How to stay motivated while out of work

Staying motivated when it seems like nothing is happening is hard. There is nothing that is more determination crushing when you are unemployed then sending off another hundred applications and still not even receiving an automated message back. But, don't fear, your email does work, you're not a failure but you have to get even more dedicated.

Write a list of hopes & dreams

During the job searching process you can become drained and start to resort to applying for jobs that we would never want to do even if we got offered them. Surveys show that between 70-80% of people have been reported saying they hate their jobs. Don't let that be you!

Write a list of your hopes and dreams for your future in all aspects of your life. Then set goals on how you are going to go about making them a reality. You might not have the right experience and qualifications to achieve the job of your dreams just yet but by identifying what those dreams are you can target jobs that will help you gain the skills and experience to get to where you want to be.  Employers want someone who is positive and has hopes and dreams so raise your expectations.

Set a daily plan

As comforting as sitting on the sofa all day watching re-runs and eating junk food and feeling sorry for yourself may seem it isn't going to get you a job. It's important to keep active; be that volunteering, going for a run, taking up a new hobby between sending off more applications.

It will also give you something to do and keep your life varied and interesting so that when you go to interviews you can show that you have self-motivation and you are an interesting person who they should employ.

Volunteering

Volunteering will not only keep you active but it will introduce you to so many new skills and life experiences and also other people (who might be looking for staff!). You might even find that you have skills you didn't know about or become passionate about something you had never thought of before.

Spoil yourself

Jobseekers sometimes feel like they don't deserve a day off while they are looking for jobs but not looking after yourself isn't going to help. Just like anyone in a full-time or part-time job you deserve to have some time to switch off. Overworking yourself isn't going to help you or anyone else. You will just get less motivated and feel bad for 'not doing anything'. Make sure that you schedule your time off and then stick to it.

Ignore the people who don't build you up.

It's easy to look into another's situation and feel the need to tell them what to do to get where they want to be. However you know as the unemployed person that having people constantly say'so what are you doing now?'and'have you thought of this'can be really frustrating.

If it is a close family member or friend approach them with a positive attitude but remind them that you are trying your hardest and it just isn't the time yet. There is nothing wrong with saying:'I'd really like to not talk about that at the moment because I've been thinking about it all day. Can we talk about something more interesting?'

Don't fear rejection:

As humans we have a natural instinct not to put out feelings into something that might hurt us but the thing is if we never do then we will never find the one. It's the same with jobs.

You might go to a job that you absolutely would love to have. You give all the correct answers and you may have all the skills they need and more but for some reason you just don't get it.

The first thing to remember is that it isn't a reflection on you!

There may just have been someone who happened to be better suited to the company or the job. However, what you have learnt from this experience is that this is something that you would love to do! So, instead of sitting round feeling sorry for yourself see this as an opportunity to go onto something even bigger and better. Research the field more, dedicate your time to practicing or learning skills required for that job area and next time another (better) opportunity arises you'll nail it.

If you would like any more information about pre-employment training, apprenticeships or traineeships with Apprenticeship Recruitment please don't hesitate to contact us on: 0121 707 0550 or e-mail: info@pathwaygroup.co.uk

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