Staying Upbeat in a Job Search

Staying upbeat between jobs is not easy. You worry about money, finances, health care coverage, mortgage payments, upcoming holidays and the unemployment line. However, an upbeat attitude between jobs may land you a better job than you imagine down the road. Positive outlooks translate to more confident interviews, better cover letters and standing apart from other prospects, even if your job search turns from weeks into months.

Kristin Johnson of Careerealism notes a job search usually occurs at your lowest point, probably when you give up all hope of ever finding happiness at your current position. A sudden death in the family, personal crises and messy divorces also affect your job status when you find yourself at wit's end. It is hard to see a future payoff in between jobs because the car loan company wants your money yesterday.

• Remember the reason why you want the new job in the first place. Do you want better pay, weekends off, a job close to home or just a fresh start on life? Discover why you want a new position with another company.

• Set goals along the way, and find out how to achieve each step. Your checklist includes viable tasks to accomplish that make you look good to prospective employers. Research who, what, where, when, how and why with regards to the job you want to create your checklist. Polish your resume, build connections, read knock-out cover letters, and buy a new outfit for that interview.

• Think positive, and choose to be optimistic. Realize you now have more time with your kids. Help your partner around the house. Catch up with your favorite comedian on YouTube. Once a day, find something to be positive about lest you become a negative interviewee that scares away employers.

• Act on your goals. That list you made earlier does not get done on its own. Choose your time line of when to get things done. The more efficiently you accomplish goals, the better you become at finding a new opportunity for work. Celebrate each goal you reach by doing one of the aforementioned positive tasks.

• Spend time with people who care about you the most. You are already emotionally vulnerable in between jobs, so avoid people who make you feel even worse. Your family, your spouse, your children and your best friend are usually the best support network.

• Turn your search for employment into your career until you land the job you want. As with any new position, it takes a little time to learn the tricks of the trade. The more you know, the better you become at the task.

• Keep active during your unemployment. Find ways to edify others by volunteering a few hours per week at a charity. Someone you meet at a volunteer function may turn into a job lead. Staying active between jobs fights off depression, gives you a different perspective and gives your mind a break from the relentless pursuit of a new position.

Reaching your employment goal is a matter of when, not if. Maintain focus by staying positive and disciplined between jobs, so when you land that posh position the struggles from the previous months seem well worth it. An upbeat attitude in tough times may change your entire perspective on life and not just your job.

Photo courtesy of suphakit73 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net