How to Stay Positive When Struggling With Your Job Search

Searching for a new job demands a healthy investment of time and energy. As days drag into weeks and months, many unemployed workers find themselves facing job hunt depression. This very real phenomenon feels crippling to the millions of men and women struggling to find work. In order to keep the job hunt on track and beat unemployment depression, job seekers need to carefully organize their hunting strategy.

The first key for anyone on the job hunt is to create a schedule and stick with it. Unemployed workers often experience job hunt depression, as they feel as if they have nothing to do with their time. If feelings of disappointment or negativity build, workers may find themselves unmotivated and overwhelmed. Instead of hiding from the problem or acting like it doesn't exist, workers need to treat the job hunt like a full-time job, spending their time searching for leads, updating résumés and networking with other workers in the industry.

Of course, just like any employed worker, it is also important to have moments of downtime. While it may not be possible to splurge on a pricey vacation or luxurious spa day, unemployed workers should make time to indulge. Spending time with friends, enjoying picnics in the park and reading a good book are all low-cost options that can lift morale and help the unemployed to fight off job hunt depression.

With many unemployed workers trying to beat unemployment depression, staying upbeat is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, other job hunters are often a source of negativity and sadness. Instead of dwelling on the difficult job hunting circumstances, those searching for work need to surround themselves with optimistic sources of encouragement. It may feel tempting to trade horror stories with other unemployed workers, but sulking in misery merely encourages job hunt depression.

Finally, job hunters need to stay active and sociable, using their free time to take advantage of opportunities to spend time with friends. Many job seekers retreat into themselves during a long search for unemployment. This situation in turn breeds job hunt depression and makes it difficult to face the challenges of each day. Additionally, volunteering can be a wonderful outlet for pent-up frustration and creativity. Some job hunters even find themselves considering a totally different career path, thanks to lessons learned in unpaid positions.

Finding a new job is work in and of itself. As would-be recruits pour their time and attention into creating cover letters and applying for open positions, it is essential to keep the faith and remain proactive. By taking steps to keep job hunt depression at bay, job hunters stay healthy and happy, while maximizing their chances at landing a dream job in the near future.

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