Anger and Job Hunting: What's the Connection?
Although the economy has improved, finding a good job continues to be a significant challenge. Consequently, there are many desperate people who want to work and can’t find a job, especially if they’ve been looking for a long time. This can lead to a series of harmful reactions, which we’ll explain today by talking about the connection between anger and job hunting.
Currently, there aren’t enough jobs for those who are unemployed. Consequently, there are more candidates for each position, which means that companies can demand higher qualifications for lower pay.
This turns into a negative cycle for the unemployed, who either can’t find a job because they don’t meet the requirements or the job offer conditions are subpar and unstable.
In the end, despair, negativity, and anger take over, and people often give up. However, you shouldn’t give in to these negative emotions. Instead, remember that times of crisis often turn into new opportunities if you know how to manage them. In this regard, some strategies can help you avoid negativity and anger while job hunting.
“It’s necessary to work, if not from inclination, at least from despair. Everything considered, work is less boring than amusing oneself.”
-Charles Baudelaire-
How can I avoid anger while job hunting?
Is your anger occasional or continuous?
You’re human, so it’s normal to get angry sometimes about your work situation. Especially if you’re a certain age and have years of experience. On the other hand, you may be out of the running because you’re too young and don’t have enough experience.
In these kinds of situations, anger is a natural reaction. The problem arises if your emotions turn into an attitude that affects all aspects of your life. That’s when it’s important to take action and try to change your outlook. If you don’t, it can have negative repercussions on your health, and you still won’t be able to find a job. After all, no one wants to spend time working with someone who has a bad attitude.
Don’t throw in the towel
When you’re unemployed, angry, and frustrated, it’s easy for you to blame the process. Maybe you feel like yelling at online job search engines or the human resources manager who interviewed you for a job you didn’t get.
As the rejections pile up, it gets more and more tempting to throw in the towel. We know it isn’t easy, but we also know that it isn’t impossible. Also, statistics show that there are jobs out there. Thus, try to keep going and try to figure out if there’s anything you can do differently to make yourself more attractive to employers.
Don’t think that your age makes you ineligible
While it’s true that being either too young or too old can make job hunting harder, as we mentioned above, it isn’t impossible. You need to have a very clear idea about your strengths and weaknesses so you can speak about them concisely during an interview. Instead of worrying about your age, remember that you have a lot of qualities that make you a good candidate. Focus on them!
Don’t avoid job interviews
We know that interviews can be intimidating, especially when you’re up against a big pool of candidates. It’s normal to feel insecure and nervous, which can make you feel angry about not being hired before you even start the process. This is a big mistake! That kind of negative thinking won’t help you in the least. It’s the product of insecurity and lack of confidence. Don’t close doors too soon, as you might be the perfect person for the job. If you aren’t, remember that you at least had the opportunity to network with people who might consider you in the future.
You can actually use anger in your favor. According to recent studies, a bad mood can reinforce your executive brain functions. Thus, anger can make your mind more organized and execute your ideas more concisely, something that recruiters value highly.
In conclusion, you’ll see that you have more options while you’re job hunting than you think. Even your anger can become a tool that helps you along the way. Take advantage of it and don’t give up! You’ll eventually find a good job!