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It doesn't feel that 2023 seasons comes to an end and soon we will enter the 2024. At the end of 2023, of course, you will reflect on self-evaluation of your resolutions this year as a change plan that began at the beginning of the year. One example of self-evaluation is pondered by many people, such as gen Z where they are now, have they succeeded, are they trying or are they still failing? This is what makes each individual make new resolutions for the next year again. It's not wrong, but there are things that we often forget even though they are important. We forget, every resolution we make and live by, everything from us, for us and for our sake. Let's reflect together on how to end the year in a job search that did not live up to expectations and has become part of our journey.
1. Regardless of whether or not your goals are achieved this year, don't forget to thank yourself
Locked office doors, tightly closed interview room doors, constantly missed cover letters and unrealized expectations. You realize that the end of this year is not what you imagined in your job search journey. This is one of the reasons you feel like this. Not to mention the existence of social media, where some people upload their achievements. So you become easy to compare yourself with others and make you become insecure.
Regardless of whether or not your resolutions are achieved this year, let's raise our happiness levels in the last days of 2023. One of them is by thanking yourself because for this one year you have been fighting and not giving up. You have also dared to get out of your comfort zone and try new things that make you grow as you are now. Thanking means that we are grateful for what we have or gained. Febriansyah (2018), expressed the opinion that "people who are grateful a lot generally get positive psychological encouragement. They also had greater life satisfaction, less visits to the doctor and better sleep."
2. The importance of self-reflection and goal setting in a job search
Brilio.net (2021), revealed "reality is not as beautiful as expected. The saying means that not everything that is expected will go as desired. Not all dreams can be achieved as they should." At the beginning of the job search requires careful planning and a proactive approach. During the process, you will experience victory and learning. At the beginning of your job search, self-reflection and goal setting are important steps you don't want to overlook. Self-reflection involves a careful examination of your thoughts, feelings and experiences. This is a great opportunity for you to experience a tremendous amount of professional and personal growth. Here's a self-reflection and goal setting you can do in your job search:
a. Start by assessing your skills and competencies
Be honest with yourself during this step. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses to gain a clear understanding of areas you excel in and those you need to develop further. Reflect on past achievements and notable experiences. Consider the hard and soft skills that may make you a more appealing candidate to potential employers.
b. Narrow down the key criteria of the role you want
Think about everything from location to salary, benefits, well-being initiatives, company culture and development opportunities, team structure and opportunities for growth. Reflect on long-term career aspirations. Where do you want to be in the future? Consider the specific roles and responsibilities that will put you on the trajectory for those goals, and what sort of supports, development and opportunities you may need to stay on that path.
c. Be open to continuous learning and improvement
When you're doing your job search, remember that the process can be lengthy. Try to embrace new, healthier routines to sustain you. Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely). Invest in online courses, attend workshops, or get involved in relevant projects. Ask your mentor for advice. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous development, broaden your skill set and increase your value as a candidate. By engaging in an honest and introspective process of self-reflection, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and all that you bring. You'll build confidence, allow you to make more informed decisions, target relevant opportunities and present yourself in an engaging and authentic way. As professionals, and as human beings, we have an incredible capacity to grow, develop, and adapt throughout our lives. It's okay to pause and pivot whenever you need in your life and career. Stay positive as you move forward and be gentle with yourself.
3. Mental and emotional health
When a job search doesn't match expectations, mental and emotional stress can increase in tandem. Jobseeker’s may have high anxiety about financial problems that impact mental health. When not having a job, not only is it difficult to earn money to provide for yourself and your family, but there may also be social pressure or low self-esteem. This will increase stress, anxiety, self-confidence and even depression. Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology and the APA Dictionary of Psychology, anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and is considered a long-term response oriented towards the future.
For jobseeker’s, how do you maintain mental health and morale in the midst of uncertainty? Facing the new year as a jobseeker, you must remember that you are not alone in this struggle. To maintain mental health and stay energized, this is one of the things you need to do by prioritizing physical health Focusing on exercise, nutrition, and sleep can significantly affect stress levels and help maintain a positive outlook during job search. A healthy body is essential to maintaining a healthy mind.
4. New year planning
Although the end of this year may not be as expected and your experience as a jobseeker may not always be as bright as the sparkle of Christmas lights, let's open ourselves to planning the new year with renewed vigor. How can you redefine your job search strategy? What concrete steps can you take to improve your career opportunities and well-being? It is important to remember that failure to find a job does not mean personal failure.
Success often comes through a series of tests and learning. Perhaps it's time to soak in the experience, identify strengths and prepare for a new journey in the coming year. Ending the year with worries in the workforce is not the end of everything. This is part of a journey that may be full of obstacles. But at every obstacle, there are lessons and opportunities to grow. Let us together look forward with renewed hope and determination, ready to face whatever the new year brings us.
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