Q: I have lost the energy to pursue leads and continue my career search.  I feel defective, dejected and downtrodden.  Every time someone suggests a new lead or approach, I feel inadequate and stupid.  Can you help? 

A: Search burnout — that feeling where nothing seems to work and energy is low — happens to almost all of us at different points in our careers.  We are seeing increasing incidences of this in response to a shifted economy where what we considered were the usual ways of doing business no longer yield positive results. The process of seeking new opportunities and negotiating salaries has changed profoundly in a relatively short amount of time, and those in search of new jobs experience repeated silence and/or rejection.  It is not surprising that, after repeated attempts to secure worthwhile employment, strong professionals feel weakened, diminished or discouraged.

When feeling such a burnout, rely on the different supports you have always used to make sense of life. Counselors, colleagues and/or trusted friends are usually very accessible and eager to help.  Personal development courses and further study can assist in keeping you focused and motivated.  Whatever method has worked for you in the past, seize hold of it and practice diligently as you pass through this phase.

While you focus on maximizing interpersonal connections and stimulating your mental health, it is also important to maintain good physical health.  Visit your physician or health practitioner regularly.  Share with him or her what you are experiencing in your life as a whole, and follow the advice you are provided.  You may need supplements, an updated health regiment or more exercise than usual to cope through the burnout.

Finally, enlist professionals to help plot your search strategy and frame your responses.  An experienced search consultant or career counselor can help “interpret” puzzling information, point you in new directions and help reinvent how you present yourself to the market.  These skills are valuable in times of career stress.

Search burnout feels terrible and often insurmountable. There is no question about it. But, remember that even times of challenge can provide new opportunities to reinvent yourself and allow you to dream again.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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