For most of us, finding yourself unemployed and job hunting can be a stressful time. You might be doing everything you can to pinch pennies, polish your resume, practice your interviewing skills and apply for jobs, but you still feel anxious and stressed out, wondering when you will get that call from your next employer.
You are not alone! Almost everyone will experience unemployment and job hunting stress at some point in their career, and there are several great books we recommend to help with the stress.
First, start off with a practical guide. Moving Forward in Mid-career is a guide written especially for people who have been laid off or fired, with tips and advice for dealing with the trauma. Author John Henry Weiss provides a step-by-step plan for getting back on your feet and getting your next job.
Next, think about how you might make your feelings work for you. Psychologist Alicia H. Clark poses the question—what if you could make your anxiety work for you? Her book Hack your Anxiety teaches how to harness anxiety and use it as a motivating force.
Resilient, by Dr. Rick Hanson, explores the new science of positive neuroplasticity, or studying the brain’s connection to how we deal with challenges. The book is a guide on how to develop 12 inner strengths that will help you feel calm and centered in the face of any kind of setback.
Ready to try something new to help your stress levels? If you’ve never tried meditation, Emily Fletcher’s new book is exactly what you need. Stress Less, Accomplish More teaches you how to be more productive in just 15 minutes twice a day.
How about some out-of-the-box thinking? You probably know a child who is wild about fidget spinners or other fidget toys. But fidgeting is not just for kids! In Fidget! Heather Fishel shares 101 ways you can engage your brain by daydreaming, moving, doodling and yes, fidgeting.
Creative folks will love Knit Yourself Calm, a book with easy and flexible knitting projects designed by a professional knitter and a psychologist. Unwind and enjoy!
Sometimes it helps to see the world from a completely different perspective. The Finnish Way, by Katja Pantzar, explores the concept of “sisu,” the everyday courage that Finns embrace to stay happy and healthy.
Finally, CPL has lots of resources to help you in your job hunt. Visit our Jobs and Small Business page or stop in at your local branch and talk to a librarian.
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