How to Stay Motivated During a Lengthy Unemployed Job Hunt

Searching for a new job at any point in your career can be a long, stressful, and arduous journey. This experience can become even more overwhelming when you are job searching after a major layoff, especially if it’s your second or third layoff in a few years.

Years ago, recent college graduates could apply for a job with just a degree in their field, obtain an interview, and receive an offer with a salary and benefits sufficient to support an entire family. Fast forward to a few decades later, and just having a college education wasn’t enough; candidates then needed to demonstrate relevant industry experience. Those who chose to extend their education by obtaining a master’s degree, combined with a few years of applicable experience, were now able to satisfy employers’ heightened expectations for candidates’ qualifications. In both these scenarios, loyalty from both companies and candidates was valued, and professionals typically remained with a single company for decades. They could earn a median income, buy an affordable house, and support a middle-class lifestyle for their families.

Unfortunately, that “American Dream” is increasingly unattainable for many in a post-COVID world. Holding multiple degrees and having experience will only get you so far in the interview process unless you check all the boxes that a company deems necessary. Training is scarce, and candidates are expected to have years of experience for entry-level positions. Investing time and energy into a position can still end in a layoff if a company becomes cash-strapped. This has left many job seekers out of work for months or even years with nothing to show for their hard work. Job seekers in this position will feel desperate to take any offer they receive. A long layoff can lead to feelings of disappointment, hurt, and bitterness, and can leave a dark stain on jobseekers for years.

So, how does one process the feelings associated with prolonged unemployment? How can someone stay motivated when it feels like their entire world is at a standstill? It can seem like you are going nowhere, while everyone around you is landing a new job or promotion. However, keeping yourself on track with your job search and the day-to-day of unemployment is the best way to navigate a difficult layoff. Incorporating different tactics will eventually bear fruit to a watered tree. As such, one can incorporate 9 tenets of staying motivated during a job search in 2024-2025:

1. Take Time to Process Your Needs and Wants
When you’re first laid off, take some time to update your resume and cover letter. Going into job applications with a polished resume will give you a good head start. Next, analyze what types of jobs you want to apply for. Do you want to stay in the same roles, or are you open to positions with transferable skills? Which industries do you wish to avoid or explore further? What salary range aligns with your qualifications? Reflecting on what you’re looking for will set you on a positive path.

2. Communicate with Your Social Circles on How They Can Support You

Recovering from a layoff can take time, especially in a challenging market. It’s crucial to set yourself up for the long term with the resources you have. Have conversations with friends, family, extended relatives, or others in your social circles on how best they can support you during this difficult time. While not everyone has a close support network, identifying those that you can lean on can be beneficial. Discuss whether they can help with bills, offer temporary housing, or provide you with temporary/freelance work. Asking for help is a conversation worth having until you can get back on your feet.

3. Leverage Your Network

A significant part of your search will involve scouring various job boards and applying for positions that match your experience. While sites like LinkedIn and Indeed offer many opportunities, jobs with referrals or introductions tend to have better success rates. Therefore, it’s important to connect with people in your social circles who can help you stand out. Though it can be difficult to ask for assistance, investing in your relationships will be helpful for finding work. Talk to family and friends about any opportunities they might know of. Reach out to former coworkers, classmates, teachers, university alumni, and industry professionals on LinkedIn. Establish a relationship and ask if they can refer you to openings at their companies or introduce you to connections who are hiring. Any foot in the door will go a long way.

4. Establish a Routine or Schedule for Your Job Search

Just as when you held your previous job, creating a routine or schedule can help you stay organized in your job search. Set specific times for waking up, applying for jobs, taking breaks, and ending your day to maintain a semblance of work-life balance. While dedicating time each day to applications, networking, or taking courses, also schedule moments for relaxation. A consistent routine can help you manage your time effectively and prevent burnout.

5. View Every Interview or Networking Call as A New Opportunity

With a strong resume, you can secure many interviews over the coming months. It’s important to recognize, however, that each job opportunity or interview presents a chance for rejection or being ghosted, often without feedback. This can easily cause candidates to become pessimistic and feel hopeless. Despite this, it’s important to treat every opportunity as potentially the one that will lead to success. While this can be challenging during an extended job search, maintaining an open mind and a positive outlook will help you avoid reacting emotionally to rejections and keep you on track for your next position. Brush off those rejections and focus on your next opportunity as if that will be the diamond in the rough.

6. Give Yourself Time-Off and Practice Self-Love

Dealing with the emotions that come with a layoff can be tough, so make sure to take weekends off, occasionally treat yourself to lunch or dinner, and carve out time for exercise or long walks. Balancing your job search strategies with self-care is vital for your long-term well-being.

7. Accept and Work on Feedback While Ignoring Unhelpful Noise

You’re likely to experience both good and bad interviews, with many not panning out for minor reasons. Whenever you receive a dreaded rejection email, asking for feedback can go a long way for self-improvement. While many companies will ghost you or not provide tangible insight, if you do receive constructive feedback, view it as a learning opportunity. If it’s related to interview skills, you can practice differently or try mock interviews. If it’s a skill or platform issue, consider taking relevant courses. On the other hand, be mindful of unsolicited advice from friends, relatives, or HR representatives that may not apply to your current situation. If the advice doesn’t resonate, feel free to set it aside in favor of more relevant growth opportunities.

8. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparing yourself to others in your social circles is normal. While unemployed, it’s common to scroll through your social media and see your friends and classmates get promotions or cushy new positions, and generally make waves in their careers. Witnessing others succeed can be disheartening when you feel stuck and face ongoing rejection. However, they may not understand your struggle and have likely not experienced the same challenges you are facing. Acknowledging your own struggles as part of your unique journey and trusting your process will keep you on the correct path.

9. Believe There Is a Light at The End of The Tunnel

Even if it feels never-ending and like there is no way out, trust that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hope, trust, and optimism are fundamental feelings to help you through a tough job search. Even if you don’t feel those now, keep a list of positive affirmations to remind yourself that you are valued and appreciated. This is just another chapter in your book of life, and having faith that your next chapter will be one of success is key. You will get through this, and when you finally receive that job offer, you will feel empowered by your struggles, leaving you more empathetic and driven in the process.