30 days to the job you love - Day 13

With 200,000+ tech layoffs in 2023 and more being let go in early 2024, it is easy to get discouraged. Personally, I have many friends who were and are affected. For those whom I worked with, I am grateful that our paths crossed.

For 30 days, I will post a tip each day to encourage you and give you some suggestions on how to stay motivated during your job search.

Day 13

After losing a job, it's natural to dive headfirst into searching for a new job around the clock, but constantly checking emails for responses and receiving rejection after rejection can take a toll on one's confidence. The job search can be a long and grueling process, leading to self-doubt and loss of motivation. Here are some early warning signs that you may be losing self-confidence and ways to overcome them.

Early warning signs of losing self-confidence:

- Becoming a couch potato and binge-watching TV.

- Staying up late and sleeping in.

- Not answering or returning phone calls.

- No longer feeling enthusiasm for sending out resumes.

- Avoiding social events.

Ways to overcome these signs:

- Create a schedule for job applications and follow-ups to avoid doing it around the clock. 

- Exercise daily to release happy chemicals, such as serotonin and endorphins.  This is most important.  Ask a friend or family member to check in and hold you accountable for exercising daily. 

- Join a volunteer organization for meaningful work.  When we put our focus on helping others, we feel better about ourselves.

- Practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal.  Recognize the blessings around us.

- Meditate using free apps like Plum Village app.  Studies have shown that meditation can help us feel calmer, gain more clarity, and boost our cognitive skills.

It's important to remember that losing a job doesn't define your worth. You are more than your job. Keep your head up and keep pushing forward.

“Every job I was denied for... opened the door to new opportunities...  Sometimes when you think you’re losing, you’re winning.” - Dr. Steve Maraboli