Encouragement for Job Seekers with Anxiety! What You Need To Know Now!
Posted on September 24, 2020 by Richale Reed, One of Thousands of Christian Coaches on Noomii.
This article shares insight and encouragement for job seekers who struggle with anxiety on ideal jobs and careers despite the effects of the pandemic.
Do you struggle with anxiety and find it challenging to find meaningful work? Be encouraged! Despite the current pandemic, now is a great time for those who suffer with moderate to severe social anxiety to seek out work from home opportunities such as customer service support (entry to corporate level) to online sales. The idea in finding the perfect job for someone suffering from social anxiety is to look for opportunities with fewer connections to large groups of people. For example, trying an outside job such as landscaping. However, if the anxiety is phobia centered (ie. afraid of snakes, spiders, bugs) then a landscaping job would not be the best fit. It’s important to note here that there are different types and sub-categories of anxiety, that’s why seeking a licensed professional mental health expert is important in this job seeking process. I know its tempting with all the information on the internet but avoid self-diagnosing at all costs to lessen the overwhelm and frustration that is often a natural part of the job seekers journey. Not only can we help you understand your type of anxiety and how to manage it. We can also provide ongoing support until you land and successfully transition into the job that leans to your strengths.
Once the type of anxiety is understood, I suggest, being creative and prioritizing strengths above all other factors. If job seekers are not sure of their strengths consider seeking a licensed counselor or certified professional coach qualified to administer a validated assessment. This professional should be qualified to also help you apply the information about yourself over time. The investment for administration and debriefings are very affordable and provide an array of ongoing benefit personally and professionally. It’s a true win-win situation!
Lastly,I suggest considering the environment. In essence, job seekers with anxiety should ask themselves questions like:
What does a winning environment look like for me? This question is important because they want to be set up to succeed, not fail.
How much stress or pressure to perform is there? Answering this question honestly will help reduce overwhelm by realistically assessing the demands of the job. If the answer is not known, research it, or ask about the learning curve, deadlines, and other demands of the job in the interview.
And before the interview, I suggest answering this question: What are my absolute deal breakers? This will assist the job seeker in developing a clear YES and NO in their career search that will support finding the best next match in their career journey.
In closing, be encouraged that there is no one size fits all solution to the job seekers unique set of skills and challenges and that is a good thing! Intentionally leveraging by investing in the support of a licensed mental health professional and/or coach to land the job they truly desire is key. Taking these steps can assure you of reducing overwhelm that comes along naturally with job seeking. Job seekers with anxiety don’t have to succumb to a stressful journey. Here’s to a successful one!
Richale R. Reed MA, LCMHCS, LCAS
Your Favorite Therapist, Coach, and Sister-Friend
www.inpoweryou.com
