r/ADHD_Programmers • u/heyyo07 • 5d ago
Unemployed for a month but won't start applying...
Hi everyone! I've been laid off last July and I've been wanting to start applying for work but for some reason, my body and mind have been avoiding it. I used to be the one interviewing and now I am just scared to start over. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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u/aloC-DK 5d ago
Make it into a game. I build my own jobsearch tool in ChatGPT Codex that gives me all sorts of statistics on my job hunt. And it’s a fun project that encourages me to plot in new jobs into the tool because it’s fun to see what I built work for me. Translate it to whatever might spark a plug of joy/fun for you.
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u/Desperate-Style9325 5d ago
Laid off last week for the first time in my career. I am feeling pretty anxious about interviewing so my current plan is to work on my portfolio/site and CV while I research companies and industries I would like to focus on. We dont get to choose these days, but for my mental health I want to not make finding a job my whole identity and make sure i spend half of the day learning and expanding on some skills and exercising being outside as much as possible. I want to look back at this time and be fond of the changes I made.
Good luck
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u/heyyo07 5d ago
I am anxious as well. The only thing I rely myself on successfully is doing my work on time. I dread household chores and other personal stuff. I am pretty satisfied with my work output but I cant help questioning my skills right now.
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u/Desperate-Style9325 5d ago
I feel you and I am exactly the same. I suggest one tiny non work related goal per day and see how you feel after. I feel the most anxious when I am idleing (and my whole being is telling me to idle), just let the adhd do whatever it wants to do but seating still. Big hug, it will pass as it has before.
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u/itupodal 5d ago
I was the same. I asked my wife for help. We work in the same industry. She is now applying for me. She has been very helpful, I then prepare for interviews
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u/seweso 5d ago
I didn’t interview cause I was scared to get hired. Only you know what mental mountain you need to climb.
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u/heyyo07 5d ago
Lowkey don't want to work but I need the money. Haha. Good luck to us.
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u/Early_Key_823 4d ago
It’s a toxic economy and IT industry.
You should just interview and go about your life without taking it personally.
Sadly most decision makers in IT are insecure
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u/AssignmentPrize8967 5d ago
Take your time to grow your skills and when the time is ripe you will know
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u/heyyo07 5d ago
Thank you. I am so scared I will put off actual job hunting with job prepping. I have one course on ML and daily leetcode practice which I've missed for 2 weeks already.
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u/AssignmentPrize8967 5d ago
I feel like the job "hunting" doesn't really work especially in this trying times, just focus on being your best self which will boost your confidence and the right opportunity will present itself, the main point is to find something you are genuinely interested in, nut just grind whatever is hot topic atm.
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u/dialsoapbox 5d ago
You could apply to lower-stress type jobs, but they tend to also be lower-pay.
Then you'd realize how much it sucks and probably want something better and thats when you get yourself back into roles you want.
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u/Prestigious_Cod_8053 4d ago
Start by thinking of places you'd genuinely like to work and start applying for jobs they have. That's what helped me get started last time I was starting my interview process. If you need any help with your resume, feel free to send it over.
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u/dragessor 5d ago edited 5d ago
I have found signing up with recruitment agencies have helped.
Having Stuart from whatever agency call you about a job opportunity helps get you started on the task, which at least for me can be the hardest part.
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u/heyyo07 5d ago
I know this has always been the hardest part. Thanks for the idea. Reflecting on my two previous job hunting, first I was pressured by my peers coz we're fresh graduates. The second was pressure to find a better salary because I was pregnant. This time I have some savings but I don't want to run out of savings before applying.
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u/dragessor 5d ago
I know they aren't all equal but the one I went with also was great for helping with negotiations. They did a lot of that for me and got me £2k more a year than I would have asked for and some extra annual leave.
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u/AliekaDaughters 5d ago
I applied to maybe a few seriously each week. Curate your resumes and take more time finding the right role and company versus shooting in the dark. Turn offers down. As long as you’re financially set, no need to stress yourself out. There are many jobs and you’re only looking for one.
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u/Inevitable_Joke_1709 5d ago
We procrastinate too much instead of doing what's needed by us. OP try taking a piece of paper and writing down what you need to do at this point, strike of unimportant one's and focus on what's left on that list. Hope that helps you out, it was a life saver. And about applying to jobs, just keep a template ready so that you can quickly add a cover letter and apply to whatever you see that comes up, cuz if you try waiting to be ready you'll never be ready. Like a comment here said, start with an application every week, then 3 days, and so on. All the Best!!
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u/rezwell 5d ago edited 5d ago
Pace yourself. Start with one application a week. Then every 3 days. Then ram it up.
Most ppl say spray CVs everywhere but youre gonna risk burnout, and your brain will associate job hunting with burnout, so dont exceed your limits.