You have spent the last 4 years working your ass off. You and your family are super proud of that degree in English, Political Science, Psychology, or some other awesome major that you have attained. You packed up your belongings and head home for the summer ready to contact everyone you've ever known in search of a job. You have an excel sheet tracking who you contacted when and what it yielded. You are ready for the real world. Now it's July and you still don’t have a job. You have done everything right. Discouragement, anger, depression and even despair set in. You are losing hope. The struggle is real.
So how can you keep it together and stay motivated while you keep persevering, applying, and looking for the right job for you? Check out the five tips below to get on the right track and save yourself from at least some of the mental anguish your postgraduate life may be causing.
Make a schedule and stick to it
I know, easier said than done. Here is the thing, you have to learn to hold yourself accountable. What better way to start than during this low stakes time where no one else is relying on you doing it right? You get to try different things and figure out what works best for you. I personally am a big fan of the color coded iPhone calendar. Start by making a list of everything you have to do in a typical week and then color code things like "at home" "meeting friends" "apply for jobs" "workout" and then put them in on repeat during the weekdays, with alerts. This creates a structure for each day and can make you feel like you have purpose as well as break down your goals into smaller pieces so things feel less overwhelming and more attainable.
If you can't find paid work, volunteer
Volunteering makes us feel useful and like we are making a difference in the world, very similar to the feelings one has when working. If you are starting to feel like a waste of space, like you don’t matter, and you have no purpose, recognize and acknowledge the feelings but then do something to help yourself (and someone else)! Start helping out at your local animal shelter, become a big brother or big sister, work on a political campaign, or find a non-profit near you looking for tutors or camp counselors. Think about what you like doing, a hobby or interest you have, and then go out and share it with someone who needs it. You will feel great about helping others and it has the added bonus of being a resume builder.
Start and maintain an exercise routine
Exercise gives us energy and endorphins we need when we are feeling depressed or down. When you make your schedule (see #1) make sure to include some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes every weekday. It can be anything. If you live near the beach, surf or paddleboard. Want a more mellow workout? Try yoga or pilates. Love being outside but not a watersport fan? Try running or cross training at your local park. Just get moving! Within a couple weeks of sticking to a 5 day a week schedule of workouts you will feel the emotional benefits and the job search will feel a bit less stressful.
Meditate or practice mindfulness
Job searching at any age is stressful but when its your first job you're looking for I do think there is an added level of anxiety. You are starting your career and it can feel like the first job you get maps the course for the rest of your life. Keep in mind that isn't true for everyone, many people switch careers and jobs throughout their lifetime. To deal with the pressure, stress, and anxiety you are feeling try a meditation or mindfulness practice. Even 5 minutes a day is enough to make a difference. Apps like CALM and STOP, BREATH, AND THINK and YouTube are great resources that walk you through quick meditation and mindfulness practices. Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to improve mood, decrease negative thinking, and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Talk to peers who are in the same position
I promise, you are not the only one feeling this way. Reach out to other people who just graduated and see what they are up to. If they already have a job, pick their brain and see if they have any new job searching ideas. If they are in the same position as you and haven't yet landed a job-commiserate, talk about how it feels to be in this position, and support each other through this rough time. Also, bounce ideas off one another and see if you can come up with more creative ways to go about searching for and applying for jobs. The idea here is it is easy to isolate yourself when you're feeling crappy, really try to fight that urge. You will feel better grabbing a coffee or drink with someone else who can identify with what you are going through.
This time is a tough one for most people. It can be disheartening, challenging, and sometimes even demoralizing. If you are really struggling and none of the above helps, reach out to a mental health professional or psychotherapist for some additional support. Please try and keep in mind, it will happen for you. You will get your first Post-Graduate job eventually and hopefully it will be everything you worked for and dreamed of. Good luck with the job search, hang in there and don’t lose hope!
References
http://blog.aftercollege.com/5-tips-staying-motivated-job-search/
http://www.igrad.com/articles/recent-graduates-college-depression