Even though the 3rd quarter is just a few weeks away and it is a good time to look for a job, do you feel like you can barely keep your eyes open to read another company job description? When red flags signal exhaustion, frustration, or burnout, do yourself a favor and take a break!
Hunting for a new position is similar to holding a job, as the process takes a great deal of time, energy, and focus. And just like you need breaks from work to recharge, occasionally stepping away from a job search can prove a wise decision.
Why You Should Take a Break During Your Job Search
— Your Productivity is Suffering
Does accomplishing objectives seem harder than when your job search began? When concentration and output wane, taking a job search break may be in order. Obsessing over the empty email inbox and working around the clock to “hone your interview” skills skews your perspective, especially when you don’t get the response you were hoping for.
Undoubtedly, searching for jobs is stressful! After all, your career affects everything from your schedule to your ability to pay bills.
When your focus tips into desperation, your plan can start to fall apart. Without an organized and clear strategy, things get hectic quickly. Suddenly, you forget to tailor your resume and you’re addressing follow-up emails to the wrong company. This will only push you farther away from your dream role.
— You’re Using Poor Judgement
Thinking of applying for a position in a vet’s office even though you’re allergic to animals? Consider it a big red flag when your desire to wrap up a job search leads you into unwanted territory. Losing focus on your career goals can have long-term repercussions and may land you right back to job hunting quickly.
Pause to reflect. Rarely, if ever, does anyone describe a job search as “fun.” But it shouldn’t be eating away at your good judgment. While it’s healthy to consider new opportunities, it’s unhealthy not to analyze if they’ll be a great fit.
When you’re desperate to get a job—any job—and start submitting resumes to every position on the list, you’ll get even fewer responses. You’ll be presenting yourself in a completely different manner. And recruiters will be less than enthused. They’re looking for candidates who are excited to join the team and will be an excellent fit for the company culture. Not desperate to take any job… It might be time to take a break and realign your career goals.
— Plan Breaks into Your Day
A proper lunch is not optional, so put it on your to-do list every day. (No, a bag of chips eaten in front of the computer doesn’t count.) Likewise, schedule in a break to walk a block or two for fresh air and movement, whether that means walking the dog. Walk away from your computer.
Breaks provide fuel to keep going, so give them an actual place on your schedule to ensure they don’t get overlooked.
— Boost Your Job Search with Other Activities
Rather than take an entire break, why not pause on the resume submissions to supercharge your job search with other activities? You’ll get a much-needed mental break from company research while still accomplishing essential tasks. Consider taking the afternoon off to attend a networking event.
Take Time for “Me” Time
When you’re ready to move forward to a new position, it’s hard to be patient and work through the process. Taking timely breaks throughout your job search helps ensure that you have the energy to submit the best possible version of yourself for consideration when your dream job opens up.