Between Jobs? Get Excited About the Job Search
For many people who are between jobs, finding a new job is a necessity and not an option. At the same time, people are often demoralized after losing a job. It can be very scary and hard to look for a new job when you feel sad, angry or unhappy about being released from your previous job. If this is the situation you are facing, you may have to play some psychological games with yourself. By this I mean you may have to do some strange things like making the job search a game or an adventure. For example, try one or more of these ideas:
- pick three days in one week and see which day is the best day for finding a job
- predict which day will be the day you complete the most applications
- try to guess the most telephone contacts you can have in one day with potential employers
- roll a die to determine how many different versions of your resume you will create
In other words, if you have a hard job to do and don’t want to do it, trick yourself into it by making it a game or adventure and push yourself to get the job done. While you are working and trying to convince yourself that what you have to do is an adventure. Doubt and bad feelings will try to creep into your mind. Don’t let them! Whenever doubt creeps into your thoughts, say to yourself, “This is an adventure and I like this adventure.” If the doubts, nervousness and bad feelings are particularly difficult, you may have to actually say the words out loud. If this is the case, do it. No matter how silly this sounds or feels, actually say the words aloud to yourself. In the beginning you may be saying the words to yourself once every minute or so. However, as time goes on you may be able to go five minutes without talking to yourself about how much you like the adventure you have embarked upon. Keep up with the exercise and eventually you will be surprised that the either you have fallen for your psych job and don’t have to keep talking to yourself or you will find that the task at hand has been completed!
Photo Credit: Janeane Davis, Between Jobs? Get Excited About the Job Search
What a great way to look at that time of job hunting. I love your positive attitude.
What a great post! All things in life can be fun, even a job search! If you like to count things, count the number of contacts you have with hiring managers. Research shows that it takes – on average – 25 conversations before you get a job offer. And if you like competition, find a job search buddy and compare stats – you can motivate each other and stay out of the job search doldrums.
Such a positive outlook! I always say, when God closes one door, He opens another. Great advice about have different versions of your resume. It shouldn’t be cookie cutter. Employers like that you took time to customize your application.
Great information and suggestions to help stay upbeat and motivated in a stressful situation – definitely something that can be applied to life, in general! I agree with, Arelis! While I’m not actively seeking employment, one should never get too complacent and should keep an updated resume. It’s easier to do while you’re doing the duties and not when you’re stressed during an unexpected job search.
I’m not currently seeking employment but I’ve just realized that I haven’t updated my resume in a bit. Thanks!
Glad to help.
I do this in other areas of my life like housework. I think it would definitely be a great way to push myself to get more freelance work! Thank you for the tip!
Great advice. As I start to look for a job o thinking I am starting
Attitude IS everything!
Glad To share something you found useful!
Wow, you have taken it up a notch with theme music. I am going to have to up my game and add theme music!
Great advice! Attitude is everything, isn’t it?
Great tips! I think this translates well for other major life changes: babies, searching for a new house, etc. Thanks!
I try to make everything a grand adventure – complete with theme music! 🙂 It makes everything just a little more fun.