Managing Your Job Search Stress With a Positive & Productive Mindset

This article was originally written for www.amirsatvat.com as part of the Early Careers Resource Pack which can be downloaded here

Introduction.

At the time of writing in April 2024, there’s no sugar coating it.

The Games Industry has been decimated by layoffs affecting many individuals, their livelihoods, mental / physical health, and their general energy.

Many of us are tired, fatigued, and downright angry.

And this is natural, and a needed reaction for many.

Because it’s a scary time, and even those still in employment now live with the uncertainty of “am I going to be next?”

For those trying to enter the industry, you might be wondering if there’s any point in trying.

But there is always hope.

Look at the Games Industry as a whole.

It won’t be going anywhere. As a medium, Video Games are still one of the most popular forms of entertainment in existence.

And if the game layoffs in of days gone by are anything to go by, this industry will shift, change, evolve and turn on a dime to another direction.

But being consigned to history is not in the Games Industry story.

And with the certainty that the industry will carry on in whatever form it evolves into, so too is the certainty that the industry still needs talented, enthusiastic, and willing people to create!

As far as I’m concerned. It’s a question of when you get your job in games, not if.

So, let’s give you the best chances of doing it sooner rather than later eh?

But why should you care what I have to say? (or write?)

Well, my name is Tim Wood, I founded a Headhunting Agency in games called Write Finder Headhunting . I’m also a credited Narrative Designer. So, I’m pretty invested in this world.

I’ve also been made redundant in my life 5 times. I’ve had to find rent money within a matter of days and skipped meals to survive to the end of the month. I’ve been between homes and completely uncertain of my future and place in the world.

So, I know what it’s like to have to dig deep when it feels like the world itself is against you.

I’ve had to learn how to keep a plucky, positive mindset when I’m stressed to high heaven and wanting to bury myself in duvets, pizza boxes and sci-fi novels.

So let me assure you, my friend.

There is always a path forward. And things will get better.

Here’s how you can take control. ?

?

Be Realistic.

When you’re in need of a new job right now the desperation is strong.

Sadly, our need for swift resolution will often not be returned in kind by companies. The job search process takes time, and you will probably face rejections.

Try not to let the “No thank you” and no answers at all discourage you. Instead, try to view them as is filtering through the places that won’t give you a job, and instead taking the opportunity to go find the ones who will or might be able to give you a job.

In my experience, many companies can take at least 4-6 weeks to complete an entire recruitment process if it has around two to three interview stages and a team that has a decent grasp of how to run such a process.

There are outliers both ways of course, but this is a good rule of thumb which can inform you on when you should be chasing for updates/feedback.

?

Manage your time.

It’s important to get the most out of the time in your day.

But that doesn’t mean you should be relentlessly applying from dawn to dusk. Which sounds counterintuitive.

There are many factors that go into what makes a ‘great candidate’, so we need to ensure all those things that go into making those factors are looked after.

By structuring your time between Job Searching, developing your skills and importantly, looking after yourself you’ll give yourself 3 base activities you can rotate between when one inevitably fatigues you or gets boring.

A routine, no matter how loose or rigid you personally need it, will give you a sense of control and purpose on those days where you feel adrift.

When it comes to Job Seeking, it can be anything from applying for roles you feel you’re a match for, networking or working on your CV.

Skill Development could be attending a webinar course, working on your portfolio, or even working on your own project, you can make it fun to serve multiple purposes at once!

And self-care, well that can be literally anything.? Eating good food, walking the dog, sleeping, gaming, or working out etc. Make sure you give your body and mind what it needs.

If, like me, you feel that voice in your head trying to guilt you into working more when you feel you can’t. Just remember. All these activities serve the purpose of getting you that ideal role in games.

Whether it’s creating the opportunity or getting you to your best self.

It all serves a purpose, as well as each part of you.

Focus on what you can control.

The ultimate outcome of your endeavors right now, are to get hired.

However, we cannot control the decision makers.

But we can take all the possible steps available to us to influence them.

Don’t get bogged down in what ifs.

Instead, ensure your energy is dedicated toward the effort you put into applications, your portfolio development, and networking.

By shifting your energy to actions that move you forward. You’re cutting down on mental and physical wastes of efforts down thought processes that won’t lead anywhere productive.

Keep learning, keep applying those learnings toward skilling yourself and your profile/CV toward a higher place and you will succeed.

?

A win is a win, no matter how small.

Every positive reaction you get is valid and it deserves to be celebrated.

It could be an invitation to an interview. A call with someone who could help you, or some positive feedback on your CV/Portfolio.

Whatever it is, take that as something to galvanise yourself with.

Celebrate it, internalise it, and use it as a source of inspiration when you’re not feeling as chipper.

You could even make it fun. When I first started my business, every time I signed a new client, I’d buy myself a takeaway and have a little party with myself.

I’ll be honest, I still do it.

?

Look after you.?

I’m not a medical expert, but I do know that a stress is a combination of the physical and mental, which is why it’s important for you to look after your needs.

As I mentioned above, making time for your well-being is a crucial part of maintaining a productive and positive mindset.

Whether you get those good endorphins from a walk or the gym, or one of your beloved hobbies or hanging out with friends.

You might just want to have good naps and time outside.

What matters is the space you give yourself, and that it’s helpful for your recovery.

When you allow yourself that space and time to relax and recharge, you’ll then be in a space to come back to your other activities with relish.

?

Forgive yourself.

Stress absolutely sucks.

It’s also a very normal response to situations that are upsetting, scary or overwhelming.

It can be tempting to tell yourself off for feeling like this. That it isn’t optimal for your needs, that it’s stopping you hitting your goals.

But berating and constantly beating yourself down will only internalise and compound your stress more.

Instead, take away the power it has on you by being kind to yourself, and acknowledge that it’s there.

Focus on the positive things you can do to manage your stress effectively, and you will in time control it, not the other way around.

?

Stay excited.

Why do you want to work in Games?

Don’t tell me, I’m just a time capsule of one man’s thoughts on a Thursday Afternoon. (okay you can message me, I’d be delighted to know)

Tell yourself. Write it down on a sign by your PC. Have it as a mantra you repeat to yourself, whatever you need.

You’re likely wanting to work in Games because it’s fun, you want to contribute to the creation of products people often have a deep connection too.

So, keep your own passion ignited and engaged.

Play games, lose yourself in new ideas and technologies if that’s your thing. Read all the wiki pages for your favourite Ips, consume deep dives online or engage in the communities around your most loved titles.

Maintaining that love and passion for what you do, and why you want to do it, will always help to keep you in a good place.

?

In summary.

Looking for the dream job can take weeks, months or sometimes years.

But focus on what you can control, look after your needs and you will build the resilience and positive, productive outlook you’ll need to carry you through this industry.

Because people believe in you, or resources like this would not exist.

So go tackle that stress and that job search with these techniques and forge the path you want to walk.

You can absolutely do it.

And those of us in Games can’t wait to meet you.