Stress and Struggling

As anyone that reads my blog knows I am really fond of lists.  Writers use lists to summarize their main ideas. My strategic management students analyze organizations by identifying lists of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. So I was really drawn to articles on Page 1J in The Dallas Morning News in the November 21, 2010, edition directed to job seekers. Here are the lists contained in these articles.

A question is raised by a job seeker in an article by Cheri Butler with the title “Keep Stress at Bay during Job Hunt”: ‘The job-search process has left me stressed.  Any tips on what I can do to better manage the uncertainty?  Cheri’s answer:  The job-search process can be challenging and exhausting and often creates stress and anxiety for the job seeker.’  Here are some summarized suggestions for destressing:’

1.    Find time for yourself. Put time on your calendar to do relaxing and fun things.

2.    Find time to help others. Volunteer in your community using your particular skills.

3.    Find time to exercise. Exercise creates the release of endorphins which have been proved to combat depression in addition to healthy results such as weight loss and fitness.

4.    Find time for family and friends. Make sure you maintain your network of people who will help you to remain positive during your job search.

5.    Find time to network with others in the job search. There are many search net-works in local areas.

An article by Metro Creative Connection “Finding Work in a Still-Struggling Economy” provides the following steps job seekers can take to increase chances of finding a fulfilling career:

1.    Make a daily commitment.  Finding a job is a full-time job so a daily schedule devoted to finding work is essential.

2.    Don’t sit on leads.  Time is of the essence so react immediately to job leads.  You are not the only one seeking employment.

3.    Tailor letters to each specific job.  Sending a form appearing letter may end in a round file. Develop each letter to a specific job, explaining how your individual skills match the open position.

4.    Network with friends, family, and past colleagues. Many people are out of work so you should not be ashamed to be unemployed.  Many employed people are only employed today because they networked and it paid off.

5.    Don’t be caught off guard. Job openings don’t last very long, and the applicant who’s ready to jump on a job opening is the one who’s most likely to land the job.    

Did you notice some similarities in these job seeking lists?  Please comment in this blog if you find these and other lists contained in my blog helpful.

Thanks!  Glyn