How to Overcome Discouragement in the Job Search
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
Angie sits at her computer, scrolling through job posting after job posting. She feels defeated as she reads each title and description and realizes she is not qualified for these positions nor do they sound remotely exciting. She sighs and shuts her laptop in frustration.
Angie is not alone in feeling discouraged about her job search. In this “low-hire, low-fire” environment, where hiring is at pandemic levels and employees are holding on to their jobs longer, many job seekers are feeling disheartened.
In times like these, it can be easy to ruminate on thoughts like:
“I’m never going to find a job.”
“I’ve been looking for months now, and there’s nothing out there.”
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“This is hopeless.”
“I’m not qualified for anything out there.”
“Does God even care?”
Although understandable, focusing on those negative thoughts only narrows our attention and our thinking while, on the contrary, focusing on more positive thoughts makes us more creative.
Tommy Newberry, author of the book “The 4:8 Principle” states, “We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control our thoughts.”Our thoughts drive our emotions, which drive our behavior and physiology.
What Scripture Says About Our Thoughts
Scripture is also very clear about the importance of guarding our thoughts with verses like:
“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
“We destroy arguments and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
When we find ourselves beginning to get discouraged, here are some thoughts we can proclaim instead:
“God has great plans for me.”
“I’m taking steps toward my goal.”
“There are resources out there that can help me.”
“One day at a time.”
“I am smart.”
“I will find the job God has planned for me.”
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Six Ways to Immediately Overcome Discouragement
In addition to positive thinking and reframing the situation, here are six tips to immediately overcome discouragement in the job search:
Pray: Speak with God. Share honestly about your frustrations, and ask for His guidance and help. Read scripture daily, frequent the sacraments regularly, and consider making a weekly Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. Additionally, take time to praise God throughout the day, even if it’s simply putting on praise and worship music during your commute or while cooking. Praise and gratitude remind us of who God is, who we are, and what we have already been given. Consider writing Bible verses on sticky notes and pasting them around your space or car that will build you up whenever you see them.
Move: Prioritize daily movement during the job search. Countless studies have shown that having a regular exercise routine can decrease the effects of stress on the body, improve mental health and mood, and even enhance memory and cognition.
Breathe: There is power in deep breathing. Take five minutes during the day to pause and do some “cyclic sighing,” which can reduce overall anxiety and improve your mood. First, breathe in through your nose. Then, once your lungs are filled, take another deeper sip of air. Lastly, slowly exhale through your mouth until all the air is gone. You can repeat this multiple times.
Socialize: We are made for community, and so it is important to move outwards toward others and stay involved in others’ lives. When we are discouraged in our job search it can be easy to become self-absorbed, fall into self-pity, and forget about our call to love and serve others. Additionally, find someone who will encourage, challenge, or even coach you through your job search. Having regular support will help you persevere during this challenging time.
Listen: What we consume affects our mood and behavior. Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen once wrote, “One would not generally put garbage into the stomach, but too often one will put garbage into the mind.” It is important for us to be vigilant about the content we consume and consider if it is tempting us to comparison or further increasing our discouragement. During the job search, it is also important to make space for silence during the day to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and encouragement.
Seek: If you are unsure of where to start in your job search, try to be as objective as possible. Write down a list of careers you are interested in, narrow it down to three, select one, and then research that career. Utilize your network (like the Catholic Women in Business Facebook group) and LinkedIn to do some informational interviews. Research potential jobs for a set time frame then move to the next, reflect, and work on your plan. Also, try not to take any rejections personally.
Yes, looking for a new job is hard. However, it is possible, and if you remain grounded in the reality that you are known and loved by God, that He has a specific mission for you, then you will find your true fulfillment as you pursue His will for your life.
Valentina Imhoff, MBA, is a career coach helping others encounter God through their work. She has lived and worked in six countries and has over 10 years of experience in a variety of industries. In addition to coaching, she facilitates Called & Gifted workshops to help others discern their charisms. Her greatest loves are her husband, son, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Connect with Valentina at fiatcareercoaching.com, or tune into her podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.