Looking for a new job can be mentally and emotionally taxing, especially if you are someone with an already existing mental health issue.&nbsp; Even if you don&rsquo;t have an existing issue, it can feel difficult to stay positive when on the hunt for a job when the market seems to be against you.&nbsp; Here are some ways you can help look after your mental well-being while job hunting.
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<h2>Schedule your Day</h2>
This one is the advice everyone gives but is the most difficult to manage, set a schedule and stick to it.&nbsp; If you are in a position where you are job hunting and are currently employed trying to manage time for applications and interviews is a daunting task.&nbsp; Break down your tasks as much as possible so you know exactly what you are working on and when, and plan out the time to do them. 
If you are a person who is currently unemployed and looking for a job then this is even harder to stick to and requires a lot of self-discipline.&nbsp; Create a schedule of what you need to do and include breaks as part of the schedule.&nbsp; Force yourself to not only look for work but to actively practice self-care.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t plan on spending 10+ hours job hunting, instead set a baseline of around 5 hours of job searching and career development with the rest of your day spent looking after your mental health.
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<h2>Set Realistic Goals</h2>
&ldquo;So many people will set a goal like &lsquo;I will be employed within the next two months' without considering the fact they cannot predict what the job market will look like,&rdquo; warns Christine Braun, a business writer at <a href="https://uk.eliteassignmenthelp.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Elite assignment help</a> and <a href="https://bestbritishessays.com/ukwritings-com-review/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">UK Writings review</a>.&nbsp; These unrealistic goals tend to come from older self-help books that talk about the law of attraction or the manifestation of goals.&nbsp; It can take several months to find work and this has only gotten more difficult in recent years. 
For your mental health, it&rsquo;s better to set smaller goals. Decide how you plan to apply for work and how many jobs you will apply to in a day.&nbsp; You may even make some tiered goals that are quantifiable and easy to accomplish.&nbsp; This also has the benefit of breaking work down into smaller manageable steps that show the progress you are making even if you haven&rsquo;t yet got to that final goal of employment.
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<h2>Practice Mindfulness and Self Care</h2>
The biggest thing to do when job searching is to ensure you are looking after yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally.&nbsp; Set time aside to deal with any surges of emotion you feel and try not to judge yourself too harshly if you haven&rsquo;t met a goal.
 Work out what self-care means for you on top of the basics like ensuring you drink enough water, get enough sleep and eat healthily.&nbsp; Work out the time these activities take and the materials needed and put these moments into your day.&nbsp; Even if it&rsquo;s only 10 minutes at the end of a long day it can go a long way to improving your mental health. 
It sounds very flowery and some people can find it strange to do at first but creating affirmations can help boost you when you&rsquo;re down. Put up notes that remind yourself why you&rsquo;re doing this and what your values are.&nbsp; Create little rituals for job applications where you have been unsuccessful in processing the feelings of rejection.&nbsp; Remember you are an individual and not your job, work does not define you.&nbsp; This is especially true if you&rsquo;ve been laid off or are unemployed.&nbsp; Take some time to learn new skills and appreciate what it is that makes you, you.
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<h2>Ask for Help</h2>
&ldquo;A lot of us don&rsquo;t like to do it but sometimes all you can do is be brave and ask someone for help,&rdquo; says journalist James Hernandez of <a href="https://revieweal.com/top-uk-writing-services/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Revieweal</a> and <a href="https://ukservicesreviews.com/oxessays/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">OX Essays review</a>.&nbsp; Whether it&rsquo;s reaching out to friends or family for advice, going to groups to help practice interviews and to help review your CV, getting in touch with former co-workers to help you network, or admitting you need some bigger help in the form of a therapist there is no shame in asking for help when it feels too much.
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Sharing the concerns you have can help lessen the burden you feel and may even pay dividends in your job search. Most of your friends or family will have been in a similar position before and will be happy to help you in whatever way you need.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s the hardest step but at the end of the day, it&rsquo;s the one that might benefit you the most.
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<h2>Wrapping Up</h2>
At the end of the day, remember that while a job is vital to be able to pay the bills it is not the only thing that matters.&nbsp; Ensure you take time to care for yourself and ask for help when you need it. Content Contributor: Writer and marketing strategist Rebecca Leigh, <a href="https://essayroo.com/write-my-essay" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Write My Essay</a> and <a href="https://bigassignments.com/cheap-assignment-help" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Big Assignments</a>, spends most of her work hours consulting with businesses or attending conferences relating to marketing and technology. When she has the time, she contributes to online magazines and blogs like <a href="https://liahelp.com/do-my-assignment" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Do My Assignment</a>. 
<hr>
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Job hunting is tough. Get tips to protect your mental health, set goals, and practice self-care during your search.

