Three Reminders about Job Search Burnout

Job searching can be exhausting.

Between finding the right jobs to apply for, completing multiple job applications, and following up on them, it’s common to feel worn out by the entire process.

But unfortunately, there’s no way around it. Regardless of what you’re searching for (or how you’re searching), we all have to deal with the clunky, inconvenient process of job searching at some point or another. And that process quickly becomes tiring.

If you’re currently job searching or planning to in the future, you should start thinking about how you plan to address burnout. Although it doesn’t happen to everyone, many people begin feeling fatigued by the process, which can actually make it take longer to secure a job offer.

Earlier this week, an article I wrote about overcoming job search fatigue was published on Indeed. In the article, I shared expert tips from Ashley Sigmon, a knowledgeable career coach with international workforce experience. But I’d like to share some additional insights here:

• Job search fatigue is common. Job searching should be quick, direct, and convenient. Since it’s not, many people end up feeling burnt out and unmotivated to find a new job – even when they really need one.
• The process is the problem. Job seekers are expected to comply with a deeply flawed system – having to upload your resume just to manually enter the same information, provide a cover letter that many hiring managers won’t read, and create new accounts each time you apply for a job are just a few of the flaws that have created an infuriating system that no one wants to deal with.
• There is no reward for burning yourself out. No one gets an award for being the most drained or the most exhausted. If you are applying so much that you’re stressing yourself out, it’s time to take a break. Step away from the process for a bit and think of a way you can approach it differently or a time when you can come back to it feeling motivated to start again. There are no rewards for “pushing through.”

Keep these three things in mind as you search for the right job opportunity. Although you may not be able to avoid the problems within the job search, you can alleviate some of the exhaustion, manage your expectations, and get the job offer you need to move your career forward.