Take Time for Yourself During the Job Search

By Elyse Pipitone

It can be easy to lose yourself in the job search. Finding a new position can be stressful as well as time-consuming and energy-sapping. Whether you’re unemployed or working while seeking a better opportunity, it’s important to take time for yourself.??

For many, the efforts involved with securing a new position can seem like a full-time job in itself –? and that’s on top of other employment you may have, family obligations, and personal appointments. Making time for yourself is another item to add to your to-do list, but it might be one of the most important for your mental and physical health.? Here are some suggestions to make that happen.?

Play??

Setting aside time to engage in a hobby or pastime can energize you and give you a much-needed mindset reset. Joining an adult sports league or book club, working on a jigsaw puzzle, or participating in a weekly hiking group are among the countless options that can refresh and entertain you. It is often when you are “in the zone” with a favorite activity that you can temporarily set aside your concerns. You may even discover solutions or alternative options that get you unstuck. If you’ve ever come up with a great idea while taking a shower or weeding in the garden, it’s because your mind is open and uncluttered.

Flex Your Creative or Learning Muscles

Is there an activity you’ve always wanted to learn, but never felt like it was the right time? The time is now! Dabble in a watercolor class, take guitar lessons, learn a new language, or enroll in a project management certification. Although not every enjoyable activity can impact your career path, it can help to increase your confidence and self-esteem. Most importantly, learning something new helps your brain make new neuron connections; you are rewiring and stimulating your brain. [1]

Find Purpose

For some job seekers, finding a position that gives them a sense of purpose or meaning is important. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to find that in a paid position. That’s where volunteering can fill the gap. Donate your time at a food pantry, an animal shelter, or a voter registration campaign. Helping others is a great way to get out of your own head and refocus your energies.?

Be Realistic and Practical

Searching for the "perfect" career may cause a lot of stress and frustration.? In fact, the things you’re passionate about, the elements you want from a job, and the skills you’re good at may be at odds with each other.? It's extremely rare to find one job that checks all those boxes. It might mean that your passion comes in the form of a hobby or volunteer opportunity. Or you could accept a low-stress position so you have the time and energy to work on your dream side gig.

While searching for a position that fits those priorities, it can be helpful to take a bridge job – an interim position, such as temporary or contract work that doesn’t necessarily have to be in your field. Bridge jobs enable you to pay the bills and keep your skills sharp while interviewing for your target position.? I have a colleague who was laid off after many years in upper management. Instead of starting a job search right away, he took a summer job working on a local farm. Grounding himself in nature gave him the time and space he needed to launch a successful job search a few weeks later.

Taking time for yourself is time well spent. It can positively shift your mindset (and your brain!), provide much-needed distraction and enjoyment, and renew your energies for what comes next.

References

[1] Neuroplasticity: How Experience Changes the Brain (verywellmind.com)

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