If you’ve been watching the news, switch it off! Hopefully you’ve been chilling and enjoying the summer, but most likely you’re concerned about your job search or concerned about your job.  I meet a lot of people who have been out of work for a long time. It’s hard not to feel a little crazy after these last few weeks of news. Back in early 2009 when things were very bad for so many of us, I came up with this list to help people stay positive through what was such a disorienting time. One of the things I would tell people is to “Stop job searching!” What?? I know you think I’m probably a little nuts right?  I felt quite vindicated when I read this article by Peter Bregman in the Harvard Business Review:  http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/3618v.  I think it’s time to re-share these tips. At the risk of sounding too Pollyanna. go and have some fun, you might be surprised by what can happen. Tell me what you think about these tips. What have you done to keep yourself motivated?

1. Stop “Job Searching” (and get active). Go bowling, salsa dancing or hiking (Find a new group of people to do something fun with via www.meetup.com) Job search benefit: Expanding your network
2. Listen to Mr Rogers: Get to know your neighborhood again and contribute to your local community. Side benefit: Get to know your neighbors- You never know what you might learn. Renewing a connection with your community can have a tremendous positive impact on how you feel.
3. Redefine the experience: Be a Participant in the process, not a Victim. You have a way out: A chance to renew yourself and your purpose, rather than remain a victim of the circumstances
4. Focus on the journey not the destination. Lessen traditional job search methods and focus more on other activities where you will feel more productive and regain a sense of confidence. Take a step back to reflect on where you are, and where you are going, and what you need for the journey.
5. Don’t go it alone: Find a small group to talk with and support you through your  job search!  http://www.careerfolk.com/events/job_search_summer_camp
6. Volunteer with purpose. Choose a role where you can use your skills, where you have a sincere interest in building knowledge. Side benefits are helping others, keeping active with relevant, productive activity that goes on your resume, you never know who sits on the board, etc.) Check out these resources:  http://www.careerfolk.com/resources/volunteer-opportunities
7. Find Inspiration. Read about other peoples road to success: How have others overcome obstacles on their way to achieve success. What motivates them to succeed.
8. Learn a new skill or game.  Try and get out to the local community center  and meet others. Free online courses available as well as low cost courses available through continuing education in your community.
9. Choose your own mantra. Find a saying that will get you through each day and keep you motivated for the next.
10. Talk it through: Any level of negativity or despair will manifest in some way and sabotage your job search efforts, even if you are trying to hold it in.  Don’t hold in your anger, fear, loss, despair: Talk it through with a professional so that you don’t offload it on to your family,  friends, or of course, the hiring manager. Read more about my up coming summer job search camp here:  http://www.careerfolk.com/events/job_search_summer_camp. Come and have some fun, and enjoy these last few weeks of glorious weather. Remember #5 Don’t go it alone. Join me now at http://www.careerfolk.com/events/job_search_summer_camp, or check back later to learn about fall  job search club.

Be a friend and share this if you think it could help someone you know.  I would also love to hear what you have to say. Please comment  below and tell me what has been helpful in your search. Thanks

Donna Sweidan

Donna Sweidan is the Chief Career Happiness Officer and "career therapist" of Careerfolk a provider of holistic career management services. She offers a unique blend of psychological counseling and concrete coaching that takes her clients on a journey from soul search to social search. Donna guides job seekers and career changers through in-depth self-exploration to help them find fulfilling and meaningful work. She then helps them leverage social media to accelerate their job search and long-term career success.
With a Masters in Counseling from New York University and training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, Donna is always wearing her therapeutic hat. When her clients are ready, she then empowers them with the knowledge they need to conduct a 21st century job search and tools to develop their professional online identity for long term career insurance.
Donna's own digital footprint has led to more than 50 percent of new business, multiple media interviews, and to two appearances on NYTV's Jobhunt as a Social Media & Job Search Expert.

She is a contributer to The Twitter Job Search Guide and has been quoted in various major news outlets including CNN, New York Times, International Business Times, Fortune.com, FoxBusiness.com, Daily News, New York Daily News, Fairfield Parent and The Stamford Advocate. Donna was the founding Director of Career Services at the New School. She is based in Stamford, CT and works with clients around the world.

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