Job Depression Survival Guide: Top 7 Tips

By  //  September 13, 2021

Whether you’ve been laid off, just finished studying, or are looking for a new career, a prolonged job search may contribute to depression or anxiety. While finding a new career was formerly a quick process with lots of high-level employment options for individuals with talents, experience, or diplomas, there is now fierce competition for even low-skilled positions.

However, giving way to depression is not productive; you need to manage this state proactively not to get stuck and swamped into this life stage. The following points explain what causes job search depression and how to avoid it by ensuring that you’re psychologically fit before a job change.

What Causes Job Search Depression?

If you’ve ever felt unhappy, worried, hopeless, discouraged, or even depressed when looking for work, you are not alone. Even the best-qualified applicants experience these for a variety of causes, including:

  • Too Much Worrying

If you used to have a career and now find yourself without one, it’s natural to think of this massive transition as something you can’t manage. High-pressure feelings and excessive worrying may quickly lead to depression.

  • Feeling Unappreciated

It’s natural to feel incomplete and unaccepted until you find work. However, when the job hunt takes longer than you expected, rejection feelings emerge, leading to depression.

  • Rejections or no Response

When you’re searching for work, it’s normal to get refusals or even no responses from potential employers. When this occurs, it can make you feel anxious and cause you to think that you’re unfit for the position.

  • Feeling of Disgrace

Being jobless causes a lot of shame. You begin to be afraid of social settings, and the question “What are you doing for life?” causes you to feel pressured, which leads to depression.

  • Lack of Suitable Jobs

You may be having trouble finding employment that piques your interest, making the job search seem depressing. Also, you may even have to accept a job you don’t like just to make money.

How to Avoid Job Hunt Depression?

So, what can you do if you experience job search depression? It’s natural to experience increased tension and worry throughout the job search process, but it may be tough to stop the pattern. The good news is that there are proven methods for controlling your attitude throughout your job hunt so that you can ace your applications and find a better career you’ll enjoy. Here are some of them:

  • Keep up With Your Habit

When you’re jobless, you should treat your job hunt as if it were a new career. Wake up early and prepare as if you were actually working. It is easy to bring your life into chaos, and it is also seductive to stay up late and put off your job hunt. However, both of these habits are not productive.

It’s critical to stick to a schedule if you want to stay motivated and inspired. In case you are still studying and need help in essay writing no need to google “someone write my essay for me”, because you find help at our service.

  • Meditate and Exercise

Exercising and meditating are excellent ways to combat depression from the job search. Exercise acts as a natural antidepressant, and you may use web tools to keep records of your workouts and get health advice. Moreover, you may strive hard and be energetic for your job hunt by maintaining a record of your workout regimes.

  • Keep Track of Everything

Organize a job search diary where you’ll document work activities, employment possibilities, resumes sent, and individuals you meet. Looking at your activities will make you feel better about yourself since you know you’re doing all you can to get work.

  • Connect with Your Relatives and Friends

It’s natural to feel withdrawn after losing a job. Even though it’s unpleasant, you should prevent this conduct and be honest about your status with others. Family and friends can provide you with guidance and employment leads, thus helping you get more motivated to seek out greater opportunities.

  • Professionalize Your CV and Cover Letter

Keeping your CV and cover letter competent and attractive is critical to staying focused during your job hunt. A CV or cover letter that is too long or is written in poor language can instantly turn off a recruiter. You may use an online platform to review your application for clarity and professionalism. Also, you can use a word counter app that will keep track of your papers’ length to ensure they aren’t overly lengthy.

  • Participate in a Charity

You can get involved in programs that will help you seek a new career. Charity work is advantageous since it enables you to maintain your abilities and connection with others while also feeling generous in donating back and earning knowledge. Online volunteer sites may assist you in locating an initiative that interests you or a work that will expand your professional skills.

  • Keep Persevering and Stay Positive

One of the most important aspects of overcoming job search depression is pushing yourself to do whatever is good, even when you want to give up. Hence, you must forge ahead and stay positive while looking for work. 

Things to Keep in Mind While Searching for Employment

Maintaining a positive mindset in the face of hopelessness in your job hunt equips you with greater engagement. By avoiding the job hunting dread, you’re confronting your problems head-on and working hard on your own health. 

Despite your sadness and despair, a positive attitude allows you to accept your flaws. Acknowledging your faults may contribute to self-gratification and accomplishment instead of feelings of hopelessness if you don’t reach perfection.

Moreover, you should keep negative viewpoints from taking over your head. Instead, cultivate thankfulness and reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Learn what makes you really comfortable to break the negative reinforcement cycle.

Furthermore, remember that your present position does not define you, regardless of the result of your job hunt or the number of failures you’ve had. You’re more than your job description. Allowing yourself to feel defeated about your job hunt will only lead to stress and mental fatigue.

Changes Are Always Good 

Allowing your job hunt to overwhelm you is a bad idea. Falling prey to job search depression is easy, but getting out of it is typically lengthy and complex. So, if you notice that you’ve become sad, you should follow the suggestions above and get engaged in activities enjoyable for you to remain active and prevent low self-esteem and the feeling of underappreciation.