3 Ways To Stay Positive During A Holiday Job Search

1. Don’t Allow Yourself To Feel Sorry For Yourself

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You don’t have time for that pity party nonsense! You’ve got to bake cookies, play with your dog, and sip hot cocoa with your family.

Whenever you start feeling worn down from the stress or start feeling bad for yourself, do something productive. You could make yourself a structured job search plan or research companies you’re interested in. Or you could do something that’s not related to your job search at all.

You can hit the gym, take a walk outside to get some fresh air and sunshine, or indulge in a good book for 30 minutes. Don’t feel guilty about doing these things—they’re necessary for your mental and physical health, which are two things you can’t neglect, especially during a job search.

You can also take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and remind yourself of the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. Celebrate wins like landing an interview, improving your resume, or expanding your network. Remember, this season is about joy, connection, and gratitude—things that can fuel your motivation and keep you moving forward.

2. Focus On What You’re Excited About

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When someone asks you, “How’s the job search going?” don’t focus on the negative. Remember, you have the power to control the tone of this conversation. If you focus on your lack of success—how many interviews you haven’t gotten or how many companies didn’t call you back—you’re not only going to make the conversation awkward for both of you, but you’re going to feel awful about yourself.

Instead, tell them about a few companies and opportunities you’re excited about. Focus on your little wins like having a great informational interview with someone from one of your target companies. Convey your enthusiasm for finding a new job opportunity. It’ll make you feel uplifted, and it gives you the opportunity to talk about your job search in a positive way. Even a simple statement like, “I’m learning a lot and feeling confident about what’s ahead,” can shift the conversation in a more upbeat and empowering direction.

3. Laugh, Dance, And Be Merry

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What makes you laugh out loud, even when no one is in the room? What songs make you want to get up and dance, even when people are looking? Find those little things that make you happy and pepper them in throughout your day. There’s honestly nothing better than a good laugh.

Distract yourself with positivity—and don’t feel bad about taking a “happy break” every once in a while. It will help keep you in balance during your holiday job search. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of deadlines and applications, but giving yourself permission to smile, laugh, or just take a deep breath can recharge your mindset. Keeping joy in the mix will not only boost your mood but also increase your resilience, helping you stay focused and motivated through the holidays.

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, connection, and renewal. While your job search may feel like an ongoing challenge, remember that maintaining a positive attitude and staying engaged with the festive spirit can actually help you stay motivated and grounded. Focus on the wins, however small, and celebrate the progress you’ve made. By balancing productivity with moments of relaxation and positivity, you can stay on track with your job search while still enjoying all the best that the holidays have to offer. Keep your head up, and remember that this season will pass—bringing new opportunities along with it.

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