How to Handle the Anxiety of Job Search

Posted on January 02, 2024 by David Schmidt, CPCC, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

Whether it is because of a pandemic, a merger, the economy, or a corporate reorg, making a job change is stressful. Clients tell me all the time about the anxiety they have making a career change. What I hear the most is “I’m so overwhelmed, where do I even start, the job search process is scary and difficult, it gives me anxiety.”

Searching for a new job can be a source of anxiety for several reasons, let’s explore some of the most common factors that contribute to the anxiety associated with job searching.

First, it’s overwhelming. To manage all the pieces of a job search can give people anxiety. It’s important to focus on what you can control, break the process into smaller, manageable steps, seek support from friends or career professionals, and practice self-care to maintain overall well-being.

Then, there is the uncertainty. The job search process is often filled with uncertainties. You may not know how long it will take to find a job, whether you’ll receive positive responses from employers, or what the future holds. This lack of predictability can be unsettling, especially if you are the bread winner of the family. The key is to keep a positive attitude, take personal time and focus on good health. Exercising is a great way to manage anxiety.

The financial pressure is one of the hardest anxieties to handle. If you’re unemployed or facing a career change, financial concerns can add significant stress. The need to support oneself or a family can intensify the pressure to find a job quickly. This is a great time to look at the family budget. Might be time to call your car insurance company to see if they can lower your rates. Can you put the country club membership on how for a period? Look at your expenses with a fine-tooth comb and see what you can do without.

Rejection is never easy to handle. Managing your expectation is key to having the right attitude when you are in a job search. Rejection is a common part of the job search process. Not every application or networking meeting will result in an interview, and not every interview will lead to a job offer. Repeated rejections can be demoralizing and contribute to anxiety. Keep in mind that for every “no” you are one step closer to a “yes”.

Knowing your YSWV, who you are, your story, your why and your value will help you overcome the competitive nature: The job market is often competitive, and the fear of not measuring up to other candidates can be overwhelming. This sense of competition can lead to self-doubt and anxiety about one’s own qualifications and skills. However, knowing what you bring to the table over others and being able to articulate that will help you land a job.

Focusing too much on your self-Identity and worth can drive fear of not finding a job or ending up in a position that doesn’t align with one’s skills and interests can impact your self-esteem. Surround yourself with your accountability team, the people in your life who love you for who you are and not what you do.

The fear of change and the unknown can trigger high anxiety. Whether that is a new location, adapting to a different work environment, or transitioning to a new industry. The key is to know your value and what you want will help you manage change.

Many people feel lack of control during the process. Having a well laid out job search action plan will help to keep you on track. You are managing the process and feeling in control will help to overcome anxiety.

Society often places expectations on individuals regarding their career choices and achievements. The pressure to meet these expectations can contribute to anxiety, especially if one feels they are falling behind or not meeting societal standards. We are all bless with certain gifts and skills. Focus on what makes you great and stop worrying about what others think.

To manage job search anxiety, it’s important to focus on what you can control, break the process into smaller, manageable steps, seek support from friends or career professionals, and practice self-care to maintain overall well-being.