Tales from the Unemployment Trenches

When you’re unemployed, most of your days are spent filling out job applications on LinkedIn, Indeed, and every other job board you can find. And while being productive feels good at first, it can get very tedious and taxing pretty quickly.

After a while, the constant grind of submitting applications and receiving those, “Thank you for your application, but after much consideration…” emails starts to wear on your spirit. I get it. It’s a tough, emotional rollercoaster, and if you’re anything like me, it can feel like a personal blow every time. So the real question is: how do you stay motivated and prevent total application burnout?

Here are a few things I’ve learned (and am still learning!) to do:

1. Take Breaks and Remind Yourself It’s Okay to Relax
This one is hard for me, but I’m realizing it’s crucial. You are allowed to take breaks. The job hunt is a full-time job in itself, and no one…absolutely no one…can operate at 100% all day, every day. Schedule small breaks for yourself. Go outside for a walk, binge a favorite show guilt-free, bake something, or just take a nap if you need it. Rest isn’t laziness. It’s recharging.

2. Work With Recruiters
Recruiters can be your best allies. They often have access to job openings that aren’t posted publicly, and they can advocate for you directly with hiring managers. Don’t hesitate to update your LinkedIn status to “Open to Work” and connect with a few recruiters in your industry. Sometimes just having someone else help move the process along takes a little weight off your shoulders.

3. Keep a Creative Hobby Alive
Having at least one creative outlet has been a lifesaver for me. Whether it’s blogging (hi, you’re reading mine!), reading, painting, cooking, or whatever makes you feel happy and fulfilled. It’s important to have something that reminds you of who you are outside of work. Jobs are important, but they don’t define our entire worth. Doing something creative keeps your spirits up and your mind open.

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Right now, if you’re job hunting and feeling a little defeated, know this: You’re doing your best. And your best is enough.
Opportunities have a way of showing up just when you need them most, even if the wait feels impossible at times. Keep applying, keep resting, and keep believing. Your next chapter is still being written…and it’s going to be a good one. 🌟