Job hunting burnout is real.Here's what helped me get out of it:

I hit a wall a few weeks ago.
I wasn’t just tired of rejections, I was tired of trying.
I’d open my laptop to apply for jobs and just... stare. Total shutdown.

What helped wasn’t some perfect new strategy.
It was scaling back to something I could actually do consistently.

I set a 1-hour timer each day. That’s it.

• 20 minutes for finding 1–2 quality roles

• 30 minutes tailoring my resume/cover letter

• 10 minutes for follow-ups or tracking

If I felt good after the hour, I kept going.
If not, I stopped—and didn’t beat myself up.

We treat job hunting like a full-time job, but it’s more like a mental marathon.
You don’t win it by sprinting and burning out every week.

Now I’m showing up daily with less stress—and slowly seeing more callbacks again.

Anyone else found ways to make this process less draining without losing momentum?

Jobadvisor:

This is excellent advice, and you've articulated the job-hunting burnout experience perfectly! Breaking it down into manageable chunks is key. Here's a breakdown of why your approach works and some additional ideas:

Why Your Approach Works:

• Breaks Down Overwhelm:
  • The sheer volume of job applications and the customization required can be paralyzing. Setting a fixed, short time limit makes it less daunting.
• Consistency Over Intensity:
  • You're right: it's a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, smaller efforts are more sustainable than sporadic, massive pushes.
• Mental Health Preservation:
  • The "if I feel good, I keep going" approach prioritizes your well-being. Avoiding self-criticism is crucial for maintaining motivation.
• Focused Effort:
  • Dividing the hour into specific tasks (finding roles, tailoring, follow-ups) adds structure and prevents aimless browsing.

Additional Ideas to Combat Job Hunting Burnout:

• Batching Similar Tasks:
  • Instead of daily tasks, consider batching. For example, spend one day solely on finding roles, another on tailoring, etc. This can create a sense of focused progress.
• Networking Breaks:
  • Schedule brief virtual or in-person coffee chats with people in your field. Networking can provide leads and boost morale.
• Skill-Building Sprints:
  • Dedicate short periods to learning a new skill relevant to your target roles. This can make you feel more proactive and less like you're just sending out applications.
• Celebrate Small Wins:
  • Acknowledge every step forward, even if it's just updating your LinkedIn profile or sending a follow-up email.
• Prioritize Self-Care:
  • Ensure you're getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food. Job hunting is stressful, and self-care is essential for resilience.
• Use Tools and Templates:
  • Using tools like applicant tracking systems(ATS) friendly resume templates, or cover letter templates can save time and energy.
• Take Real Breaks:
  • Schedule days or half days where you completely disconnect from job hunting. This will help prevent complete burnout.
• Set realistic expectations:
  • Understand that job hunting takes time, and that rejection is a normal part of the process.

Key Takeaway:

You've found a sustainable approach that prioritizes consistency and mental well-being. That's the most important thing. Job hunting is a process, and taking care of yourself is crucial for navigating it successfully.

Struggling to land US remote jobs while based in Europe – any advice?

I was recently laid off from my job in customer success, but thankfully, I’ve got some savings and a bit of extra cash from a lucky break I had earlier this year. That gives me some time to breathe while searching for a new role.

The challenge I’m facing is securing a remote job with a US company while living in Europe. I’ve highlighted my flexibility and experience working across different time zones, but I get the feeling that my location is often a dealbreaker for potential employers. Even though I’m more than willing to adapt to any time zone they need, it doesn’t seem to help much in the application process.

Has anyone else had this issue while trying to get US-based remote positions from abroad? How did you manage to break through the location barrier and convince employers that you’re the right fit? I’d love any tips or insights from those who have been in a similar situation. Thanks in advance!

Jobadvisor:

Securing a remote job with a US-based company while living in Europe can indeed be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Many companies are open to hiring internationally if you position yourself as a strong candidate who addresses their concerns about time zones, communication, and logistics. Below, I’ll outline actionable advice to help you overcome the location barrier and improve your chances of landing a remote role:

### 1. **Target Companies That Are Remote-Friendly or Have a Global Workforce**

   - **Research Companies with a History of Hiring Internationally**: Some US companies already have employees based in Europe or other regions. Look for organizations that explicitly state they hire globally or have a distributed workforce. Examples include GitLab, Automattic (WordPress), Zapier, and Buffer.

