In honor of Halloween, I just had to throw in a little spooky, but the reality is we've all been there. One bad day at work turns into two, then three, and before you know it, quitting seems like the only viable option.
You're angry and frustrated and just want to get out of your current situation, so you start applying to every job you see, regardless of whether it's a good fit.
While it's understandable to want to escape a bad situation at work, I promise you this isn't the way. Submitting angry applications rarely yields good results, and you're more likely to end up in another job you hate.
Trust me when I say that I've been in your shoes. At one point in my career, I hit submit on my 250th angry application. I'd love to tell you that they were 250 incredible jobs that I was really hoping to get but to be completely honest, they were all duds.
I was either overqualified, underqualified, or utterly disinterested in the role. For most of the applications, I'd barely even taken the time to read the job description. I was just angry and desperate to get out of my current job, so I applied to anything and everything, hoping something would stick.
Spoiler alert: nothing did.
It wasn't until I took a step back and focused on my mental health that I was able to see the situation more clearly. I realized that I needed to take some time for myself and really think about what I wanted out of my career. I needed to set some achievable goals for myself and develop a plan to reach them.
If you feel like you're falling into the angry application trap, I'm here to help! Here are some helpful tips I used to get myself out of that rut:
How to Reframe Your Job Application Mindset
Angry applications come from a place of desperation which only further contributes to your scarcity mindset. Rather than focusing on what would make you happy, you're frantically searching for anything that will get you out of your current situation. This is a recipe for disaster.
Take a Break
This can be anything from a mental health day to taking a much-needed vacation. You also NEED to take a break from applying for jobs. Give yourself some time to reassess your goals so you can approach the application process with a plan and a clear mind.
Develop a Game Plan
Sit down and figure out what you actually want from your career. What are your goals? Where do you see your career in 5 years? What's missing in your current job? What are your must-haves in a new position? Once you know what you want, you can start targeting jobs that are actually a good fit.
Take Your Time
Rushing through job applications is a surefire way to end up in a job you hate. Applying for jobs should be a thoughtful process, not an angry, rushed, or emotional one.
Take your time with each application by tailoring your resume and cover letter to the job, preparing for the interview, and really getting to know the company. This way, you can be confident that you're applying for jobs that you're actually interested in and qualified for.
Nurture Your Mental Health
This is by far the most crucial takeaway. Your mental health should always be a priority, and it's especially important when you're job searching. Trying to find a new job is a huge undertaking. It's stressful, time-consuming, and can be really discouraging.
When you're feeling down, give yourself some grace and take a break. This is not the time to be hard on yourself. Prioritize self-care, be kind to yourself, and know that with time and effort, you will be in a much happier place.
If you're ready to begin your job search on the right foot, schedule a free consultation with me today! As your career coach, I'll help you develop a personalized game plan so you can find a job you love. Together, we'll get you out of that job and on a path to your dream career!
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