It is no secret that looking for a new job can be stressful and overwhelming. Yet a record number of Americans are quitting their jobs to look for new opportunities, a trend also known as the “Great Resignation.”
While there are many reasons why someone might be on the hunt for new work, it’s important for all job hunters to check in with their mental health regardless of their job hunting circumstances.
To learn more about maintaining your mental health while looking for a new job, we spoke to Dr. Mavis Major, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Behavioral Health Therapist at Renown Health.
1. Identify Goals
When beginning your job-hunting journey, your first step should be to make a plan that focuses on quality over quantity. Make lists of companies you would like to work for and, if you’re looking to change fields or industries, make a list of careers that interest you. At this stage in the process, it’s also important to determine what salary range you’re looking for, what type of work environment you want (in-person, remote or hybrid) and understand what benefits are important to you. Identifying goals makes it easier to narrow down the list of jobs you apply for so you can produce quality applications rather than frantically applying for jobs without putting thought into the process.
2. Set Boundaries
It does not matter if you are working full-time while applying for jobs or if applying is your job right now; it can be easy to get lost in the stress of it all. For that reason, it is essential to set intentional boundaries throughout the process. This can look like scheduling days that you fully take off from the job search or going for a walk before a big interview to clear your head.
Setting boundaries will make you more productive overall and hopefully help you get your mind off the process.
3. Ask For Help
Do not try and tackle this undertaking on your own. Once you have identified goals (see tip #1) make lists of people you know within those industries, and do not be afraid to reach out.
Of course, never be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional to talk through why this process might be making you feel anxious. Talking to someone who is not your friend or family can give you a different perspective.
Come Work With Us
Renown Health strives for excellence in all we do and want you to be a part of that. We offer careers in allied health, information technology, management, nursing and professional and support services.
Do not be afraid to take on new, yet manageable, challenges. If you’re applying for jobs in a certain industry and notice that you lack a skill or qualification commonly seen on many job postings, learn it! In fact, having something besides job hunting to focus on can be a nice distraction and will keep you from refreshing your emails every two minutes looking for offer letters.
5. Be Kind to Yourself and Know Your Worth
We have been taught that humility is a great character trait, which is true. However, it is important to know your worth when looking for a great job opportunity. For example, what unique skills and experience do you bring to the table? What is the current pay rate for people with your skills? No matter where you are in your career, job hunting is stressful, and it is ok to sit with those emotions. But, above all, remember to give yourself grace throughout this process and be confident in yourself.
The holiday season is right around the corner, and the promise of the new year follows closely behind. It is often seen as a time of joy, celebration and connection—but for many teens, it can also be a period of emotional strain. Laura Dykins, APRN, a nurse practitioner with Renown Children’s Primary Care, emphasizes how important it is to understand what hardships teens may experience during the holiday months and how we can offer meaningful support to teenagers and their families.
The holidays are often seen as a time of reflection and celebration with loved ones. However, amidst everyday stressors and increased commitments to friends and family, this festive season can also bring feelings of exhaustion or sadness, commonly referred to as the holiday blues or holiday depression.
According to a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, 40% of Americans anticipate more holiday stress this year, an increase from 28% the previous year. Mark Brehm, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Renown Behavioral Health, shares more about signs and symptoms of the holiday blues and practical tips for managing them.
Nurturing Your Child's Back-to-School Mental Health
The back-to-school season is here, and ensuring your child's successful transition involves more than just school supplies and schedules. At Renown Children’s Hospital, and in collaboration with Nevada Pediatric Psychiatry Solutions, we understand the vital role that mental health plays in a child's overall well-being and academic performance.
