How to Stay Focused on Your Job Search During Uncertain Times

If you’ve been scrolling through headlines lately, it’s easy to feel like the sky is falling. Layoffs. Hiring freezes. Recession talk. It’s enough to make even the most ambitious woman want to curl up under the covers with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream ice cream and avoid LinkedIn altogether. I get it. 

That said…

You are not powerless.

Staying focused on your job search during uncertain times isn’t about pretending the world isn’t going to hell in a handbasket—it’s about focusing on what you can control. I’ve been laid off more than once. I spent years in a volatile industry where mergers and acquisitions were the norm and “restructuring” was a monthly buzzword. I learned quickly: there is no such thing as a “safe” job.

So if you’re telling yourself you’re fine as long as you keep your head down and do your work—friend, please don’t fall for that lie. It’s not just about performance. The systems are unstable, and it’s time to start thinking about your own plan, your own goals, and your own peace.

Let’s chat for a moment about how to stay focused, grounded, and ready so you’re not caught off guard and scrambling when the winds shift.

1. Control What You Can

There is a lot going on that’s completely out of your hands right now. There’s also a whole lot you can control—and that’s where I want you to direct your energy.

Ask yourself:

• Do I know what kind of role I want next?
• Do I have a strong, current resume and LinkedIn profile?
• Do I have the skills needed to position myself for higher-paying roles?

If the answer is “no” to any of the above, that’s your focus right now. Not the layoff news. Not the toxic group chat of folks spiraling about the current administration’s antics. YOU are your focus.

Set a goal: maybe it’s three applications per week. Or one hour of professional development each night. Small, consistent action will move you forward.

2. Get Clear on What’s Next

If you’ve been questioning your current role or even your career direction, that is not something to push to the side just because the market feels shaky. In fact, it’s more reason to face it head-on.

Clarity brings direction, and direction brings momentum.

So, ask yourself:

• What do I want more of in my career (money, flexibility, meaning, leadership)?
• What do I want less of (stress, micromanagement, office politics)?
• Is my current path going to get me to the life I want?

If that feels overwhelming, start by journaling. Describe your ideal workday. What kind of work are you doing? Where are you working from? How do you feel?

Still feeling stuck? 

This might be the perfect time to book a Career Clarity Session so we can talk through it together. Sometimes, all it takes is one good conversation to quiet the noise and map out a real plan.

3. Stay in Motion

The biggest mistake I see women make during times like these is hitting pause on their job search.

They tell themselves:

“I’ll wait until things settle down.” 

“I should be grateful I have a job.” 

“I don’t want to seem disloyal.”

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this, friend…Companies will make decisions that serve their interests. You are allowed—and encouraged—to do the same.

Yes, things are uncertain, but employers are still hiring. High-paying remote roles are still being filled. And when the market tightens, the best candidates get picked first. You want to be ready, not rushing to put a resume together after getting a surprise HR email.

4. Invest in Yourself

Uncertainty can be an invitation to prepare, not panic.

Consider:

• Taking a course to sharpen your skills (free or low-cost options are out there).
• Reading career-focused books or listening to job search podcasts on your commute or walk.
• Joining a professional membership or attending webinars related to your field.

These aren’t just resume builders—they’re confidence builders.

Unfortunately, many of us were not taught to invest in ourselves without permission. So, if you’re waiting for someone to tell you it’s okay to prioritize your career growth, this is me telling you: do it.

5. Prioritize Rest, Routine, and Relationships

You can’t stay focused if you’re mentally and physically depleted. We all know how job searching (especially during uncertain times) can be exhausting.

Here’s what I suggest:

• Stick to a routine. Wake up and wash your face, even if you’re working from home. Make a job search plan each week.
• Move your body. Walk, stretch, dance in the kitchen—anything that helps you release tension.
• Nourish your body. Not just with food but with content. Cut the doomscrolling completely out. Unfollow the folks who are adding stress. Find voices that speak life into your situation.
• Stay connected. Check in with your hype squad. Lean on your mentors, friends, or community—especially the ones who remind you of who you are when you forget.
  
  

I'll leave you with this...

Yes, the world feels a little off-balance right now. I won’t sugarcoat that. But you are not at the mercy of headlines. You don’t have to wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder and give you permission to go after what you really want.

Take a deep breath.

Then take one small step—whether that’s updating your resume, scheduling a call, applying to one role, or simply writing down what you want next.

You don’t need a five-year plan. You just need to move forward with intention.

And if you’re ready to talk through your options, get clear on your direction, or figure out where to start, I’d love to support you.

Book a Career Clarity Session today by clicking HERE, and let’s talk through what’s next, what’s possible, and how we’ll get you there together.

Even in uncertain times, you’re still allowed to want more. And I’m here to help you go get it.