With companies in all sectors issuing both small and large-scale layoffs, stress and the job market are sure to cause you massive amounts of frustration. Every job posted is bound to have hundreds if not thousands of applicants.
As you navigate a fluctuating economy, technological advancements, evolving industries, and the constant increase of goods and services, the pressure to secure employment in a difficult job market can lead to feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. With competition for any given job posting at an all time high, it is more important than ever to keep stress under control so your efforts to find your next job stay consistent.
In this blog post, we will explore the connection between stress and the job market, identify critical problems you may face on the job hunt, and offer practical solutions to manage this stress effectively.
The current state of the job market
As of July 2024, the job market is characterized by both opportunities and uncertainties. While there are numerous job openings, competition remains fierce. Often, a single job post may have hundreds or thousands of applicants. Depending on your skills and job experience, standing out from that crowd can feel near impossible.
Technological advancements and the rise of remote work have reshaped many industries, creating new roles and rendering some traditional jobs obsolete.
Key statistics and trends
- Unemployment rate: The national unemployment rate hovers around 5%, indicating a relatively healthy job market with pockets of higher unemployment in specific sectors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Remote work: Approximately 30% of the workforce is engaged in remote work, a trend that continues to grow (Gallup).
- Technological impact: Automation and AI have transformed various industries, requiring workers to adapt to new skills and roles.
Depending on where you live, your ability to work on-site or at home, and the industry you seek, these areas could make the job hunt easier or more difficult.
How stress impacts your job search
Understanding how stress affects you while searching for a new job is crucial to managing it effectively.
Everyday stressors in the job market
- Uncertainty: The unpredictable nature of the job market can lead to anxiety about job security and prospects.
- Competition: High competition for job openings can make it difficult to stand out, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
- Financial pressure: Securing employment to meet financial obligations adds significant stress.
- Skill gaps: Keeping up with technological advancements and acquiring new skills can feel daunting or out of reach.
Identifying which areas are the root of your stress can help you learn to handle the job-seeking process better. For some, it may be one area that stands out. For you, it may be multiple areas that add stress and anxiety to your life.
Recognizing the signs of stress
Self-awareness of stress symptoms can help you take action before it becomes overwhelming. The medical field has known for some time that unprocessed and intense amounts of emotional stress may lead to physical signs of stress. This is why you need to know what you think and feel.
Think about how long you have been on the job hunt and take note of any of the following signs of stress that may have begun during that period up to today:
Physical signs of stress
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Muscle tension
Emotional and behavioral signs of stress
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms and know that stress is a factor, you may need a better solution for handling them.
The 3 best practical solutions to manage your stress
Managing stress effectively can improve your job search experience and overall quality of life. Here are some tips to better manage your stress and increase your chances of getting the job you want:
1. Develop a structured job search plan
Having a plan can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of control. With a proper plan, your actions can better lead you to where your goals are.
Steps to create a job search plan
- Set specific goals: Define what types of jobs you are looking for and the companies you are interested in. When looking through job descriptions, let this include benefits, location, and other non-negotiables and preferences.
- Schedule job search activities: Allocate time each day for job searching, resume updates, and applications. If you are still determining the state of your resume, there are free and professional options for people to review it and give constructive feedback to improve it. If you are unemployed, contact your caseworker for more information about free services. You might be eligible for career coaching or courses to help you level up.
- Track your progress: Keep a log of jobs applied for, interviews scheduled, and follow-up actions. Remember to celebrate your effort. This process will come with big and small wins, each of which is incredibly important to the job-seeking process.
2. Enhance your skills
Improving your skills can boost your confidence and make you more competitive, particularly in industries where getting your foot in the door is hard.
Ways to enhance your skills
- Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses. There are a variety of free and paid courses available, depending on the subject you want to learn more about.
For example, Coursera is a paid platform owned by Google that offers scholarships for its modules. This makes specific programs more widely available to people who want to learn more and have a financial need.
- Think about your end goal: Consider these questions when thinking about your long-term career goals:
- What is it that you want?
- What is your long-term career goal?
- What is your ideal career title? Look up active job listings for that job.
- What must you learn before you can confidently apply to that job?
Make a plan to obtain certifications relevant to your industry. Most job descriptions puff up their listings with some essentials and “nice-to-haves.”
A good rule of thumb is that you can apply to a job if you can comfortably perform at least half of the tasks on their list. Only a few people know everything from day one.
- Workshops and webinars: To stay updated, participate in industry-specific events. Attend meet-ups, join a club centered around your industry, and network with people who do what you want to do.
Participating in these networks can open the door to gaining more knowledge, understanding how others got there, and creating opportunities through new friendships (and their networks, too). More on this later.
