Ten Ways to Reduce Job Stress

As Published in Lagniappe Magazine

Whether you’re out of work and are looking for a job, or if you have a job and are ready for a change, the amount and types of job-search stress vary. Certainly if you’re employed and simply choose to “check out your options,” the pressure to find a new job isn’t as great. However, few of us work purely for the enjoyment; the majority do so because we have bills to pay, children to put through school, and retirement to plan for. With the ups and downs of the economy, merger mania, and increased downsizing, more
individuals are being forced into the sometimes daunting task of searching for a new job.

A job search dictated by necessity may well be one of the most stressful situations you’ll find yourself in, particularly if you’re not interested in relocating (unless absolutely necessary). Depending on your financial
situation and the job market for your niche, the situation can rate upwards of a “10” on the stress scale. Here are 10 ways to keep hopes up and stomach acid levels down when searching for that new job.

1. Communicate your thoughts , fears and concerns to your spouse, family and/or close friends. It is important to have the support of friends and family -- not to mention as many sets of eyes helping you to look for that new job. Ask two to three of your closest family/friends to support you by occasionally asking you how you’re doing. This will serve to make you aware that others are holding you accountable for the way you’re dealing with this time of uncertainty. By doing this, you will avoid walking through the process alone.

2. Enjoy the process – as grueling as it may be. Think of your search for a new position as a position in itself. Even though you are not getting paid to look for a job, consider it an investment of your time that will eventually bring you the position you want.

3. Consider temporary/contract employment as you look for a direct hire position. This can be a great way to take your mind off of the search, get you out of your home, and keep your skills honed. That temp or contract position could also turn into a direct hire position with the company you’re “temping” with. A note of caution: Before you begin a temp assignment, make sure the company knows that you need a flexible schedule which allows you to interview for direct hire positions as they arise.

4. Let people know you’re looking. Sit down and make a list of personal contacts. Plan your calls, getting as many done at one sitting as you can without rushing through them. Most jobs are landed word of mouth. Call and meet with family, friends, professional associates, high school and college alumni, members of your religious community, etc. Networking is key. Always bring several copies of your resume wherever you go!

5. Do your homework. Research companies in the area where you would like to work. Do what you can to learn about the intricacies of the department in which would like to work. Plan a strategy for getting an interview even if no openings are posted. Take the information you gathered from your research and discuss with the interviewer how your skills and achievements would add to the bottom line. A potential employer may be so impressed with the initiative and forward thinking you show in the interview, that a position could be created just for you. (It does happen!)

6. Interview with recruiters who specialize in your field– accounting and finance placement, for example. Learn from professional recruiters what the job landscape is like and form alliances when possible. After the initial interview, call the recruiters (if you haven’t heard from them) about every seven working days and update them on your search. If you don’t get to talk with them directly, a voice mail message can be every bit as effective. Be more than a resume to them.

7. Avoid the self-imposed guilt trap. Whether your exodus from your past employer is performance related or not, dwelling on the reasons for your not being there any longer may contribute to more backward-looking negativity than forward-looking hopefulness. You cannot change what has happened, and harboring resentment will be like a millstone around your neck. As difficult as it may be, look at your situation as a blessing in disguise waiting to be unveiled. Keep thinking forward, learn from the past, and grow from your experiences.

8. Maintain a schedule similar to the schedule you kept while at work. Don’t cram every waking moment into finding a new position. If you exercised in the morning before work, continue to do that. If you ate lunch with others who you worked with, schedule lunch with them when possible. Keep in touch with those friends and past company acquaintances and maintain a consistent schedule.

9. Take a vacation. Don’t be afraid to take a much-needed break. It doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Be creative. Your calendar will be a bit more flexible now, so take advantage of this time to be with the family. Schedule it like a meeting in your day. Time spent with your spouse and/or kids will be well worth the investment.

10. Don’t allow your unemployment to be all about you finding another job. If you are consumed by the task of finding a job, you will be miserable to be around. This could be time well spent reevaluating your priorities. Get some time alone as well; pray, read, reevaluate your priorities. A personal retreat can be incredibly helpful in renewing your thoughts and strength. John Maxwell once said, “We cannot control life’s difficult moments but we can choose to make life less difficult. We cannot control the negative atmosphere of the world, but we can control the atmosphere of our minds. Too often we try to choose and control things we cannot. Too seldom we choose to control what we can -- our attitude.”

Editor’s Note: Frank Loria, CPC, is the president and owner of The Personnel Consulting Group. For more information and a list of suggested books and articles to consider, contact the author at 504-581-7800 or e-mail:Frank Loria, CPC