Ignore the Economy

Stop reading the economic forecasts.

Unless you’ve had your head in the sand for the last 6 months, you are aware that the world economy is not in good shape, and that the job market is difficult, at best. And the headlines keep shouting this at all of us (I must have a couple dozen emails in my inbox that start with something like, “The unemployment rate has increased to 6.7%...”).

We should all be reading the newspaper (online or dead tree edition, take your pick) to get background information, topics of conversation, and to basically show everyone that we’re connected. So if the economy suddenly takes off (or there is a miracle breakthrough and none of us have to work again) you will probably hear about it.

The problem with reading each of the doom-and-gloom articles is they don’t help. Job hunting is a tough undertaking. It is hard enough staying optimistic, and constantly reading about how bad the economy is doesn’t help.

Instead, focus on measuring your own job search success. If you’re not getting interviews or call-backs, those are problems – but they are job search problems whether the economy is in good shape or not.

The great thing is, job search problems you can work on. The overall economy is not anything you can work on.

If you are celebrating the holidays, take cheer from family and all the blessings you have. If you are not celebrating, still take a minute to think about everything you have going for you right now.

When you get back to your job search, approach it with clarity and confidence, knowing that your blessings will get you through.