How to Stay Motivated Through Your Job Search Process
I recently read an NPR article that told the story of a restaurant General Manager in San Diego who quit his job after 26-years in the industry. When California went into lockdown in December, he was given the option to work 6-days a week or take a furlough. He took the furlough because he had already contracted COVID, and he had a family at home that he wanted to keep safe.
During the furlough, he was able to spend more quality time with his family than ever before. He set up a playroom for his 1- and 5-year-old children, he cooked and ate dinner with his family – he began imagining what his life could be like if he didn’t have to work 50-60 hours per week.
Instead of returning to his restaurant job after the furlough ended, he quit. He planned to live off of savings for a couple of months while he updated his resume, sharpened his skills, and applied for jobs that would allow him to be home for dinner every night.
The Great Resignation
This man’s story is not unlike millions of others out there. They are calling this time the Great Resignation because people are finally fed up with working long hours for low wages and little benefits. And I say good for them! It’s so important to know your worth and not accept anything less.
I know that the job application process can be a real tricky one – especially for those who haven’t done it in a long time. So, whether you’re getting ready to dust off your resume for the first time in years or you’re a few months into the job hunt process, I’d like to offer some words of encouragement to help you keep going.
Tips for Staying Motivated During the Job Hunt
1. Be kind to yourself
You’ve already decided that you’re ready for bigger and better things, right? You know you’ve got what it takes! You may go weeks or months without hearing back from anyone or go through a string of unsuccessful interviews, but that’s OK. Remember that you are one of millions of people looking for a new position right now and this is going to take a lot of hard work. Focus on what you can control and don’t beat yourself up.
2. Set daily affirmations
Remind yourself every day that you are remarkable. There is no one else in the world that has the same experience and talent that you have! You will be an asset to the company that hires you and the perfect opportunity for you to prove yourself will come along.
3. Make time for other things
It isn’t healthy to obsess over job hunting. Set daily and weekly goals for how many times you will submit your resume and reminders to check in on your application statuses at the beginning and end of each day. Other than that, focus on improving your skills – and, girl, take a break!
4. Focus on the future
You’re doing all that you can do right now. Allow yourself to think about your life once you find yourself in a new position. Where will you go on your first paid vacation? What will you do with the extra time in your day if you land a remote job? What skills are you looking forward to developing?
5. Lean on friends and family
It’s okay to be disappointed when things aren’t turning out the way you expected. Remember that you don’t have to go through any of this alone. Your friends and family want to be there for you through this transitional period. Let them! And if you don’t feel like you have anyone who will understand what you’re going through, you’ve got me.
Hit me up!
Comment below or head on over to my Instagram @thelatoyabaldwin and shoot me a message if you need a few words of encouragement during your job search. You got this!!