Caring for Your Mental Health While Looking for a Job | Getting Hired

Job hunting can be mentally taxing. Discover tips to maintain your mental well-being, set realistic goals, and practice self-care during your search.

Caring for Your Mental Health While Looking for a Job

Adjusting to post-military life tends to be difficult for many veterans. You are leaving not just a way of life, but an experience. Upon leaving the military veterans tend to focus on things like finding a job, reconnecting to their family and community, and helping others &mdash; but one thing that often gets left to the wayside is physical and mental health. Choosing a post-deployment job is already a massive decision, so much so that diet, exercise, and self-care can be forgotten about. Keeping these items top of mind can truly make a difference and help veteran employees feel secure not only in the workplace but in their health as well. 
<h2>Spend Time Focusing on Physical Health</h2>
There is a good portion of veterans state that they have good physical health post-service, usually due to the fitness levels they had while in the military. However, a <a href="https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0120-Health-ranks-as-top-concern-for-Veterans.cfm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">study done by the VA</a> showed that after leaving the military more than half of participating veterans stated that they had chronic physical health problems. This could be chronic pain if they received an injury in service, sleep problems, or mental health issues.
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<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The BRFSS</a>, or the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for the CDC, collects data from all 50 states and takes notes on health risk behaviors, health conditions, and much more. In this data, veterans are called out as well, showcasing where issues for veterans may lie post-military service. The data showcases that veterans are less likely to rate their overall health as good compared to those who weren&rsquo;t in service. 
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On top of self-reflection, veterans often suffer from common injuries that range from sprains and strains to more serious injuries like gunshot wounds, loss of limbs, or hearing loss related to noise exposure. Also, high blood pressure is another health concern commonly associated with veterans. While it may not seem detrimental, almost half of veterans are diagnosed with high blood pressure, which increases the chance of heart disease. Proactively setting aside time for a few walks a day can help alleviate some of this pain as well as help your heart, making your <a href="https://www.prevention.va.gov/Healthy_Living/Be_Physically_Active.asp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">physical health a priority</a> without adding too much to your plate. 
<h2>Ask Potential Employers about Health Benefits</h2>
Even though you may have access to the VA, you must be aware of the health benefits your employer may have in place too. Your employer should provide resources for you to have easy access to if you have health conditions related to your time in service.
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While most employers may focus on being <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/employers" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Equal Employment Opportunity</a> based as well as follow the <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/understanding-your-employment-rights-under-americans-disabilities-act-guide-veterans" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Americans with Disabilities Act</a>, it&rsquo;s important to pay attention to what your employer offers once hired. They should offer accessibility in the workplace, and usually, the VA can help set up these accommodations with your employer if the lifestyle changes seem like drastic ones. 
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On top of these benefits through the VA, your employer should have healthcare options as well as dental, vision, and 401(k) plans that you can be a part of. While it is up to the discretion of the employer to have these plans, larger companies like grocery stores, retail businesses, and national brands, usually have <a href="https://www.paychex.com/articles/employee-benefits/5-things-about-offering-benefits-for-part-time-employees" rel="noopener" target="_blank">benefits for their full-time and part-time employees</a>. If you are a veteran that is choosing this route rather than something full-time, it&rsquo;s wise to ask if these are available! This is especially true if working in a field that comes with hazardous conditions, such as construction, being a first responder, or labor-intensive work. If not, make sure that the VA can provide benefits, or that they can work with your employer for a plan that works for you and your family. 
<h2>Stay on Top of Current Legislation, If You Can</h2>
Believe it or not, some of the best ways to be aware of your benefits after deployment is to take note of changes that are going on in the veteran community. Recently, the Honoring our PACT Act was signed into effect, which is the <a href="https://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/bill-may-allow-camp-lejeune-water-contamination-victims-file-lawsuit/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">biggest expansion for the VA</a> in 30 years or so. This bill opens up medical and financial coverage to veterans impacted by toxic substances in the military that were commonly found in burn pits, <a href="https://www.mesothelioma.com/states/north-carolina/camp-lejeune/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">at military bases</a>, and used across combat., New legislation, such as the PACT Act can be a lifeline for veterans post-service. 
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Far too often, veterans neglect their health due to the rising costs of healthcare. Luckily, <a href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/pact-act.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The PACT Act</a> covers something called the &ldquo;Cost of Toxic Exposures Fund,&rdquo; which helps pay for the health care and benefits related to being exposed to hazards while in service. Not only does this help cover veterans' health care costs, but also helps families as well if they were exposed in housing units or through secondhand exposure to these chemicals. 
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While it may be hard to stay in the know about all things related to healthcare for veterans, working with your local VA can help you find the support and resources you need to stay healthy. The PACT Act also outlines that the VA will be more proactive in making those materials available. 
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As you start to make your way into the workforce after your time in the military, you must focus on your health, both physically and mentally. It can be hard to make time for yourself; the good thing is there are plenty of resources to make sure that you do.

