How To Overcome Job Search Depression

Job search depression
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Depression is real! Ever heard of Job Search Depression? Well, that’s real too. From experience i know for a fact that endlessly searching for a job can make you anxious and depressed. Looking for a job is easy, but the long wait to get a call from an employer or being offered a job can be overwhelming and make you question whether you will ever find a job or not. I’ve been there. It’s hard I know.But don’t give up yet.  The good news is, even if you don’t find a job now, you will find a job! Well enough about me. Let’s get to the point of the blog shall we. This week the SPTO Jobslink team has prepared some tips that will help you overcome Job Search Depression.

Job Search Depression: What is it?

As Pacific Islanders, depression is a topic that people in our communities don’t talk about. The stigma associated with depression prevents people from talking about depression and seeking help. Job Search Depression is similar to depression, only it is associated with the uncertainty of finding a job. Studies show that depression and unemployment go hand in hand. Covid-19 has made it even worse, with so many people losing their jobs and struggling mentally as a result.

Struggling with the job search process can leave you feeling stressed, angry, sad and uncertain about the future. Our career and jobs make us who we are, it gives us a sort of identity.Being rejected from your job applications can create low self esteem and prevents you from accepting who you are as a person. This lack of confidence can further affect prospective interviews.

The longer you are unemployed, the more disheartened you become about your prospects for finding a job that you know you will love and enjoy. Unfortunately, feeling down about your job can affect other areas of your life. Feeling hopeless can go beyond your career planning . It can also affect your personal relationships and your self growth.

There are many ways to deal with job search depression. First step is to know why does job search depression happens.

Why does Job Search Depression Happen?

Lets have a look at some of the possible reasons why job search is depressing and some common scenarios that can lead to job hunting depression:

  • Not applying for the correct jobs
  • Having low self esteem and feeling pessimistic
  • The state of the job market
  • Pressure ( from your self & others)

Tips for how to deal with job depression

With the right mindset and actions, job search depression is manageable. Here’s some advice on how to deal with job search depression:

  1. Create a Plan for Rejection

Sometimes you get the job, and sometimes you don’t. When you don’t get a job that you have applied for, pat yourself on the back, thank yourself for trying and learn from the experience. Analyse your CV and application letter and see what you can improve on which can increase your chances of getting the next job that you apply for.

If you don’t get that dream job you applied for, have a plan ready to pick yourself up. Focus on what you can learn from that experience rather than feeling rejected.

If you feel uneasy or question why you were not chosen for the position, follow up and ask for feedback from the organization that turned you down. Rather than being self pity think about what happened and how you can learn from it.

See into the future, ok that sounded more psychich-ish, what we mean is, you have to look towards the future and get excited about other jobs you have your eye on.

2. Get Organized

Staying organized will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with the job search process. It can also help you balance your priorities and responsibilities.

Make a list of job postings you’re applying for, with information like interview dates, contact details, and interview questions you would like to ask.

Breaking down the job search process into smaller, more manageable tasks will make the process more easier  and put you in control.

3. Be Positive

A key tip for how to deal with job depression is to maintain stay positive. Keep in mind that while your job search may take some time. it will not last forever.

Reality is that finding a new job does not happen overnight. You might feel discouraged when things do not progress in the job search. What you can do is reassess the situation so that you do not take things personally. Focus on what you can control. You cannot change what is beyond your control and you will drain your energy thinking of what you could have done better. Instead of getting wrapped up in “what if” thoughts, stay positive and pay attention to your thoughts and feelings and thoughts in the present.

4. Ask For Help

Talking to someone during your job search process gives you much needed emotional support. Reach out to a friend or family member about how you are feeling and why you are struggling.

Apart from your personal relationships, reach out to a career coach or therapist. An experienced career coach can help normalize what you are experiencing.

5. Take Time For Yourself (Take a break from the job hunt)

Endless job hunting can lead to feeling of exhaustion and burnout. Fear and anxiety will not help your job hunting prospects and will certainly not help your psychological and emotional well being.

Take time for yourself. Go to the beach. Practice good self care. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.

Remember that no matter what the outcome of your job searching process is and the number of rejections you receive, your current situation does not define you.

You are more than your career. Do not let the job hunt process consume you. Stay positive. It may be difficult now but you will find a job sooner or later.