Most of us go through a time of adjustment when looking for a new job, and many experience anxiety and uncertainty during the process. Recognising that these feelings are normal helps you remain positive. Building some structure into your day helps to maintain motivation and balance during your job search.

Make time for what is important to you

Your true worth does not depend on whether or not you are working, or what kind of job you have. Accept yourself for the wonderful and unique person you are. Evaluate your values and goals. Discover what is most important to you and work out a plan to help you live the way that is most fulfilling for you. Decide how you want to spend your time and who you want to share it with. Arranging specific times for your own interests can provide structure to your day and balance to your job search.

Remain positive and focused

Make your work-search a priority. Begin each day by checking internet work-search sites. Request job descriptions and apply for those that interest you. Remember to check newspaper recruitment pages. Set aside time for developing your networks and for cold calling. Intersperse these times with enjoyable hobbies and activities. Keep focused on your job search, but don’t be defined by it. Balance your life with things you enjoy and people you like. Stay positive. The more positive you are, the more likely you are to identify opportunities rather than only seeing the boundaries and obstacles in your way. If you are turned down for a job, contact the interviewer and ask what you can improve on. Sometimes it is simply a choice between two really great applicants. Sometimes there is something you can learn from and apply to the next application.

Develop routines

Routines can give a sense of order to your day and provide structure which can be a tool for you to use rather than a barrier which cuts out other interesting activities. Balance is the key. Leave time for relaxation and include time for yourself. Participate in your community or join a club. Simple things like having a decent breakfast and getting dressed at regular times can help get you going. Having enough things that you can rely on gives some predictability to the week. Having set times for specific activities ensures you get around to doing them.

Don’t stay indoors all the time

Looking for work is time-consuming and can be overwhelming. Deciding on regular times to go through the job ads, check emails, make phone calls, research companies and send out applications can make sure you don’t miss out on a fantastic job opportunity. Housework can take the whole day if you let it. You are probably spending more time at home than you have for a while. Try different ways to handle this. You could try completing the day’s chores by 10am each day, leaving you free for other things or you could aim to balance inside and outside chores.

Get involved

Getting out of the house need not cost a lot of money.

* volunteer 
* join a service organisation
* learn something new  
* visit your local community centre
* trace your family tree
* join a club
* take a walk alone or with a group

About the author

Marian Kerr draws on her life coach training and the experience and skills gained through self-employment, team leading, training, journalism and extensive community work to gently communicate her vision of self-acceptance and self-empowerment to clients of all ages. She is passionate about seeing her clients accept and celebrate their own uniqueness, build their confidence and live a life of fulfilment and purpose.