“That’s when I first learned that it wasn’t enough to just do your job; you had to have an interest in it, even a passion for it.” – Charles Bukowski
For most people, their job makes up a significant portion of their lives. Your job is what takes up the majority of your time, requires energy and brainpower, and, for most of us, it is a large part of how we define ourselves. So, it is no wonder that, when faced with finding a new place to work, many people find it very daunting and somewhat stressful.
Although job searching should not be taken lightly, it also doesn’t need to be a total chore. If it is time to move on, you shouldn’t let the possibility that it is going to be unpleasant deter you from searching and applying. In order to help your process along we have pondered upon how to make the experience a little more mindful…
1. Why?
One of the things people find tough when looking for fresh employment it that they are not entirely sure what they are looking for. To help you work out what to seek out, ask yourself why you are looking for a job. Are you after something more than in your current role? Do you need something that will commence quickly? Do you need different working hours? Are you in search of a role that is more mindful, that considers a healthy work/life balance? Are you looking for a promotion? Do you want more or less responsibility?
By working out your requirements, preferences and criteria before you start looking, you have already found a way to dilute the amount of vacancies out there, and you have a sense of conviction in terms of what you will accept.
2. What Are You Selling?
Knowing whether a job is right for you, and whether you are likely to succeed in securing it. is helped by being honest about yourself. When you go for a job you are selling yourself, but what are you selling? Is it what they are looking for? To know this you must focus on the self and have a good think about what you are offering. This mindful approach helps you to make intelligent choices about the jobs you are applying for, and helps you to enter interview situations with confidence, knowing what it is that you have to offer.
3. Don’t Overload Yourself
Job searching is tiring. Applications take time, as does the search itself, and it can easily become daunting and disheartening. Look after yourself by pacing your search. When searching, plan to do a little each day. Maybe say to yourself that you are going to find and apply to two jobs every day. This way your plight does not overwhelm, nor does it take a huge chunk out of your day.
4. Breathe
Don’t panic. If your search for employment is particularly urgent, it is easy to worry. In this case, it always helps to remind yourself to be mindful of your breath. If it is all getting on top of you, just stop everything for five minutes. Close your eyes and simply focus on the breath for a few moments. Feel the release of tension and the panic subside, go and get yourself a drink and allow yourself time to refocus on the task.
5. Be Mindful Of Your Feelings
Times of stress can mean, somewhat strangely, that we forget to consciously observe our feelings. We may know that we are feeling stressed, but not have taken the time to identify the specific reasons behind it. If the search is stressing you out, look inside and ask yourself why the stress is present. I often find that, if I identify sources of tension and lay them out rationally, that the situation rarely seems as bad as my emotions would imply.
6. Share Your Job Searching Anxiety
It also helps to relay your feelings to other people, as they will often help to put your worries at ease. Looking for new employment is a lonely endeavour, which is part of the reason it can be so tense. Seek out those who know you best, these are the people that will be able to settle you, and indeed, to help you answer the important questions; why are you searching and what are you selling?
By Chris Thomson
If the worry often connected with searching for a new job is really getting on top of you, perhaps we can help… 6 Tips for Dealing with Worry
P.S. Whenever you are ready… here are 4 ways we can support your personal and professional Conscious Goals:
1. Access Free Live Meditations & Energy Transmissions
Inside our private Facebook Group, The Conscious Professional Mindful Community where Neil leads live weekly community events. Join now for free.
2. Learn To Meditate With Neil Seligman In Just 10 Days!
Zen in Ten, our flagship online course, is a ten day mindfulness challenge for people who need to slow down.
3. Work With Neil One-To-One
See if a Conscious Coaching Partnership is right for you. Book a 15-minute discovery call with Neil here.
4. Bring The Conscious Professional To Your Business
See if The Conscious Professional training and coaching programmes are right for your team or workplace. Book a call here.
The Conscious Professional is dedicated to delivering inspiring corporate mindfulness and professional resilience training, conscious leadership coaching and workplace wellbeing services at the level of professional excellence. Thank you for following our blog.
