How to Fight Emotional Exhaustion When Applying for Jobs

Job burnout can happen quickly when you dislike your job or are beginning to “go through the motions” at work. But it can also happen during a job hunt. Burnout causes stress, exhaustion, and sometimes even thoughts of giving up altogether. Fortunately, there is good news. With a few simple tips and tricks, this doesn’t need to happen to you.

Consider Your Alternatives

Everyone wants that “dream job,” however you might define it. But holding out for perfection can be stressful, especially if you are currently unemployed or stuck in a role you hate. Prioritize what you are looking for in your next job and be willing to compromise on the things that are less important to you. Or consider taking a temporary position while you continue looking for full-time work. A temp role helps you gain both experience and professional contacts, and can be a useful stepping stone on the way to your dream job.

Reach Out

No one is an island. We all need support from others. Talk to your friends, family members, or even a professional about how you are feeling. Working through your emotions can help you avoid burnout and see the situation more clearly. It might even turn up alternative paths that you might not have considered. Working with a temp agency can help a lot.

Temp agencies can help you find a job. Temp job might be helpful for a while, but staffing firms (temp agencies) have a lot of temp-to-perm jobs that lead to hiring by client companies. Many staffing offices also provide direct hire services. These are at no charge or expense to you. Client companies often work with temp agencies to find qualified candidates for certain job openings. Fees are paid by the client/customer.

Take Time to Relax

Try some guided relaxation activities such as meditation, tai chi, or yoga. Also, make sure you carve out some downtime every day to do whatever helps you de-stress, whether that’s a bubble bath or an hour of video games.

Exercise

Regular physical exercise has quite a few benefits, especially when you’re coping with stress. It can help make both your mind and body more resilient. You’ll be less likely to get sick and better able to deal with your day-to-day triggers.

Prioritize Sleep

It can be tempting to keep working on job applications late into the night. But this can actually lower your chances of success. Turn off your devices, lower the thermostat, and crawl into bed at a reasonable time. Sleep is the time for your mind and body to repair themselves, offloading the stress of the day. And don’t be afraid to take a midday nap. Sometimes a few minutes of sleep can give you a whole new perspective.

Practice Mindfulness & Preparation

Learn to be in the moment as you move throughout the day, accepting the thoughts and feelings that arise without judgment. Mindfulness can help stop “future predicting,” which is one of the most common causes of stress and burnout. It can also help you quit ruminating on the past, clearing your mind to simply face things as they come.

Preparation is also important. Have a standard well-rehearsed process for going on interviews – even how you dress – can relieve stress and make the job hunting adventure easier. Here’s some pre-interview hacks to consider.

Ready for a new job?

If you’re ready for your next role, start searching for a new job with SURESTAFF today! We can help you find a light industrial and warehouse jobs in Illinois, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Indiana, or Wisconsin.