Relax and know there’s no such thing as Santa Claus and there’s no such thing as a “dream job.” A dream attitude is what you want and with that many different jobs can deliver. The first key is to change your expectations. They call it the job market for a reason. Right now - October of 2024 - that market is terrible for employees and it has been for a while. Know that it will turn and it will come again. Plan for it next time. Best of luck!

It’s common to feel isolated and discouraged during a lengthy job search. Some common mistakes: 1. trying to do it alone 2. going on a job applying frenzy 3. accepting a job out of desperation. If you find yourself in a lengthy search: 1. Form a support team - at least a few people who are or who have been there and who will be an honest sounding board. Your spouse, best friend, pet, etc, may love you, but you also need others who know the struggle firsthand. 2. Stop the job applying frenzy. Networking really is key. Applying is easy, but it’s also ineffective due to high competition, most jobs not posted, and unlikelihood a human will open it. Hire a pro career coach to help you. 3. If you follow steps 1 & 2 you may avoid mistake number 3.

Always go back to your WHY. Why did you start the job search? Why do you want this new opportunity? Staying connected to your end goal keeps you grounded and will sustain and motivate you throught the tough process.

Staying motivated during a lengthy job search can be tough, but maintaining focus on your dream job is key. Set small, achievable goals each week, like applying to a set number of jobs or reaching out to new contacts, to keep momentum. Celebrate these small wins to boost your morale. Keep learning and refining your skills through courses or webinars to stay engaged and enhance your resume. Take breaks when needed—burnout won’t help your progress. Surround yourself with a support network of friends, family, or fellow job seekers who can offer encouragement. Remember, each step brings you closer to the right opportunity, so stay positive and persistent.

Focus on the big picture. Keep in touch with people in your immediate professional circle, but widen it to include those in the area you wish to move into. Look for opportunities to volunteer within that industry and keep learning as you go. Envisioning clearly the work you will be doing could be helpful, affording yourself the ability to "see" yourself doing the work. Job searching can feel like a "mind game" sometimes, so it's important to guard that for yourself.