How Can I Get Through My Most Difficult Time?

Dear eNotAlone: I'm a 33-year-old man who recently experienced one of the toughest times of my life. It was like getting knocked down and suddenly feeling like there is no way up. I had been unemployed for almost a year after my last job ended, and I had exhausted all my savings and ideas of finding another job. Every time I sent out my resume and applied online, it felt like no one even looked at it. I was in a situation where I was not qualified for certain jobs because I had very little experience and couldn't take a salary reduction as I am a single parent with two young children to look after. I was facing a lot of stress and anxiety during this period and didn't see a way out.

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If you're struggling with a tough time in your life, it can feel like there is no way out. Experiencing a long stretch of unemployment without any success can be emotionally draining, especially if you're a single parent. But, even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. With a few adjustments to your job search strategy and some positive attitude changes, you can make it through.

Start by focusing on things you can control. It can be difficult to stay motivated when no one responds to your applications, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Instead of letting this discouragement build, channel your energy into positioning yourself for success. This could include networking more actively or refining your resume to better highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Taking action will help rebuild your confidence and put you in a better headspace to tackle your next job search.

Try to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This can make the job search process less overwhelming and more achievable. Start by creating a list of companies you want to target and breaking up the process into daily goals, such as reaching out to two people or cleaning up your LinkedIn profile. All these steps will help move you closer towards your goal, even if it doesn't feel all that significant in the immediate sense.

Be sure to look after your well-being while you're searching for work. During difficult times, it's easy to become so focused on achieving external success that you forget to take care of yourself. If you find yourself drowning in stress, take a step back and make sure you're doing activities that bring you joy and peace. Make time for yourself each day and don't be overly hard on yourself when things don't go as planned. Prioritizing self-care gives you the mental and physical energy to persevere during challenging periods.

Stay hopeful and use the tips above to get yourself through this tough time. You have the ability to make it through to the other side if you keep pushing forward and stay self-compassionate.