Wash, Rinse & Repeat: Staying Focused During a Job Search

I recently had someone say to me, “It must be nice to have a break from working and be able to relax.”

Umm…no. There’s nothing relaxing about being unemployed.

Speaking only for myself, I wake up at my usual working time and start looking through sites to identify new job listings that I might fit my skills and experience. I then take some time to find out what’s happening in the business world. I reach out to my network and find some new folks to connect with. Then I’m finding some free or low-cost training where I can expand my skillset or keep my existing skills sharp.

That takes me to about lunchtime.

In the afternoon, I follow up with recruiters about various interviews and try to figure out where I am in the process and then practice my coping skills as the “No Thank You” emails start to come in. Then I look around for more job postings. Once I hit my limit, I try to find something to do around the house. Believe me when I say that there are only so many times you can re-organize the kitchen pantry.

I try to carve out 15 minutes to reflect on my day and let go of any lingering stress or disappointment. I don’t always manage this and it doesn’t always work, but I try my best.

Right around the end of a normal workday, I close my computer and start “relaxing” by turning on some mental popcorn TV or getting in some game time. After a bit, I’ll make some dinner.

Once it’s cooler, I go for a walk along the trails near my house before it gets too dark. After getting home, shower, read, get ready for bed, and try not to keep looking at my email notifications. Then, I’ll lay in bed stressing about not feeling like I’ve accomplished anything that day and knowing that tomorrow will probably be more of the same.

I don’t sleep in. I don’t nap. I’m not relaxed. It’s been like this for longer than I would have imagined.

I realize that person was trying to be supportive and help me see the upsides of being between jobs. I’m sure it just didn’t come out the way they wanted it to. I gently let them know what's really going on and they asked how they can better support me and it's helping.

If you're currently seeking employment, you're not alone! Please don't be afraid to share what you're going through and ask for support.