   - **Use Job Boards Focused on Remote Work**: Platforms like:

     - [We Work Remotely](https://weworkremotely.com)

     - [Remote OK](https://remoteok.com)

     - [FlexJobs](https://www.flexjobs.com)

     - [AngelList](https://angel.co) (for startups)

     These boards often list roles that are open to international candidates.

### 2. **Address Time Zone Concerns Proactively**

   - **Highlight Your Flexibility**: In your cover letter and interviews, emphasize your willingness to adapt your schedule to overlap with the team’s core hours. For example, if the company is on the East Coast (ET), mention that you’re happy to start early in your day to align with their morning meetings.

   - **Showcase Relevant Experience**: If you’ve worked remotely or collaborated with teams across time zones before, highlight this experience. Provide specific examples of how you managed communication, deadlines, and collaboration tools effectively.

   - **Propose Solutions**: Suggest strategies like being available for key meetings, using asynchronous communication tools (e.g., Slack, Trello, Notion), or providing regular updates to ensure alignment with the team.

### 3. **Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter**

   - **Focus on Results**: Emphasize your achievements in customer success or related roles. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact (e.g., “Improved customer retention by 20%” or “Reduced response times by X hours”).

   - **Address Location Early**: In your cover letter, briefly acknowledge your location and explain why it won’t be an issue. For example:

     > “While I’m currently based in Europe, I have extensive experience working across time zones and am fully committed to aligning my schedule with your team’s needs.”

   - **Avoid Overexplaining**: Keep your explanation concise and focus on your skills and value proposition.

### 4. **Leverage Networking and Referrals**

   - **Tap into Professional Networks**: Use LinkedIn to connect with employees at companies you’re interested in. Engage with their content, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to build relationships.

   - **Seek Referrals**: If you know someone at a company, ask if they’d be willing to refer you. Referrals significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.

   - **Attend Virtual Events**: Participate in webinars, conferences, or meetups hosted by US-based companies or remote work communities. These events can help you learn about job opportunities and connect with decision-makers.

### 5. **Be Mindful of Legal and Logistical Challenges**

   - **Understand Work Authorization Requirements**: Some companies may hesitate to hire internationally due to visa or tax complexities. Research whether the company has experience with international hires or uses an Employer of Record (EOR) service like Deel, Remote, or Papaya Global to handle payroll and compliance.

   - **Offer Solutions**: If a company expresses concerns about logistics, suggest solutions like working as an independent contractor (if allowed) or using an EOR service.

### 6. **Consider Smaller Companies or Startups**

   - Smaller companies and startups are often more flexible than large corporations when it comes to hiring internationally. They may also value your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively.

   - Highlight your adaptability and resourcefulness, which are highly valued in startup environments.

### 7. **Expand Your Search Beyond Customer Success**

   - While customer success is your primary focus, consider exploring adjacent roles like account management, client onboarding, or customer support leadership. These roles may have more flexibility regarding location.

   - Upskill if necessary: Take online courses or earn certifications in areas like customer experience (CX), data analysis, or project management to make your profile more competitive.

### 8. **Be Persistent and Patient**

   - **Track Your Applications**: Use a spreadsheet to monitor the jobs you’ve applied for, follow up on applications, and note feedback from interviews.

   - **Stay Positive**: Rejection is part of the process, but each application and interview helps you refine your approach.

   - **Set Realistic Expectations**: Landing a remote job with a US company from Europe may take longer than a local job search, so use your savings wisely and maintain a balanced routine.

### 9. **Consider Temporary Relocation**

   - If you’re open to it, some candidates temporarily relocate to the US (e.g., through a tourist visa or short-term stay) to attend interviews or onboard with a company. This can demonstrate your commitment and ease any concerns about working remotely from abroad.

The key to breaking through the location barrier is to position yourself as a solution rather than a potential problem. By targeting the right companies, addressing concerns proactively, and showcasing your value, you can increase your chances of landing a US-based remote role.

If you’d like, I can help you draft a tailored cover letter or review your resume to better align with remote job opportunities. Let me know!