Transitioning from military to civilian life? Keep your health in check with these essential tips.

Managing Your Health After Deployment in the Workplace | Getting Hired

Managing Your Health After Deployment in the Workplace

Remote work is becoming increasingly popular in today's job market, with more and more companies offering work-from-home options. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as many companies were forced to transition to remote work due to social distancing requirements. While remote work certainly has its challenges, many surprising benefits come with <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/tips-for-landing-a-remote-job-getting-hired" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">working a remote job</a>. To further support the benefits of remote work, let's take a look at some statistics:
<ul>
<li> According to a survey by <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2020" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Buffer</a>, 98% of remote workers would like to continue working remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers.</li>
<li> An investigation discovered that organizations can set aside $11,000 each year per representative by permitting them to remotely work. (<a href="https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/telecommuting-statistics" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Global Workplace Analytics</a>)</li>
<li>Remote.co reports that 75% of remote workers say they experience fewer distractions, allowing them to be more productive.</li>
<li> According to a survey by <a href="https://www.tinypulse.com/blog/engagement-survey-questions-ask-a-new-hire-employee-onboarding" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TINYpulse</a>, remote workers are happier in their jobs than in-office workers, with a score of 8.10 out of 10 compared to 7.42 for in-office workers.</li>
<li> A study by <a href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-remote-work/2022" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Owl Labs </a>found that remote workers save an average of 40 minutes per day on their commute, which equates to almost one full week of work each year.</li>
</ul>
These statistics demonstrate the many advantages that remote work can offer both employees and employers. These are some of the stats that show why remote working is beneficial. Now let&rsquo;s explore 10 of these benefits and how they can improve your work life. 
<h3>Benefit #1: Increased Productivity</h3>
One of the biggest benefits of working a remote job is increased productivity. While working from home, you can eliminate distractions and focus solely on your work. According to a survey conducted by <a href="https://www.airtasker.com/blog/the-benefits-of-working-from-home/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Airtasker</a>, it was found that remote workers spend 4.66% more days working each month compared to their office-based counterparts. Additionally, 86% of remote workers say they're more productive when they work alone. 
<h3>Benefit #2: Flexibility</h3>
Another benefit of working a remote job is the flexibility it provides. When you work from home, you have more control over your schedule and can work when it's most convenient for you. This is particularly beneficial for parents, caregivers, and anyone who has other commitments outside of work. According to a survey by Buffer, 40% of remote workers say that a flexible schedule is the biggest benefit of working remotely. 
<h3>Benefit #3: Better Work-Life Balance</h3>
Remote work has revolutionized the traditional work model by giving employees the freedom to work from anywhere, at any time. This freedom has helped many workers achieve a better work-life balance, a crucial factor for maintaining good physical and mental health. Remote work allows employees to save time and energy that would otherwise be spent commuting, giving them more time to pursue personal interests or spend quality time with their families. 
According to a survey conducted by assignmentassistance.co.uk, remote workers reported being happier, less stressed, and more satisfied with their jobs than office workers. The survey found that remote workers were 22% happier than their office-based counterparts. This happiness could be attributed to the fact that remote workers have more control over their work schedules and have the flexibility to manage their work and personal lives. 
<h3>Benefit #4: No Commute</h3>
Eliminating the daily commute is one of the biggest benefits of working a remote job. Not only does this save you time, but it also saves you money on gas, car maintenance, and other commuting expenses. According to a survey by FlexJobs, remote workers save an average of $4,000 per year on commuting expenses. <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-working-at-home-and-making-video-call-on-laptop-4474047/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/2NkYWDgT0OHFkdcIas8g"></a> 
<h3>Benefit #5: Expanded Job Opportunities</h3>
Remote work allows you to work for companies located anywhere in the world, which can expand your <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-the-freelance-market-getting-hired" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">career opportunities</a> significantly. This is particularly beneficial if you live in a rural area or if there aren't many job opportunities in your field where you live.
