Achieve Happiness in a Job Search

Are you feeling negativity in your job search? If your job search is wearing you out, or if you just feel unhappy while job searching, here are reminders to help you find happiness – even in a job search.

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Martha is getting a raise and Michael just got promoted to VP, while you’re unemployed or shuffling papers around a desk.

We all have them – those friends or family members who are incredibly more successful than you, and they pull it all off without seeming to work a sweat. You think to yourself, how? Why can’t I be just as successful?

Let me share something with you – You ARE successful. To someone else, you’re that successful Martha and Michael. I know you don’t believe me right now because it’s not in our nature. We always want more. We want better. We tend to look at successful people in our lives and compare ourselves to them. My advice is: Don’t! There will always be people who are more successful than you and those that are worse off. Recognize that you are in your own unique stage in life, whether you are unemployed and job hunting, or stuck in a job you don’t like.

Don’t procrastinate and make excuses for yourself.

I want to apply to these jobs, but I have to run to the grocery store, pick up the kids, etc. Making excuses is a way to make yourself feel better for not doing something you needed to be doing. Eventually, procrastination leads to more stress because tasks you needed to finish will build up. Do you want results? If so, just START DOING. My trick whenever I start feeling myself procrastinating is to just start the activity. Starting is the hardest part, and once you pass that bridge, you’ll find that the task gets easier.

Don’t skip out on exercise or physical activity.

Your body will thank you not only every day, but 5 years down the line. Make it a habit to exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 days a week. Exercise helps boost your serotonin levels, making you happier and helps you feel more energetic in tackling those day to day duties.

Do give up your need for control.

One of the biggest factors that affect happiness is the need for control. Since many things in life are out of our control, what does that lead to? Worry. Anxiety. Disappointment.

Let go of the need to grab life in the reins, and instead enjoy it for the ride it is. The spontaneity of life is what keeps it exciting and fresh. You won’t know who your next employer will be today or what your career path looks like 10 years down the line, but that’s okay. Nobody knows.

Do manage your expectations.

Managing your expectations is vital to finding your happiness. Life is unpredictable, so we can’t expect everything to work out the way we want. There will be setbacks, along with eventual achievements. Instead do everything with an open mind and you will find yourself so much happier.