3. Practice self-care
Maintaining your mental and physical health is crucial during a job search. If you neglect your self-care, you may lead yourself to thoughts and feelings of overwhelm. Try some of these self-care activities to reduce stress and keep your head in the game:
Self-care activities to reduce stress:
- Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic. You can also use this as a way to track your job search progress or write motivational messages for yourself.
- Try this technique: In a notebook or writing pad, write how you are feeling without thinking too hard about it. Let your emotions flow as quickly as your breaths come. Let go of any judgments you have about your feelings. You can let those feelings be without solutions or decide to look at each emotion and dig deeper to understand and remedy the cause.
- More than anything, this is supposed to feel like a release, so be sure not to make this another chore. Stress and the job market will bring up many natural thoughts and feelings. This is the space to let them go for the time being.
- Put your time and thoughts into what you can control. Focusing on what is outside your control will lead to more worry and stress.
- Meditate: Taking a few minutes to clear your mind and focus on breathing can reduce stress and help you feel more centered.
- Try this technique: Either lay flat on your back comfortably or cross-legged on the floor with your back supported by the wall behind you. Place your hands on your knees in a natural position.
- Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Think of a phrase or affirmation you want to bring into your life. Examples of phrases could be “I am intelligent and capable,” “Opportunities are drawn to me,” and “I am a go-getter.” Whatever the phrase is, say it out loud between breaths for a few minutes.
- End your meditation with three things you are grateful for. Evaluate how you feel.
- Diaphragmatic breathing: When you utilize diaphragmatic breathing, you can relax your pelvic floor and reduce your stress response.
- When you feel stressed, try this technique: Take a deep breath, expand your chest outward, and open your rib cage. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Then, exhale slowly for 4 seconds. Repeat for a few breaths or a couple of minutes.
- Unplug from technology: Taking breaks from social media, job searching websites, and constant notifications can give you a mental break and help you refocus. Even when you treat finding a new job like a full-time job, you need breaks to allow your mind to think clearly. If you push yourself too far, it may result in diminishing returns for your extra effort.
- Try this technique: Choose a time during the day when you disconnect from the job search, your phone, and the activities that cause more stress.
- This could be an evening ritual of eating dinner with soft music, turning on the fireplace on your TV from YouTube, and reading a book.
- You are more than a job and deserve time to rest and relax away from your phone. This will help you recharge the next day and return to your job search with a clear mind.
The best part about utilizing these tips is that these skills can benefit your life long after you secure your new job. Reducing stress can enhance your job performance, friendships, and relationships. It is considered suitable for long-term health, so it’s a great “bang for your buck.”
The role of support systems
Having a solid support system can make a significant difference in managing job search stress.
Friends and family
Lean on friends and family for emotional support and encouragement. Talking about your experiences and feelings can provide relief and perspective. It also relieves some of the extra pressure you put on yourself for your family’s sake. You are human, and jobs take time to get. Being around those who love you can make this process feel lighter.
Professional networks
Join professional groups and networks related to your industry. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights and advice.
How networking can help your job search:
- Gain insider information on job openings and company culture.
- Receive valuable career advice and mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Expand your network of potential employers, colleagues, and mentors.
- Learn about the latest industry trends and developments.
- Build relationships with professionals who can provide references or recommendations for job applications.
These support systems can help you gain valuable resources and connections that benefit your job search. Remember to reciprocate by offering support to others in their job search
The effects of stress and the benefits of online mental health counseling
If stress overwhelms and interferes with your daily life, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Makin Wellness offers online stress management counseling that can provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate the job market challenges.
How stress affects your health
Chronic stress can have severe impacts on your health, including:
- Mental health issues: Increased risk of anxiety and depression.
- Physical health issues: Higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune system.
- Decreased productivity: Difficulty focusing and making decisions.
These effects can disrupt your job search, relationships at home, friendships, networking relationships, and your quality of life in daily tasks.
How Makin Wellness can help
Makin Wellness provides specialized online mental health counseling that can help you manage stress effectively. Our online therapists offer personalized support to help you cope with job market pressures and improve your coping skills to increase resilience and ability to manage change.
Benefits of online counseling
- Convenience: Access therapy from the comfort of your home.
- Flexibility: Schedule sessions at times that work best for you.
- Confidentiality: Secure and private sessions to discuss your concerns.
If you notice that stress and the job market are disrupting your life, talk to one of our online therapists, who can help.
Conclusion
Navigating stress and the job market in 2024 can be challenging. By understanding the current job market, recognizing the signs of stress, and implementing practical solutions, you can manage stress effectively and improve your job search experience.
Remember to lean on your support systems and consider professional help if the job hunt feels overwhelming. Makin Wellness supports you through this journey, helping you manage stress and feel empowered to find your ideal job.
Embrace this time as an opportunity for growth and development. With the right strategies and support, you can overcome the job market challenges and achieve your career goals.
Are you ready to reduce your stress? Contact us by calling (833)-274-heal or start here to get connected with a specialized therapist who is ready to help.