 According to a survey by <a href="https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upwork-study-finds-22-of-american-workforce-will-be-remote-by-2025" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Upwork</a>, 41.8% of the American workforce is working remotely, up from 30% in 2019. It is great for individuals who may not have had access to traditional in-office positions due to geographic, physical, or other limitations. 
By removing the need for employees to be physically present in a specific location, remote work allows individuals to work for companies regardless of their location. This opens up job opportunities for people who may have otherwise been excluded from certain industries or job markets. Additionally, remote work also allows individuals to take on multiple jobs or projects at once, providing greater flexibility and earning potential. 
<h3>Benefit #6: Increased Job Satisfaction</h3>
Remote work has been shown to increase job satisfaction for many employees. According to a survey by <a href="https://www.tinypulse.com/blog/engagement-survey-questions-ask-a-new-hire-employee-onboarding" rel="noopener" target="_blank">TINYpulse</a>, remote workers are 22% happier in their jobs than office workers. Additionally, 91% of remote workers say they have a better work-life balance, contributing to overall job satisfaction. 
<h3>Benefit #7: Cost Savings</h3>
While searching on the internet I went through a paper that concluded that working a remote job can also lead to significant cost savings. Not only do you save money on commuting expenses, but you also save money on work clothes, meals, and other expenses that are typically associated with office work. According to a survey by FlexJobs, remote workers save an average of $4,000 per year on work-related expenses. 
<h3>Benefit #8: Reduced Stress</h3>
Remote work can also reduce stress for many employees. When you work from home, you don't have to deal with office politics, long commutes, or other stressors that can come with working in an office environment.
 According to a study by <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2020" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Buffer</a>, 22% of remote workers reported less stress, and 53% reported a better work-life balance. Remote work can also provide more opportunities for self-care, such as taking breaks to exercise, preparing healthy meals, or spending time with loved ones. All of these factors can contribute to a better overall sense of well-being and reduced stress levels. <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/ethnic-woman-kissing-baby-near-netbook-and-coffee-cup-6392997/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/8tY6a2jTkqlrTKNOWugi"></a> 
<h3>Benefit #9: Increased Autonomy</h3>
Remote work also provides employees with increased autonomy, which can be very beneficial for those who prefer to work independently. Working from home allows you to have more control over your work environment, your schedule, and your workflow.
 This can help you to be more productive and feel more in control of your work life. According to a survey by <a href="https://owllabs.com/state-of-remote-work/2022" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Owl Labs</a>, remote workers feel more trusted to get their work done and are given more freedom to make decisions, which can contribute to greater job satisfaction and happiness. 
<h3>Benefit #10: Reduced Environmental Impact</h3>
Finally, remote work can also have a positive impact on the environment. When you work from home, you don't have to commute to work, which reduces your carbon footprint. Additionally, remote work can reduce the need for large office buildings, which can have a significant impact on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. 
<h3>While Summing It Up&hellip;</h3>
Working a remote job comes with many surprising benefits that can improve your work life and overall well-being. From increased productivity and flexibility to better work-life balance and reduced stress, remote work can provide a better quality of life for many employees.&nbsp; 
<h4 style="text-align: center;"> Searching for a new position or switching careers? To apply and discover more about opportunities that are HIRING NOW, create an account at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates" rel="follow">careercircle.com</a>! </h4>
<hr>
<h3> Content Collaborator</h3>
Melissa Calvert is currently working as an assistant at <a href="https://www.crowdwriter.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Crowd Writer</a>, where professionals and students can seek career counseling.&nbsp;Melissa likes to travel and trying new recipes in the kitchen. <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/SAiQh3NzT3m4InBytyrw" width="197" height="230">

Remote work boosts productivity, flexibility, and balance. Discover the top 10 perks of working from anywhere!

Remote Jobs: Flexibility & Work-Life Balance | Getting Hired

Remote work is on the rise, offering benefits like increased productivity, flexibility, and better work-life balance. Discover the top 10 perks!

Remote Jobs: Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

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157 Articles

Caring for Your Mental Health While Looking for a Job

Managing Your Health After Deployment in the Workplace

Remote Jobs: Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

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