Being unemployed while raising children is something that not easy to go through. I'm currently in this phase right now.
As a mom, I'm used to multitasking, planning schedules, and doing it all. But the reality of job hunting—while juggling the daily demands of motherhood—has brought new challenges and valuable lessons.
I’m sharing my experience not just to vent, but to connect with others going through the same.
1. Giving
Myself Grace
One of the
hardest lessons I’ve learned is to be kind to myself. Some days, I don’t submit
any job applications. Some days, I’m too tired to update my resume or browse
LinkedIn. And that’s okay. I’ve learned that productivity as a mom doesn’t
always look like ticking checkboxes. Some days, just surviving the chaos and
showing up for my kids is a win. I’ve had to unlearn the guilt of not doing
"enough."
2.
Creating a Job Search Routine That Works
I’ve created
a flexible but intentional routine:
- Morning (1–2 hours): Check job listings, customize
resumes, send applications
- Afternoon: Focus on upskilling (online
courses, reading industry blogs)
- Evening: Family time and reflection
By assigning
specific times to job searching, I avoid feeling overwhelmed or burned out. I’m
also learning to say no to things that drain me and yes to things that uplift
me.
3.
Upskilling: Learning While Waiting
Rather than
feeling stuck, I’m treating this season as a growth opportunity. I’ve taken
free courses on Google Digital Garage, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera. Topics
like digital marketing, project management, and personal branding have been
both interesting and helpful.
This has
boosted my confidence and added value to my resume. It’s amazing how just 30–60
minutes a day of learning can make me feel more in control and hopeful.
4. Dealing
with Rejection and Silence
Let’s be real
— job hunting can be demoralizing. Especially when you put effort into a job
application and never hear back. At first, I took every rejection personally.
Now, I’m learning not to internalize it.
I remind
myself: rejection isn’t a reflection of my worth. It’s a redirection.
Sometimes, it
just means the job wasn’t the right fit. I try to reflect, adjust, and keep
moving forward.
5. Staying
Connected and Encouraged
Being part of
a community—whether online or offline—has helped me stay sane. I follow other
moms, career coaches, and job seekers on Instagram and LinkedIn who share
uplifting, practical advice. I’ve even joined a few free webinars and support
groups.
I also talk
openly with my husband and friends about how I’m feeling. Sharing the load
emotionally has been crucial.
Final
Thoughts
Job searching
as a mom is a journey of resilience. It’s messy, emotional, and sometimes slow
— but it's also a season of reflection, growth, and clarity. If you're in the
same boat, just know you're not alone.
I’ll be
sharing more about my journey weekly, including resume tips, interview prep,
and free learning resources. Let’s support each other — feel free to share your
own story in the comments or connect with me on Instagram!
You’ve got
this, mama. So do I.
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