More about Depression and Job Search

Back in August of 2006, a post titled “Depression and Job Search” debuted on the blog, and nearly two years later, it’s still striking a chord. (As an aside to those who wonder about the value of blogging, take note – content put up two years ago continues to draw targeted readers to this site.)

In fact, I was compelled to re-blog about the topic after a spate of new comments from readers, and I’m noticing that a common thread has to do with age. Not that you’d be prone to depression as you’d get older, but the fact that it’s harder for older workers to land a job is causing a spike in depression rates in that group.

In fact, the difficulties of finding a new job in your 40s and 50s is starting to gain greater national attention. A recent article on CNNMoney.com notes:

While it’s not easy to land a job in this weak economy, older workers are in a particularly tough spot. Corporate downsizings are hitting this group hard, with many companies looking to shed the higher-paid positions these employees often occupy. Even worse, older job seekers are discovering the search is even rougher as many employers shy away from hiring those closer to retirement than to the start of their careers.

The downsizings come at a bad time for older workers. Not only can’t they afford to retire, but many were counting on beefing up their 401(k) accounts in the years before they exit the labor force. Compounding the problem is the slumping stock market, which has left them with a deflated 401(k) cushion to draw on while looking for a new post.

Read the full article to discover some resources related to job searches for mid-career professionals in transition. And this ties in to the best advice I can offer if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression – don’t keep it inside. Depression tends to create its own vicious circle, and unless you take action to break it, it’ll only get worse.

Seek help – not for depression, but for your job search. Success will wipe away the blues. Find others in similar straits and support each other. Try new things. Network. Explore other resources.

Take action, over and over again, and fight against depression, rather than letting it sap your energy and drive you down. Easy to say, I know, but it has to be said.

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