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Job search worries

User Profile: purplesloth
purplesloth January 31st, 2019

I recently started job searching after taking a 2-year break after I graduated from college. I got in touch with a recruitment agency which has helped me a lot in terms of getting an interview lined up but the process in itself makes me feel very anxious. I feel a sense of dread anytime I get a call from my recruiter as he tells me about a new position that I can interview for. When I do get an interview lined up, I will literally spend the entirety of the day holed up in my room like a vampire going over my notes on common interview questions asked and trying to answer them. I've been interviewing at places for about 3 weeks now and it's been affecting me a lot. I get headaches all the time because I can't seem to turn my brain off, I can't fully relax and I don't really have an appetite to eat. I just want to hide, as if that will somehow make it go away. I've been trying to journal more to help balance me out and it helps but it's hard to feel better.

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User Profile: Iamtemp
Iamtemp May 6th, 2025

Hi @purplesloth ,

Job searching is causing you significant anxiety: dreading recruiter calls, intense all-day interview prep, headaches, inability to relax, and loss of appetite. You want to hide. Journaling helps a little. Consider talking to someone about this intensity or trying to balance interview prep with breaks. Be kind to yourself during this transition. Also We are here for you.

User Profile: blissfulSoul2347
blissfulSoul2347 May 23rd, 2025

@purplesloth Thank you for sharing this. Job searching can be very overwhelming and it’s understandable that you feel anxious. It sounds like you put a lot of effort into your job interviews which shows how hardworking and dedicated you are. Remember, it’s okay to take breaks when you need to, your health and wellbeing is most important. You’re doing your best, and that’s what matters.

User Profile: braveHope3139
braveHope3139 May 27th, 2025

@purplesloth Sounds like you are under a lot of pressure right now. I am sorry you feel this way. You have to know that most of the people are feeling anxious when looking for job and especially the interview part. 

Starting a job search after a break can be really overwhelming but it is a very brave step. It shows how committed and capable you are. It is completely normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed, it does not mean you are not strong, it just mean you are a human. 

Journaling can be really helpful for reducing stress and boosting wellbeing. 

Wishing you all the best!
User Profile: HealingWhispers8080
HealingWhispers8080 June 23rd, 2025

@purplesloth hey! I'm so sorry that you are going through a hard time. Don't be so hard on yourself! I'm really glad you tried journaling. Please take care of yourself and feel better! You can do this.

User Profile: SAAYE600
SAAYE600 June 24th, 2025

@purplesloth that sounds really overwhelming. like you’re stuck in this loop of stress and can’t catch a break. it’s not just job hunting—it’s like your body and mind are on edge 24/7. and honestly? it makes sense. interviews can feel like your whole worth’s being judged, and after being out for a while, that pressure hits even harder.


but the fact that you’re still showing up, even with all this going on inside—that’s strong as ***. journaling, pushing through the fear, still trying… that’s not small. you’re not weak for feeling this way. you’re just human, going through something really tough. i see you.


you don’t gotta fix it all right now. just breathe. one step at a time is enough.


User Profile: healingsoulswetha
healingsoulswetha June 24th, 2025

@purpleslothI hear you. Job searching can feel really heavy. It’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone — you’re doing your best

User Profile: nicolka2004
nicolka2004 July 6th, 2025

@purplesloth Hi, thank you for opening up. It sounds like this job search process has been really overwhelming for you, especially with all the pressure around interviews. I hear how exhausting it feels to always be “on” and how hard it is to relax. You’re doing your best, and it’s okay to take moments to breathe and take care of yourself. Journaling is a great step, and even if it doesn’t fix everything, it shows that you’re trying to support yourself through a really stressful time. You’re not alone.

User Profile: BiscuitMeow
BiscuitMeow July 7th, 2025

@purplesloth

Thank you so much for sharing what you’re going through. I can really hear how overwhelming and exhausting this job search process has been for you. It takes a lot of courage to step back into something as stressful as interviewing after a break so please give yourself credit for even showing up and trying. That’s no small thing. 

It sounds like your mind and body are in overdrive trying to prepare for every possibility, which is such a natural response to something uncertain and high-stakes like interviews. The headaches, loss of appetite, and constant mental rehearsal those are all signs of how hard you’re trying, not signs of weakness.

I think it’s really great that you’re journaling it shows you’re already trying to care for yourself through this. Maybe it would also help to remind yourself that being well-rested and nourished is part of the preparation too. You don’t have to be perfect you just have to be you, and that’s enough.

You’re not alone in this. So many people experience anxiety during job searches, even if they don’t talk about it. Keep taking it one step at a time you’re doing better than you think. 💛


User Profile: AK245
AK245 July 9th, 2025

I am really sorry to hear that you are going through this purple. It can be very hard to get back to being in an environment that would be stressful especially after a break. It's very normal to feel this way especially in the beginning when we are getting back into something.

You have to appreciate the fact that you are doing your best, preparing for these interviews and showing up to them despite how you are feeling.

Hang in there while you are going through this challenging phase. And keep doing your self care practices like journaling.

User Profile: DonyPony
DonyPony July 14th, 2025

@purplesloth   This is a huge step you're taking, deciding to re-enter the workforce after a two-year break! That's a significant life change, and it's completely understandable that it would be challenging, even without the added layer of anxiety.

It's clear you're pouring a lot of emotional and intellectual energy into this job search. You're approaching it with seriousness and dedication, consistently pushing yourself to do things that are intimidating. The actions you've taken over the past three weeks demonstrate a remarkable amount of bravery and motivation—kudos to you! Any employer would be fortunate to have someone with your level of commitment.

While your journaling has been helpful, it sounds like you're still dealing with a lot: headaches, overthinking, undersleeping, and undereating. That's a heavy load, and it's no wonder you're feeling exhausted. When self-care takes a backseat, it can really snowball and intensify those symptoms.

You might want to consider slowing down just a bit and developing a solid plan for how you'll nurture yourself while navigating this challenging period.