You’re out in the real world now. Graduation is a thing of the past. The odds can seem overwhelming though: finding a post-graduation job can take its toll on you, and who doesn’t feel like giving up at some point?
Checking out nearly every job site, back to front, sending your best-crafted resumes with attached cover letters to whomever you can think of – only to be greeted with really polite letters rejecting your credentials. This can really send your optimism over the cliff and it’s something just about everybody can relate to.
However, this is completely normal as people usually do not take rejection well. You are not alone, and trying your level best to stay positive is the best you can do. It’s not going to last forever, and you will probably learn valuable take-home lessons along the way. Here are a few tips to make the wait more bearable while changing your outlook to an optimistic one.
Hang Around Positive and “Happy” People
The temptation to openly talk about your unemployment spell with fellow aspiring job seekers can be easy to give in to. This is a mistake – it will only lead to more resentment, misery and worst of all, undue negativity. Why kill your motivation?
A better way to go about it would be to sit down and brainstorm some ideas. Maybe you can learn from other people’s not so lucky endeavors. Surround yourself with family and friends who provide you with nothing but a jolt of motivation and positive energy. All that positivity is going to rub off on you eventually and you could do the same for your fellow job hunters.
Before you know it, you’ll be going out with renewed vigor and drive to nail that job interview. And, for a fact, nothing beats mom’s pep talk!
Exercise Can be Fun AND Productive
It’s no secret that even a brief workout can have highly positive effects and uplift your spirits. Not only that, you’ll generally experience better energy and mood levels throughout the day.
Just because you’re having trouble getting a job doesn’t mean you have to laze around in bed all day snacking and watching feel-good movies. In addition to mood-elevating benefits, exercise can really help cut down stress, while releasing those post-workout feel-great endorphins. Being unemployed isn’t the end of the world. Enjoy your free time by pursuing healthy activities. Fire up some music while working out to really get into the groove.
All Hardships Are Temporary Including Unemployment
I know; it seems as if your unemployment streak is going to last forever. Let me tell you it’s not really a matter of “if”, but more of a “when”.
One day you’ll be talking about the lessons and experiences you gained, while even looking back at it as a favorite (or not so favorite) past time. Holding on to your optimistic outlook throughout is the key to winning.
It may seem like the future is uncertain, and we’re not denying that, but a world of opportunity awaits. You just need to sit it out, wait your turn and jump at your chance when it comes. One day your job hunt will come to an end, and you’ll be rejoicing with your friends and family before you even know it.
This is a phase everybody goes through.
In the Meantime, Do Something Really Useful
Even though you haven’t landed a job yet, that doesn’t mean you still can’t work to gain some experience and insights into your field of choice – why not take up a field- relevant internship?
If you’re not into that kind of thing, you can still spend your time constructively by reading field-related articles and journals to stay current. You might even go for certification programs which can act as little plusses all over your resume.
Put your passion to good use and get enrolled in certification programs or even pursue higher education, which will inevitably boost your chances of getting hired in the chosen field.
Keep that chin up and treat each passing day as a chance to learn and adapt. Hold on to that positive energy – you’re going to need it when you finally land a job.