Feeling anxious about your job search? You’re allowed to take it one step at a time

Job searching can sometimes make it feel like everyone else has it figured out. They know what they want, they’re confident about their next step and they seem to be moving ahead while you’re still trying to work out what comes next.

But you don’t have to have it all figured out. This Mental Health Month, Together We Thrive is a reminder that staying connected to the people around you, having a sense of purpose and moving at your own pace can matter just as much as reaching the next career milestone.

Some things that genuinely make the process easier:

• Focus on what you can actually control. You can’t control whether a particular employer calls back. You can control how strong your application is, and how you follow up.
• Set milestones, not a finish line. Job searching can take time, so focus on the smaller steps along the way rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Set goals you can track and celebrate the progress you’re making as you go.
• Give yourself a realistic timeline. A search that takes a few months is normal, not a sign you’re falling behind, especially if you’re early in your career or changing direction.
• Let something about the process feel good. Play music while you apply, protect time for things you enjoy, and don’t let the search take over every part of your week.
• Stay close to people who make you feel supported, not discouraged. If the pressure of finding the right job starts to feel too much, a “for now” job can also help take some of the financial pressure off while you keep looking for something that’s the right fit.

Jasmine’s mental health made things genuinely hard for her when she was younger, including low motivation and a sense of not quite knowing where she fit. What changed things for her, was learning, gradually, to back herself before she felt ready.

Don’t ignore what you’re passionate about; you can turn that into a real career.” (Jasmine)

Read Jasmine’s story

If you’re young or just starting out in your career and the search feels a bit overwhelming, our youth and employment teams work with people exactly where you are, not where you think you should be. Get in touch with CoAct.

If ongoing mental health support would help too, our counselling and psychology service, Nurah, supports both young people and adults and is part of the CoAct family.

Click here to contact us and find out how we can help.