move forward. But, you clicked on this blog because you are feeling stuck. I get it. Therefore, I have included six strategies below that have helped me reignite my passion and drive when experiencing employment depression and job search fatigue. I hope these bits of advice find you well.

Incorporate daily learning into your life.

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The best way to unlock your hidden potential is to learn. At this point, it is important to keep in mind two categories of knowledge: general knowledge and specific knowledge. The first deepens you and makes you more worldly, while the latter helps you become competent within a particular field or profession. Both are equally important and work hand-in-hand to sculpt and nurture your overall identity. Examples of general knowledge can include broad understandings of subjects like biology, American history, political philosophy, and human psychology. By contrast, industry-specific knowledge is like taking a course on how to do marketing search engine optimization (SEO) or how to write a public relations press release.

Learning a new topic is always tricky and a tad daunting. But, you will see results if you set aside at least a little time to enrich your knowledge every day. Read books, listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, follow tutorials, and be present. Over time, you may find yourself feeling more centered, sure of who you are, and confident in this time of uncertainty. Moreover, you will have a ready response for when the hiring manager inevitably asks what you do outside of work.

(Reading this and feeling like you lack a passion or interest? Pay attention to what draws you in and follow your intuition. Have fun with it!)

Don’t be afraid to expand your social circle.

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I was introduced to a girl recently who attended the same university as me. A mutual mentor had recommended us to connect because of our shared majors. Not only did she refer me to an opening at her company, but we additionally connected on social media and met over the phone. I cannot express enough how uplifting this new relationship has been. People on average are kinder and more willing to help than you may initially believe, so don’t be afraid to say hello!

Moreover, as your social circle expands, simultaneously will the doors to new opportunities open. The best part is that you can build both real and genuine relationships as you do this. So, my advice to you is don’t sit around the party and wait for someone to pull you in. Instead, make a new friend, ask someone to be your mentor, FaceTime a previous professor, go out and attend professional networking events, and be yourself with everyone you meet.

Try doing physical activity.

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By me saying “physical,” your mind probably immediately jumped to exercise. While this can be one physical activity of choice, it is not your only option. Hobbies such as knitting, gardening, painting, pottery, and, yes, weight lifting, are each examples of ways you can feel and see your results. It is a physical process rather than an abstract one which makes these activities particularly cathartic and good for your health.

Personally, I am a knitter and find it is an easily accessible activity to do when you have some downtime to lay around, listen to music, or watch TV. Then later on down the road you will have scarfs for all of your pals come winter. It is a win-win for everyone!

Continue to set yourself goals.

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It is important to set yourself goals because having a destination gives your life purpose and direction. The problem is all-too-many of us look solely to our workplaces to orient us towards our goals. We mark the days with projects and tasks big and small to meet our workplace needs. What happens though when we are suddenly out of a job? Contrary to what you may believe, the goals you set for yourself can be just as meaningful as turning in a white paper or research memo on-time in the office. Examples of goals you can set for yourself are to create a digital portfolio or website, write a blog post, learn a new skill, or re-write your resume. The list goes on-and-on. Here, the sky’s truly the limit, so enjoy this time to chart a course that is authentic to you.

Find a way to manifest your ideas.

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If you feel you are a storyteller, problem-solver, or creative person at heart, then let that energy come out and play. Don’t wait for a job title or a fancy description to confirm what you already know to be true. Additionally, rather than seeing the interview process and landing your dream job as the ultimate litmus test for determining your value, see it as simply a challenge. Take time to come up with the best ways to showcase your value to hiring managers.

Therefore, I suggest starting a blog, video log, or some other type of presentation of your best work. Let your ideas manifest themselves. Are you a writer? Can you do digital design? Do you dance or sing? If you are like me, you may find yourself forgetting your capabilities from time-to-time. So, create these manifestations frequently. One day, maybe sooner than you think, you will look back on this season of your life fondly as a time of immense personal growth.

Finally, see the unknown as potential, not just something to fear.

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There is an idea in both human psychology and philosophy that postulates all of life’s most meaningful moments rest on a balance between the existent order and chaos — the familiar and the unknown, the yin and the yang.

The COVID-19 pandemic is pure chaos. In its wake, many people have lost their lives, been left sick, homeless or jobless, in fear, and bearing the burdens of profound loss and heartache. Nevertheless, here we are flailing about the disorder, trying to create a way out. We discover new ways of becoming and operating. We learn what we are capable of when push comes to shove. Offices now thrive on zoom meetings, bad internet connections, and google docs. People are changing their minds about freelance work and the gig economy. It is all such a grand mess, but it is the mess itself, the chaos itself, that provides the room to create a new type of order. Creativity literally cannot exist without chaos and the suffering it entails.

Right now, you are standing where the calm and peaceful beaches come up against the uncharted, deepening waters with hidden monsters and heroes alike. Here is where you can feel the tugs of life’s most fundamental polarities most acutely. Being afraid is normal. It is the sign you are on the verge of the most meaningful kind of change. Make the most of it. You may come to discover, or rediscover, parts of yourself not previously at your disposal. Eventually, this could end up becoming one of the most profound periods of your life.