Finding a job is one of the most stressful and high-stakes undertakings most human beings will experience.

Depending on your savings, your educational and professional background and what kind of work you are interested in doing, it can often feel overwhelming. This inevitably takes a toll on mental health--something many vets struggle with at the best of times. In order to keep your mind healthy and functioning during your job search, keep the below tips in mind. 

Make Your Goals and Tasks Achievable

Claiming that you will have a job in the next month is not entirely in your hands. You could write fantastic applications and ace your interviews and still not get the job because someone with more experience did. Or simply because the person doing the interview was having a bad day. The amount of time you spend on your job search each day, on the other hand, is something you have control over. 

Keep in mind that you can go overboard with your time expectations as well. Telling yourself that you will apply for five jobs per day is a lofty ambition that may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Find a goal that you know you can accomplish and will feel good about accomplishing. 

Ask for Help When You Need It

A request for assistance can take many forms. Do you need someone to double-check your CV or cover letter before sending it out? Ask a friend with good writing skills, a parent or teacher, a university or college careers counsellor, or someone associated with a veteran resume preparedness program. There is also a wealth of useful information available online on honing these talents. See if you can find advice tailored to your location and the types of businesses you're interested in.

If you don't ask for help when you truly need it, you might find you start to spiral and job search depression can set in. This can make it even harder to find the willpower and perseverance needed to survive demanding and often callous labour markets (particularly as a veteran).  

Look for Mental Health Support 

If you are feeling really depressed or nervous, you should seek treatment as soon as possible! If you are constantly depressed or despairing, no longer enjoy activities that used to bring you joy, have difficulty eating or sleeping, or find yourself worrying excessively about the future, you are not alone.

Mental health issues that are commonly associated with the military and veterans, such as PTSD, can make staying motivated and on track for your job search even harder.  

Make Time For Yourself

Make time for your mental health and welfare, as well as the things you enjoy. Spend time with your significant other, friends, family, and pets; maintain your hobbies; get plenty of exercise and fresh air; consume nutritious, wholesome foods; get lots of rest, and allow yourself pleasure once in a while.

You can also create a mindfulness or meditation practice and keep a journal. Every day, you should do at least one thing that supports your physical or mental health and one thing that provides you joy. When you're looking for work, it's critical to take care of yourself.

Conclusion  

Looking for a job is stressful at the best of times and can take its toll on your mental health. You need a certain amount of resilience to deal with the rejection and pressure. Coming straight from the military into the civilian labour market adds a whole new level of stress. Keep the above considerations in mind and keep your mind sharp, healthy and up to the task.