Preventing Job Burnout Long Term Unemployment
It isn't easy to avoid job search burnout, especially when looking for jobs in a hard-hit economy. With unemployment hovering dangerously near the 10 percent mark, it can get discouraging.
Searching for a job can not only wear out shoe leather, it can wear out your spirits. How can a person keep their dignity and avoid job search burnout? Here a a few tips to help you succeed.
Mental Health:
• Long-term unemployment can wreck havoc on a person's emotional well-being. It can be a perfect breeding ground for depression, mood-swings, family misunderstandings, and it can sink self-esteem.
• To help combat negative thinking, remind yourself, often, you are not responsible for the economy's downturn. You did not create it, neither can you fix it. It is just a sad, temporary reality.
• Keeping busy helps to ward off a sense of failure. Keeping a regular daily routine is very important. Now would be the time to organize your finances, if you have not done so already.
• Involve the whole family to see where you can cut corners. Enlist their help and welcome their ideas. This helps a family feel a sense of accomplishment.
• Organize your household by taking care of chores that have been put on a "to do list" when time was less available. Volunteering can also help to combat negative feelings and build self-esteem when it is most needed.
Physical Health:
• It is critical to take care of your physical needs to help fight off job burnout. Keeping physically fit helps keep the mind fresh and alert. If you have to give up a gym membership, due to finances, create your own work out system.
• Try not to neglect your nutritional needs. This will accomplish two things.You will feel healthier and avoid doctor bills. It is also essential to get rest and relaxation.
Job Searching:
• Networking with friends and family members can be a great resource. Sometimes jobs are posted, "in-house" and a friend or family member may be able to give you a good recommendation.
• Attending job fairs is a good way to meet other job-seekers, and exchange information.
• Going to job fairs helps keep a pulse on what is going on in your area. It can be a help to know what kind of jobs may be forthcoming in the job market.
Changing Your Career:
• For those who qualify, with limited income due to job loss, most State Departments of Employment offer retraining opportunities. Ask if free aptitude tests are offered in your area.
• A sad reality is, some jobs will not come back. If that is your situation don't give up. Your skills and talents are assets that will be used again.
• Starting a new business can be exciting and give you a fresh new outlook. It may be possible to start a home business. New businesses are born every day.
Extra Tips:
• To avoid job burnout, do not seek out more interviews than you can comfortably handle in one day. Keeping your resume updated and clean and crisp looking will always make a good impression. Of course, neatness in appearance is important.
• Research the history of the potential places of employment before going on an interview. This shows the manager or employer you have a real interest in getting that particular position.
• Always have a few questions ready to ask interviewers, when asked "do you have any questions?" Never try to over-impress, it sends a message, "this person is over qualified or the person is might be difficult to train."
Also to help avoid job burnout, and keep stress levels to a minimum, apply for all compensation benefits you are entitled to. If someone needs medical and food assistance, to help tide them over, no one should be ashamed to seek these out. Remember, it was your hard-earned tax dollars that paid for these programs when you were working. It is not a hand out, it is a hand up during a difficult economy.
