VeryWell Mind: How Young People can Reduce Stress While Job Hunting Post Pandemic
"The school year is coming to a close and that means the beginning of summer job and internship season for teens and college students.
There's always pressure in the job hunting and application process but this year is shaping up to be particularly stressful following two years in a pandemic where opportunities we scarce and the thought of putting yourself out there is more daunting than ever.
Anxiety Often at the Root of the Issue
Dr. Courtney Conley, LCPC, works with adolescents in her Maryland-based practice and is the holder of a doctorate in counselor education. She says that the challenges of finding jobs early in your life, particularly for those who are still students, is often rooted in the anxiety of the unknown and the pressure young people put on themselves and their peers.
“I think part of the anxiousness comes from this idea among our young people that there's one right path and [that] if they don't somehow get on it they're just going to be screwed up forever.”
Conley attributes part of this anxiety to social media—where other people may be posting the most optimistic view of their lives.
Alyssa Mairanz, LMHC, CDBT agrees and says that part of the challenge of a transition such as getting into the workforce, especially for those who are not yet adults, is that they’re sitting in a middle ground when it comes to expectations.
Fallon says that these challenges are compounded because many at-risk kids haven't been provided the emotional regulation skills to be able to make their workplace work for them.
COVID-19 Complicating Job Market Leading to Increased Stress
The pandemic has complicated an aspect of this, with the lower wage jobs that youth traditionally start their careers with, in restaurants and the like, being disproportionately affected by COVID
Tools to Use Moving Forward
So, what tools can students use to mitigate the stress of finding a job in the current environment?
Both Conley and Mairanz urge those searching for jobs to look beyond what might have traditionally been a typical job for a new graduate, like the aforementioned lifeguarding or table serving, and towards jobs like being a virtual assistant for a family member or helping someone you know organize their office.
Beyond the employment-based tasks people can complete, Mairanz says it’s important to consider both self-care and self-soothing.
“A lot of times people are trying to balance everything or are very tunnel-visioned on a task. Like, people say, ‘Applying for a job as a full-time job,’ right? But you have to make sure that you don't burn yourself out before you even get a job.”
Read the full article here!
Reflection:
What are your plans for the summer?
#JobHunting #Pandemic #Anxiety
@comfortableNight4463
Very needed article! Many people in my surroundings lost their job due to covid or were unable to find one after their graduation. It creates a lot of stress especially when their family financially relies on their help.
@globalBraid3744 I remember searching for a job for 3 or 4 months before graduation and it was stressful! My mom was on me so much and she didn't understand how hard I was looking! I applied to like 50+ research positions but didn't hear back from a single one! I was lucky to have heard back from my current job a few weeks prior to graduation, but it's definitely not my field. I guess life has a way of working out!
@fruityPond7887
My best friend had a similar experience. Her mum was not keen on the fact she could not find a job and she did not understand my friend was really doing her best.
I recently also got a job before my graduation. However, it is not in my field either haha. But when I look at how people around me are struggling with finding anything, I cannot really complain. I have good job conditions there. I also remember the times I was looking for a side job while studying. It counted the job positions I applied to, and it was over 100 during a year period. Nonetheless, I only got 3 replies and when I finally got a job, they told me they need to cancel it due to corona. So I am grateful for this opportunity even if it is not what I had imagined.
@globalBraid3744 Wow that's insane! I'm so happy for you though on your new job! Congratulations! It amazes me that so many places are always "hiring" but then never hire anyone 😂 or they have such high expectations, it's crazy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@fruityPond7887
Thank you! I heard from some people that sometimes they do not even read all applications or hire someone in their network. I also agree that there are high expectations! In my country speaking English is now standard and they usually require you to speak one other language and without it, it is extremely difficult to find something. They require so much while giving you little in return - from the salary, you can only cover rent and food. Of course, it is not the same everywhere, but it is really disappointing to see this in my surroundings.
@globalBraid3744 Oh yeah I've heard that as well. Applications sometimes get "lost" when you apply online and the employers never even see it! It's so frustrating! And yes, that definitely isn't fair. Everything is so expensive everywhere and salaries are enough to cover it. It's horrible.
@comfortableNight4463 I'm honestly not sure what I want to do this summer! After not getting into grad school, I'm not sure if I want to get a new job or continue with the one I have now. I can work towards getting a certification and a raise, but I'm still trying to decide what to do. I've applied to many new jobs, but I'm not hearing much back. Maybe the universe is telling me that I need to stay with my current job and continue helping the kids!