The job-search process can be exhausting. It can involve a lot of ups and downs over an indefinite period of time, which can sometimes make it feel like an never-ending endeavor. This can be especially true for patients and survivors who are looking for work. In addition to finding that new job, dealing with side effects from treatment, juggling various doctors’ appointments and addressing other personal responsibilities are also priorities.

While job-hunting, it is essential to find ways to relieve stress, which necessitates learning how to recognize stress-related symptoms. According to WebMD, those symptoms can vary and can manifest themselves in several ways; however, they usually fall into three buckets: emotional, mental and physical. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is already one of the most challenging and stressful experiences, so it’s really important to not let the job search become a negative experience.

An article by The Job Network outlines a few strategies that can help you stay cool, calm and collected while looking for work.

Remember: Balance is important. Don’t let your job search be all-consuming! Devoting a lot of time and effort to it is expected, but it shouldn’t be all you do. Not valuing or prioritizing the other things that are going on in your life because you’re focused on finding employment will probably have an adverse impact. Being proactive about maintaining balance will be beneficial to you and your job hunt.

Maintain a positive mindset. It can be easy to focus entirely on the negative aspects of your job search — how long it’s taking, how many interviews didn’t lead to a job offer, etc. Homing in on those things can be a blow to your confidence and motivation, ultimately impeding an effective job hunt. Try to think about all of the other positive areas of your life — friends, family, personal interests; doing so can help redirect your thinking and perspective.

Use your support system. We can’t make it through challenging times alone, including job-searching. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people for guidance, support and advice (just like you would during any other stressful period in your life).

For more strategies in how to manage your health while managing your work, read the full article on The Job Network website, and consult the following CAC resources:

• Job Search Toolkit (3rd Edition)
• Archived 2019 Job Search webinar
• Archived 2020 Managing Long-Term Stress webinar
• Ask a Career Coach Message Board
• Resume Review Service
• Article on “Job-Hunting After Cancer”
• “Job-Search Tools”