We all take time to celebrate when we finally find a good position. But that can take weeks, or months, even a year or two in the highly competitive labor market we now face. That can mean a very long period of stress, uncertainty, and financial pressure.
Take care of yourself by making sure that you stop to celebrate any small successes you enjoy along the way. Obtaining an interview, even if no job offer is forthcoming, is something you should be proud of. Taking specific actions such as visiting employers, calling personal contacts, registering with an agency, or attending a job fair can also be steps that warrant a reward.
Celebrations don't have to cost money. If you can afford a festive dinner with your family, that's great. If not, try giving yourself the day off and totally relaxing; spend a day at the park or beach with the kids; engross yourself in fantasy fiction to forget about the job hunt, or make a special "at home" date with your honey.
Giving ourselves little perks along the way, rather than waiting for the final payoff, keeps us more balanced, relaxed, and motivated. Just think: would you continue to play a slot machine with a million dollar jackpot if you didn't get lots of little payoffs along the way?
Virginia Bola operated a rehabilitation company for 20 years, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, while serving as a Vocational Expert in Administrative, Civil and Workers' Compensation Courts. Author of an interactive and supportive workbook, The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a monthly ezine, The Worker's Edge, she can be reached at unemploymentblues.com unemploymentblues.com
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