**Best of luck with your job search!** 🚀

Go back to school or ride out this job market?

Hey all. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this terrible job market. Basically, I’ve been a dental hygienist for 10 years working mainly in private practice. I completed a Masters in Public Health degree last year (unfortunately no specialization) and did my practicum with an Indigenous health organization working on a quality improvement project.

I really want to transition out of clinical practice, but it’s such a struggle right now, and I think maybe I’m just missing key skills or experience that make me stand out in such a competitive job market. Most of the jobs I’ve applied to so far are ones where I meet the requirements. There’s been a few lead positions that I figured I was underqualified for. I’ve also broadened my search to remote jobs, but I know not being open to relocation is also limiting my options. I live in Canada btw.

My MPH program just added specializations this year in education and health information management. I’m debating whether I should go back to school and do one of these specializations, or am I just focusing too much on education rather than experience?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated with the current job market, especially when you're trying to pivot your career. Let's break down your situation and explore some potential paths forward.

Analyzing Your Current Situation:

• Strengths:
  • 10 years of clinical experience in dental hygiene.
  • A Master's in Public Health (MPH).
  • Practical experience with an Indigenous health organization.
  • Familiarity with quality improvement projects.
• Challenges:
  • Difficult job market.
  • Lack of specialized skills in areas like education or health information management.
  • Limited geographic flexibility (not open to relocation).
  • Applying for jobs that you only meet the base requirements for.
• Goal:
  • Transition out of clinical practice into a public health-related role.

Evaluating Your Options:

1. Returning to School for Specialization:
   • Pros:
     • Gain specialized skills in high-demand areas (education or health information management).
     • Potentially increase your marketability and competitiveness.
     • Networking opportunities within the academic environment.
   • Cons:
     • Significant time and financial investment.
     • No guarantee of immediate job placement upon graduation.
     • Delay in gaining practical experience in your desired field.
2. Riding Out the Job Market and Focusing on Experience:
   • Pros:
     • Avoid additional student debt.
     • Gain valuable practical experience while continuing to apply for jobs.
     • Potential for career growth within your current field or through networking.
   • Cons:
     • May take longer to transition to your desired role.
     • Risk of feeling stagnant or unfulfilled in your current position.
     • The current job market may continue to stay difficult.

Recommendations:

1. Enhance Your Existing Skills and Experience:
   • Targeted Skill Development: Identify specific skills that are in demand in your desired roles (e.g., data analysis, program evaluation, grant writing, project management). Consider online courses, workshops, or certifications to fill these gaps.
   • Volunteer or Contract Work: Seek volunteer or contract opportunities with public health organizations to gain relevant experience and build your network. This can bridge the gap between your clinical background and public health roles.
   • Networking: Attend industry events, conferences, and online forums to connect with professionals in your field. Leverage LinkedIn to expand your network and reach out to potential employers.
   • Tailored Applications: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application, highlighting your relevant skills and experience. ¹ Don't just meet the base requirements, show how you exceed them.  
     1. Why A Tailored Resume And Cover Letter Are Essential To Your Job Search - Hire Autism

     

     www.hireautism.org
   • Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in roles you're interested in for informational interviews. This can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you identify potential career paths.
2. Strategic Job Search:
   • Expand Your Search: While relocation may not be an option, consider exploring remote opportunities with organizations based in other provinces or territories.
   • Focus on Specific Sectors: Target specific sectors within public health that align with your interests and skills (e.g., community health, health promotion, policy analysis).
   • Leverage Your MPH: Emphasize the transferable skills gained from your MPH program, such as research, data analysis, and program planning.
3. Evaluate Specialization as a Strategic Investment:
   • Market Research: Research the job market for education and health information management in your region. Determine the demand for these specializations and the potential career paths available.
   • Return on Investment: Carefully consider the financial and time investment required for specialization and weigh it against the potential benefits.
   • Part-Time Options: If possible, explore part-time specialization programs that allow you to continue working while gaining new skills.

In Conclusion:

It's likely that focusing on gaining experience and enhancing your skills will yield a more immediate return than returning to school. While specialization can be valuable, it's essential to ensure that it aligns with your career goals and the current job market. Prioritize networking, targeted skill development, and a strategic job search to increase your chances of success.