The job search is difficult enough. That’s no surprise to the 6.4 million currently unemployed people in America, including the 240,000-plus tech workers who have been laid off this year. Between shouldering the financial burden, enrolling in unemployment benefits, and sending out applications for dozens of new roles, the process can often drag on for months, winnowing away at both one’s savings account and one’s mental health.
“Maladaptive reactions to unemployment can trap people in a vicious cycle that derails their reemployment efforts,” the study authors wrote. A brief, values-based self-affirmation intervention can increase reemployment odds in the short term, “which presumably breaks this vicious cycle.” Pausing for just 15 minutes to reflect on one’s progress and strengths can bolster self-confidence and belief, which can actually increase the chances of landing a job, the Swiss researchers found.
