How to Stay Motivated During a Long and Exhausting Job Search

Looking for a job is never easy, and it's even harder when you're in a country that doesn't quite feel like home yet. It can be really discouraging and frustrating when you're met with silence, rejections, or even rudeness during interviews. We've got your back, though, and have come up with four tips to help you deal with the stress and mental challenges of job searching in a new place.

1. Reward Yourself: Treating yourself is key to keeping up motivation while job hunting. Think of rewards as little bursts of light that keep you driven and give you a feeling of moving forward, even when the final goal feels far off. So, when you hit a milestone, like sending out 15 resumes or getting through a challenging interview, it's the perfect time to indulge in something you love. Whether it's enjoying a meal at your favourite restaurant, taking a peaceful walk in nature, or immersing yourself in 20 pages of a beloved book, these rewards can be a positive break in your routine.
2. Set Daily and Weekly Goals: Focusing exclusively on job searching can become daunting as time extends from days to weeks, and weeks to months. To cope, breaking down your overarching goal into smaller, achievable tasks can facilitate daily progress without the pressure of accomplishing everything at once.
3. Engage With People: Experiencing a career setback often leads to the instinct to pull back. Sharing the unfortunate news isn't appealing, and isolation becomes a comforting choice. Yet, this approach is counterproductive if you aim to avoid regression. Engaging socially stands as a powerful tool to ignite fresh ideas, lift your spirits, receive empathy, and unwind.
4. Focus On What You Can Control: Not receiving positive news during a job search can naturally lead one to wonder if they are to blame, potentially leading to feelings of sadness and depression. However, it's crucial to recognise that factors such as the job market, decisions made by others, and location are beyond our control. Rather than dwelling on these elements, it's more productive to concentrate on actions within your power that can enhance your likelihood of success.

Navigating the job search process, especially in unfamiliar territory, can be tough. Allow yourself a specific amount of time each day dedicated to job hunting, then make time for other activities. Self-assurance is nurtured by celebrating your successes, no matter how small.

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