Career Blog: “I don’t want to!” How to Deal with Dwindling Motivation in Your Job Search

We’ve all been there, during a job search, when writing a paper, or just generally trying to get work done at home or in the office.  You know you have to get things done, but you just don’t feel like it.  From the outside, this may sound like a trivial problem.  Many people would say, “Too bad. Deal with it!” and this isn’t entirely wrong advice, but it’s not always easy to make ourselves act just because we know it’s good for us and necessary.  So, especially if you find yourself in an extended job search, here are some things to keep in mind to stay motivated and combat the internal, “I don’t wanna!”

1. Take a Break.  Sometimes taking an hour, a day, or even a week off can do wonders to get you moving forward again.  While taking too much time off can result in missing job opportunities, taking a little time to recharge can be just the thing.  Give yourself permission to chill out for a while, but set a time when you will get back to work!

2. Settle into an Effective Routine.  Can you commit to perusing job postings while you drink your morning coffee?  What if you know you aren’t done for the day until you’ve reached out to three people to set up informational interviews?  If you have routines and goals for each day and you force yourself to stick to them, sometimes that’s enough to convince yourself to just do it.

3. Remember the Goal.  The more effort you put in now, the sooner you’ll have the job you want and you won’t have to search anymore.  Keep the finish line in your sights as much as possible.

4. Find Support.  Join a supportive networking group like this one!  There you will find motivation, support, commiseration, new ideas and empathy.  Or find a job buddy.  You can help each other and be accountable to each other.

5. Change Something.  Perhaps your dwindling motivation comes from feeling like nothing you’re doing in your job search is helping you make progress.  In that case, try something new!  Ask a fellow job searcher or career counselor for advice, contact an old co-worker to reconnect, attend a new networking event, join and participate in linkedin groups.  Change your tactic, change the results and see your progress.