Desperation
Note-The following article touches on issues related to mental
health. The tips and advice presented are just that, not an attempt
to provide medical treatment or intervention. If you need such help,
talk to your doctor, call emergency services, go to an emergency
room, or call the (USA) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255).
With changes in the labor market, there
are an unprecedented number of people who are experiencing feelings
of desperation. This emotional state negatively affects
decision-making ability, and is related to feelings of panic,
hopelessness, and despair.
In a job search, desperation affects
critical decisions regarding where to apply, as well as the 'sales
presentation' of the candidate. All too often, people begin to apply
to inappropriate jobs, any job regardless of the potential fit.
Further, even when the job is a good fit, desperate people present in
ways including down, low energy and/or depressed. Alternatively, the
desperate candidate is often overeager, anxious and promote
themselves excessively. Often, excessive follow through is a problem
in these situations.
To avoid these problems, I often
recommend that clients realize something early on-This is a marathon,
not a 100 meter sprint. Also, stay active, both physically and
mentally. This is important from the first day of a job search.
One related activity is to keep your
work skills current. A few times a week, block out an appropriate
amount of time to maintain what you have worked so hard to gain. As
a side note, this is also good advice to employed folks too.
To address some of the psychological
stressors, give something to someone else, and you may gain even more
in return. I am referring to volunteering. It can be a real boost
to your self image to read to school children, provide companionship
at a Senior Center, or even pick up trash at the park. This is also
a good way to network, or simply make connections that will help your
job search. You never know, the Teacher at the school may know
someone who is hiring, or you may bump into someone at the park who
needs an employee.
Next give yourself a break-both kinds.
The first kind of break is to not exhaust yourself with a job search.
Work at the search everyday, but again, this is a marathon. Pace
yourself.
The second kind of break is to be kind,
forgiving and accepting toward yourself. Regardless of the cause of
the job loss, people are all too often willing to view themselves as
at fault or defective. This is obviously not healthy, and we can
often be our own worst critic. Give yourself a break.
Set
reasonable and attainable goals to maintain a job search. The goals
should be regarding your behavior (sending resumes, applying,
networking) because this is in your control. The goal should not be
to get a job, it should be to engage in a quality job search.
"Never,
never, never give up."
Winston Churchill
Good
luck, and best wishes,
Chris
