The more and more I speak with people about their job search the more I hear about the emotional effects of the job hunt. My heart is moved each and every time I hear the stories of disappointment, fear and anger.
The termination meeting is the launching ground of the emotional roller coaster. Not only is it depressing to think that your steady income is now cut off it also is a blow to your self esteem. It is hard to wrap your arms around the idea that your lay off was due to cut backs and not your lack of skill.
Being laid off twice myself, I am no stranger to the feelings that accompany losing a job. Below, I have listed 12 points that promises to assist you in dealing with those negative emotions during your job search.
1. Know you have a mission in life
I am a huge believer that each and every one of us was placed on this earth to fulfill a mission. This mission is unique to each person and no one else can complete this mission but you. If you don’t work towards your mission then there will be situations not solved and people not helped because you did not complete your mission.
2. Pray and read the word of God daily
I don’t know why I did not put this first. Out of everything on this list, this point has been the most beneficial for me. I believe the promises of God and know that the answers to his promises are always…“Yea and Amen”. His word is so comforting and time spent in prayer calms your soul.
3. Keep your house/condo/apartment neat and clean. A messy house is indication of a messy mind
It is hard to think and feel good when you are in a messy environment. In watching the reality series Hoarders the connection to the hoard in their house is always linked to their mental state. Get up every morning, make up your bed, pick up your clothes and wash the dishes. Clean surroundings can lift your spirits.
4. Get plenty of fresh air and sunlight
I am a big fan of the outdoors (can’t keep me in the house in the summer) however the more vitamin D you get the better you feel. Take a walk to get the blood flowing. Fitting exercise into your daily routine will release the “feel good” hormones. While you are taking that walk make sure to notice the trees, birds and Gods other handy work.
5. Surround yourself with positive supportive people
The worst thing you can do is spend time with people who always focus on the negative. Negativity is draining and keeps you down. I make it a practice to surround myself with people who believe in me – “my team”. I have learned how to build the best team in order to be successful and this includes making cuts at different points in the game.
6. Volunteer
Helping others takes your mind off of your problems. There is always someone worst off than you. No matter how low we are, helping others does something good for the soul. Believe me; you will get something in return for giving back.
7. Believe the positive and not the negative about yourself
It always amazes me how we will believe the negative over the positive. Changed the meaning of “keeping it real” to believing all the positive things about my life above the negative. I read the following from a website on the benefits of positive thinking – “When we are in a negative state we do not attract those elements that would make our lives advance; rather we attract the circumstances that support us in thinking something is wrong, and we get stuck.”
8. Remember your situation is only temporary
I know it may seem like a new job opportunity may never come along but that’s the negativity talking. Think back to every challenging situation you have dealt with in life. Did it last forever? No, eventually it turned around and so will this.
9. Give yourself “pep” talks
I like this point because it really works for me. What we say to/about ourselves has greater weight on our mental state than what others say about us (good or bad). Therefore, give yourself pep talks about how smart, kind, skilled and resourceful you are. Try it you’ll like it…I promise.
10. Don’t focus on what you can’t control. Work hard on what you can control
This is such a source of stress and anxiety for most people. Face it, we can’t control when we get a call from a recruiter for an interview or if we are going to get an offer after the interview. You can control how you approach your job search – learn a new skill, stay current on trends in your industry, get out and network, etc.
11. Create your goals and fill your daily “To do” list with activities that line up with those goals
This is so important. You must have a road map to know where you are going. Having set plans for the day keeps you away from watching television all day. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you can cross things off the list. Each time you cross something off the list it brings you closer to your goal.
12. Seek assistance from a career coach
Now, you know I could not end this list without this point….lol. All jokes aside, we are in an entirely different job market and I run into people who are still searching for a new job the old way and are unsuccessful and frustrated. The meaning of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different outcome. If you are having trouble navigating this new world of work give me a call to discuss.
Remember, your emotions do not override the truth that you have a mission in life, are skilled, talented and WILL land that next amazing job.
TCM has effective career tools that can be administered to help you in your job seach.
Our mission is to provide the best practices surrounding career coaching, career management, training and development along with workshops and seminars while holding true to our core values of integrity, knowledge and excellence.
Our commitment is to always remain relevant and up to date on the workforce trends as well as remain flexible and innovative while establishing close meaningful relationships with those we serve.
Visit us at www.tcmprosolutions.com, facebook and follow TashaCMills on twitter to learn more about how TCM can assist you in obtaining your career goals.
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