Job Hunting During the #SHEcession? Cut Yourself Some Slack.

I wanted to get more insight on how women can be kinder to themselves during the job-hunting process, so I turned to members of my Connect4Women network (a community I started two years ago that connects, uplifts, and empowers women). As part of our recent SheCovery Network initiative to get women back to work, we’ve held a series of Pow-HER-hour sessions offering career and networking advice from coaches and experts.

I asked those experts for their advice for women who are searching for work right now. Here’s what they had to say:

Don’t worry about what other people think — because it’s not what you THINK they think. “We pointlessly wear ourselves down feeling like other people are judging us, when usually they just love us and/or really don’t care much about our job situations,” said Sheila Camillus, career coach and partner at Career Collaborations. “Think about your own reaction to hearing about others who have lost their jobs. Those who love you appreciate you for you, not your work title.”

It’s okay to be overwhelmed right now.  “Accept that you are doing the best you can in all of your roles. You cannot be a perfect home-schooler, employee, family member, and parent all at the same time EVER,” said Rachel Scherl, CEO of SPARK Solutions for Growth. “Give yourself a break [from job searching] and make sure you have tools/activities to reduce your stress level – exercise, binging TV, reading, meditation – but you need something.”

Pat yourself on the back for small wins. “Progress far outweighs perfection. As women, we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect: the perfect mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, coworker, leader, networker…the list is endless,” said career coach Julie Bronsteatter. “Well I say, screw perfection! Let’s take the time to celebrate our progress. Did you cross ONE item off your to-do list together today? Progress! Did you finally put that coffee mug in the dishwasher that’s been sitting out since the weekend? Progress!”