World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health shapes every part of our lives, including the journey to finding meaningful work. A job is often more than just a way to pay bills: it’s about finding purpose, building connections, and feeling stable. But looking for work can bring stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt, all of which can challenge mental well-being.
During Mental Health Month, National Able Network (Able) is sharing a series of tips to help jobseekers stay balanced during the job search journey.
Protect Your Peace
Searching for a job can feel like a huge task.
The pressure to perfect a resume or figure out how to network may lead to exhaustion. Protect your peace and lessen your chances at fatigue by breaking these big projects into tiny tasks. For example, just focus on updating one section of your resume at a time, attending one networking event a week or just sending a message to a single contact. These small actions count and build progress over time.
Setting limits, like choosing specific times to work on applications, can also protect your mental energy.
Don’t Take It Personally
The job search can be an emotional journey with moments of hope and disappointment. Waiting for responses or facing rejection can feel heavy, but these experiences are common and not a reflection of your value. A rejection doesn’t define your worth. Often, it simply means the right opportunity is still ahead.
Keeping your mindset focused on the goal will help ease the feeling of uncertainty.
Able’s career coaches regularly help jobseekers work through these moments by offering perspective, encouragement, and tools to stay grounded.
Stay Connected
No one should face the job search alone. Reaching out to others can provide support from trusted people.
Reconnecting with trusted people, like mentors, can offer different perspectives and support during tough times.
Talking to a former coworker, a friend, or a professional contact can remind jobseekers they’re not on their own.
Able’ s career coaches are part of this support system. They offer guidance and tools to help jobseekers move forward with less stress. Building connections, whether personal or professional, creates a sense of community that can make the process feel more manageable.
A Reminder: Support Is Here
Mental health is a core part of the job search. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. You don’t have to face this journey alone.
Able’s programs and services are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Learn more about how Able can support your career journey at www.nationalable.org/jobseekers
For more information or to view the sources referenced in this blog, please see the links below:
Expert Advice for Overcoming Job Search Fatigue
Coping with the Emotional Impact of a Layoff
Job Search Burnout is Real – Here’s How to Stay Strong and Focused
