Job search depression?

In Summer of 2007 redundancy came my way, the next few months were a mix of job hunting and taking a well earned break. 18 years with one employer is a long time.

I signed up with numerous recruitment companies and online job boards. I had a handful of interviews but it was a couple of years later that I got another job, even so it was not what I really wanted and the wages were awful, and still no where near what we need as a family. But hey, I got work and I still have a roof over my head, and food to eat. I can continue my job search in the evenings.

Did I expect it to take so long? No.

Was it a frustrating uphill climb day in and day out that felt like it might never end? After a number of months, yes of course.

The moment you realize that your job search is taking longer than you expected is the moment so-called job search ‘depression’ can rear its ugly head.

Does ‘job search depression’ really exist?
Secondary stressors of job loss such as financial strain and loss of personal control are some of the true culprits that can lead to low feelings and even depression. Studies seem to indicate that elevated levels of depression may reduce the likelihood of reemployment. Mmm not looking good eh.

In other words, it can be consequences of losing your job that lead to problems, not necessarily the job loss itself.

 Possible Causes

1. Loss of control – sudden, traumatic change of having a great job one day and no job the next.
2. Uncertainty of not knowing when the job search will end.
3. The ever-continuing quest for acceptance that is a job search.
4. Feeling of insignificance stemming from a lack of replies to your job applications.
5. Overwhelming ratio of rejection letters and emails, to more positive replies.
6. Being forced into this rather daunting and alien situation with no choice in the matter.
7. The unease of having to do something that you were never taught about or prepared for. (job search).
8. The strain of managing personal finances after your main source of income is gone.
9. Having to continue to support a family or other dependents during a rough moment in your life.
10. The realisation that you might be stressing out or struggling in another way.
11. The need to deal with these feelings while still appearing upbeat in interviews and when networking.
12. Seeing others enjoying their lot while you continue the unending search.
13. Pride. Being unemployment can for some be an embarrassment , and still a taboo for some.
14. Questions such as “What do you do?” reinforces the (false) idea that what we do for work is our identity.

What to do?
Here are some ideas, you might find others that work for you.

One of the most important factors for me was surrounding myself who are positive people who can spur me on, in the good and frustrating times.

Write and re-write your CV until you are comfortable it is a true reflection of you, your skills, aspirations. A good CV will help lift you and give you added confidence.

In tandem with all this, you should seek out job search professionals who will understand your situation and guide you along.  Maybe you can keep track of your concerns and worries can help keep them under control. Maybe you can…

1. Print out the list above and in terms of how much a cause is likely to affect you (or is affecting you) and rate it on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is “very little” and 5 is “a lot”.
2. Create priorities by sorting the list in decreasing order so that the 5s – the most worrisome causes – appear at the top.
3. Try to imagine actions you can take to block each cause.
4. Follow through with your recommended actions, especially for those top ranked causes.
5. After each month of your job search, take some time to reflect on the causes and evaluate what’s aspects of your job search are working, and what isn’t and what might need tweaking.
6. Pray!

Whatever your situation, there are people around who can help, try seek them out and speak honestly with them. They might be a trusted friend, co-worker or relative, a Church leader or Pastor, a Youth worker or staff at a job or drop in centre.

Anything else?
If you need professional help in regard to any health issues or possible depression, don’t shy away from considering your local GP, he/ she may be able to help. The Samaritans do a great job of getting alongside people struggling, and will always have someone you can talk to.

(UK) Telephone 08457 90 90 90

Or Email  jo@samaritans.org

Tags: advice, depression, encouragement, family, help, job hunt, job search depression, jobsearch, prayer, Redundant, Stress, The Samaritans, Unemployed, Unemployment Stories, workhope