Not-So-Funemployment

How to Stay Sane When You’re Looking for a Job

 

By Shira Concool, LPC

 

 

You did it! You finally graduated college. Or maybe you were just let go from that grind of the job you hated anyway. Perhaps you decided to take some time off to study for a graduate school exam. Whatever the case may be, all of a sudden it’s Monday morning and you have nowhere to be and no one telling you what to do. You find yourself turning on Netflix and suddenly it’s 5pm and the screen has asked, “are you still watching?” for the third time. While your friends may think you’re lucky to still be in PJs, “funemployment” can quickly leave you feeling down, lonely, and anxious. It is not uncommon for people who are un- or under-employed to begin to show signs of loneliness, lack of motivation, fatigue and sadness. To combat this slide into the abyss it is helpful to be intentional, thoughtful and creative about your next steps. While I will save a more specific job-hunt blog for a later date, here are some tips to fight the not-so-fun parts of unemployment and keep your head up!

 

1. Make a schedule and stick to it. You may not have to be at class at 8am, but pick a time to wake up and do your morning routine. Wash your face, get dressed and eat breakfast! Make a plan, give yourself realistic hours to work and to have breaks and pick a time when you will stop job hunting or studying for the day. Having a schedule creates boundaries between “work time” and “time off.” That way when you choose to binge watch on your free time it will be a mindful choice, not one made out of anxious avoidance! Try to go to bed around the same time every night. You know how they say kids crave routine? Well adults are just bigger kids and we still need our structure!

 

2. Take care of your body. So maybe you have a little more free time waiting to hear back from all those resumes you sent out. Use it to your advantage. You may not have the money for a fancy gym class but you can take a walk while listening to your favorite tunes, practice yoga in your living room, invite a friend to go on a hike, dance around the house like you’re at the club, or even use YouTube for free classes or new workout routines. Moving your body will help you stay motivated (and healthy).

 

Try cooking new meals—there are a ton of resources for affordable meals on Pinterest. Making your own food will help your wallet and your self-esteem.

 

Get dressed every “work” day. You don’t have to put on your formal wear, but changing your clothes can help remind yourself that you are in work (and not sleep) mode, at least Monday-Friday.

 

3. Leave the house. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting out of the house, seeing the sun, having people around you and feeling part of the world. Find a place that can be your “office” as you edit your resume, write emails, do company research or study. Public libraries, local colleges, coffee shops and even malls can be good locations for an impromptu office. There are also co-working spaces that have popped up that can be a great place to have a sense of community between jobs and get you off the couch.

 

 

4. Make plans. I’m not just talking about your career vision board. Set up lunch dates, invite LinkedIn contacts out for coffee, see your posse when they get off work, or spend time with friends who may be home during the day with young children. Use “Meet Up” to get to know other young professionals in your area or to learn a new skill. Planning social engagements can help you with the schedule we discussed above and can keep you networking and feeling positive.

 

 

5. Celebrate small successes. Job hunting or studying for a big exam can feel like a series of disappointments or worse, like nothing is moving. It’s important to recognize yourself for the little things. Did you set up a meeting with a new contact? Improve your score on a practice test by a few points? Get a call for an interview? Congratulate yourself! Make a list of your accomplishments thus far and read them over when you are feeling stuck. Hey, I have even had clients who used stickers to acknowledge successes for the week. I’m not above it! (Gold star, anyone?)

 

 

6. Volunteer. Sometimes looking for a job means being patient. Patience is hard. To help pass the time and to help you feel as though you are contributing, consider volunteering, even a few hours a week with an organization that is meaningful to you. Love wildlife? Check out the zoo. Enjoy young people? Tutor at your local community center. Or if you can volunteer or intern in your field, all the better, as you will be networking and gaining experience at the same time. Is there a company you would love to work for? Or an organization that will help you learn more about your graduate interests? Give them a call. The worst they can do is say no. They will still be impressed by your initiative and you can add that call to the list of accomplishments for the day!

 

 

7. Remember you are not alone. Transitions are difficult and we could all use someone to talk to. Reach out to family and friends, connect with other job seekers, use online forums (but be weary of spending too much time with people virtually—see #4), and if you are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist who can help you set goals, give you a supportive space to grow and walk you through this new period in your life.