While preparing to write a post on staying positive during the job search I posted this tweet on Twitter and Facebook.  I thought I would glean some of the thoughts of my friends and followers – thinking perhaps one or two would respond.  Boy, was I surprised when I got more than 15 amazing comments!  Instead of compacting them, I thought I’d just share them with you.  There are some gems here . . . as well as some, well, let’s just say “tongue in cheek.”  I’ve condensed the name to just the initials, because I don’t have copyright permission to share the names.  Here’s what I posted, and the responses.

“Working on a blog post- what do you do to stay positive during your job search? Please RT.”

NS - Exercise!

SA - Hang-out with an Optimist… no, really!

LG - Think positive things, count blessings and be grateful.

SW - Honestly? I vent to Mom, who reminds me that I will find something. That I always do. Oh, and a dose or two of chocolate.

DC – Burbon and valium.

JG - Read Sean Harry’s facebook updates.

BP – Network….

FD - Do your job search outside of the home (at a coffee shop, the library etc) it keeps you social and moving. Also, networking events are rife with equally unemployed people, so instead of focusing only on making connections in professional circles, pick up a hobby that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. It’s a great way to meet new people without pushing your resume and you feel insanely accomplished for exploring something new.

LW - No matter what the circumstances I am in are, I, and only I, am responsible for how I experience those circumstances.

I create a possibility to live my life into every day. That is, I create a way of being that is empowering to me, and recreate myself in that way of being. And I take on experiencing all my circumstances, all day long, from that point of view.

I have people I touch base with on a daily basis regarding this.

I thus make myself accountable for:
What I did yesterday,
What I’m doing today, and
Where I’m stopped.

(software people will recognize this as an ‘Agile scrum’)

AUS – When I was in my transition time out of general ministry and into… whatever the future was going to be… I worked closely with a career coach and touched base with her a couple of times a month. I was a proactive networker, seeing more than 250 people in the course of nine months or so. I guess the positive thing for me was not seeing it as a “job search” but as a search for a new direction. Big difference.

LG – Since I tried thinking positive and was having a hard day, I took NS’ advice and exercised (while praying thanks for blessings) … woo-hoo … when in doubt, do it all!

SL - Attend a Toastmasters meeting and volunteer for Table Topics.

SVD - The October issue of Guideposts magazine had a great article about a man named Seth Reams, in Portland, OR(!) who found himself depressed due to extended unemployment. He wrote a post on Craigslist and joined with other jobless people to volunteer to help others with needs. They started a blog: wevegottimetohelp.blogspot.com.

RS – Take it to the outdoors! As long as it’s not pouring rain, I have taken more walks and hikes than ever before. It’s refreshing to get back to nature and have time to literally “stop and smell the roses.” I also play with my dog way more, he’s going to have withdrawls when I go back to work Oh – and volunteer!!!!

I have learned 2 things from this exercise:
1) YES, people DO read what you post on social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter).
2) My friends are SMART!

Of course, I would add that if you don’t have your FREE account set up on Careers 2.0, you are missing out on an amazing opportunity.  (Of course I would say that!

What do YOU do to stay positive during the job search?  We’d love to see your responses too!