There is no question that the job search is really frustrating these days. It seems like everyday there is negative news about the job market. How is anybody supposed to function in such a terrible climate? It's times like these where the frustration can really reach an all time high when looking for nonprofit jobs. It's how you deal with this frustration, however, that will determine how succesful you will be looking for work.
The most common job search advice you will get when it comes to dealing with this kind of adversity is to just hang tough and keep looking. The prevailing wisdom goes that nothing can be gained from walking away from the search for just a little bit. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Think about it: When you are at your most agitated, it is almost impossible to anything at a high level. And when it comes to finding work, that is one of the most important things. Any little mistake could severely damage your chances at getting that job, so your mind needs to be clear.
So the next time you start feeling frustrated, do yourself a favor: Walk away from the computer and do something you truly enjoy. Hang out with some friends, watch a movie, go bowling. It really doesn't matter what you do as long as it puts you in a better frame of mind. That way you will be refreshed and ready to to start again when you get back.
Let's get one thing clear: This isn't going to guarantee you are never going to get frustrated again. If we're being honest with ourselves, it's probably going to happen a lot more. That's just the nature of the job search these days. What this will do, however, will increase the quality of your work. It might even make it more enjoyable for you. It's so easy to get burnt out, and as long as you are working hard, these breaks can be a sort of reward for you.
