{"id":20796,"date":"2024-02-29T12:09:46","date_gmt":"2024-02-29T17:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/?p=20796"},"modified":"2024-02-29T12:09:48","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T17:09:48","slug":"overcoming-burnout-strategies-for-persevering-through-the-job-search-struggle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/overcoming-burnout-strategies-for-persevering-through-the-job-search-struggle\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming Burnout: Strategies for Persevering Through the Job Search Struggle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overcoming Burnout: Strategies for Persevering Through the Job Search Struggle<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do any of these thoughts sound familiar?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the point of filling out another application? I\u2019m just going to get rejected. Again.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I haven\u2019t applied to anything today. I should be doing more!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why can\u2019t I focus on reading these job descriptions? Why is my mind on literally everything else? Looking for a job IS my job!!<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20844 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Copy-of-Blog-Post-Template-1200-\u00d7-675-px-20.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"505\" height=\"284\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Copy-of-Blog-Post-Template-1200-\u00d7-675-px-20.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Copy-of-Blog-Post-Template-1200-\u00d7-675-px-20-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Copy-of-Blog-Post-Template-1200-\u00d7-675-px-20-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Copy-of-Blog-Post-Template-1200-\u00d7-675-px-20-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Copy-of-Blog-Post-Template-1200-\u00d7-675-px-20-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve had similar thoughts, you\u2019re likely getting, or are, burnt out. The good news about burnout \u2013 you\u2019re not alone. According to research performed by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zippia.com\/advice\/burnout-statistics\/#:~:text=According%20to%20our%20extensive%20research,program%20to%20help%20alleviate%20burnout.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zippia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 89% of workers have been burnt out within the last year. Whether you\u2019re currently employed and looking for that next position, or unemployed and trying to change that, we can all agree job searching is not easy. Throw a few rejections or ghostings into the mix, and it\u2019s easy to get cynical when our plans don\u2019t go the way we were hoping. Let\u2019s look a little deeper into the signs of burnout and how to recognize it in ourselves, preventing and managing burnout, and how we can move forward when burnout strikes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Signs of Burnout<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The famous rap phrase \u201ccheck yourself before you wreck yourself\u201d is never more real when it comes to identifying burnout in yourself. Do a mental inventory. Have you been feeling all or most of these things for several weeks?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhausted<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cynical<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ineffective<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depressed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dissatisfied<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritable<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forgetful<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfocused<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxious<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physically ill (namely stomach aches, headaches, and\/or insomnia, but these can turn into more serious symptoms, including high blood pressure)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re only feeling a couple of these things, you may be in the early stages of burnout. If you\u2019re feeling all or most of these things, you\u2019re likely in the swing of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Preventing and Managing Burnout<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for a job can be overwhelming and exhausting. But, there are some strategies that can help you prevent and manage burnout during this challenging time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First and foremost, <\/span><b>prioritize self-care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like it's your full-time job. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mytrak.hireheroesusa.org\/s\/share-media?&vtui__mediaId=a6C0z000000Xhgd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Set reasonable goals<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of how many jobs you\u2019ll apply to in one day (hint: it should be a single digit number). Take breaks, engage in activities that bring you joy, and don't forget to <\/span><b>recharge your batteries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Whether it's going for a walk, practicing a hobby, or simply indulging in some guilt-free Netflix binging \u2013 make sure to carve out time for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next up, <\/span><b>set boundaries and give yourself permission to say &#8220;no.&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Remember, you're in control of your job search journey, and it's okay to turn down opportunities that aren't the right fit or to take a breather when you need it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Don't be shy about seeking support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Reach out to friends, family, or even career counselors who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a fresh perspective. They can help alleviate some of the stress and provide valuable insights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last, <\/span><b>maintain a healthy work-life balance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even if you don't have a job yet. It's easy to get consumed by the search, but make time for activities outside of job hunting that bring you happiness. And you never know when any social activity may turn into a networking opportunity! Hang in there, take care of yourself, and keep pushing forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Help, I\u2019m Burnt Out and I Feel Stuck!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When burnout strikes hard and it feels like doing anything is a monumental task, it can be tough to find the motivation to move forward. But remember, you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to navigate this challenging situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give yourself permission to <\/span><b>take a break and hit the pause button<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step back and recharge. Take some time off, engage in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation, and allow yourself to heal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Start small.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate even the tiniest progress you make\u2014it's all about building momentum.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don't hesitate to <\/span><b>ask for support.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals who can lend a listening ear or offer guidance. Just like you wouldn\u2019t want loved ones to go through hard times alone, your loved ones also want to help you!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, be gentle with yourself and <\/span><b>practice self-compassion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Treat yourself with kindness and patience as you gradually regain your energy and motivation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand that burnout is not a personal failure, but a sign that you've been pushing yourself too hard. You've overcome challenges before, and you have the strength to do it again. Take it one step at a time, and remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. This season of your life will not last forever, regardless of how things may feel right now. Job searching isn\u2019t easy, but when you\u2019re signing an offer letter, all the hard work becomes worth it.<\/span> <b style=\"color: initial;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b><i>Kayla Hayden <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a Transition Specialist at Hire Heroes USA.\u00a0 If you would like more information or need assistance getting in contact with your Transition Specialist, log into your<\/span><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/mytrak.hireheroesusa.org\/s\/login\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MyTrak<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or register at <\/span><\/i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hirehireosusa.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">www.hirehireosusa.org<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to be assigned a Transition Specialist.\u00a0 <\/span><\/i><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overcoming Burnout: Strategies for Persevering Through the Job Search Struggle Do any of these thoughts sound familiar? What is the point of filling out another application? I\u2019m just going to get rejected. Again. I haven\u2019t applied to anything today. I should be doing more! Why can\u2019t I focus on reading these job descriptions? Why is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[511,476,412,52,508,513,515,38,496,489,509,196,468,507,478,512,30,510,465,480,514],"class_list":["post-20796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog","tag-burnout","tag-career","tag-career-development","tag-career-transition","tag-change","tag-goals","tag-healthy","tag-hire-heroes-usa","tag-interviews","tag-job","tag-job-hopping-2","tag-job-search","tag-job-skills","tag-job-hopping","tag-jobsearch","tag-mental-health","tag-military-spouse","tag-professionalism","tag-resume","tag-skills","tag-strategies"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20796","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20796"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20796\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hireheroesusa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}