Maybe because it is, or should it be?

By Ray Baptiste
I can imagine you've lost count of the times you've sat in front of your computer, scrolling through job listings for hours, tweaking your resume for the umpteenth time, and writing another cover letter. Somewhere along the way, you have probably asked yourself: Why does finding a job feel like a full-time job? And honestly, that's precisely what it is. The process of job hunting can be mentally and emotionally exhausting, and it's easy to feel like it's consuming your entire life.
Why Does Finding a Job Feel Like a Full-Time Job?
1. The Time Commitment
What probably surprised you most about job hunting was just how much time it takes. It's not just the time spent applying—researching companies, customising CVs, networking, preparing for interviews, and following up afterwards. I expect you thought you could apply to a few jobs over the weekend, which would be enough. But then you quickly learned you had to work serious daily hours to get noticed.
Each job application requires a level of personalisation. Gone are the days when you could send the same CV and cover letter to 50 companies and hope for the best. Now, every company expects a tailored application showing you've researched their organisation and understand their needs. For each application, you need to tweak your CV to highlight relevant skills, write a new cover letter, and sometimes even complete an assessment. After a while, it starts feeling like a never-ending project.
2. The Emotional Rollercoaster
The emotional toll of job hunting is something no one prepares you for. At first, you feel motivated and optimistic. You told yourself that you were qualified, and it was only a matter of time before you landed a great role. But after sending out dozens of applications and getting little response, that optimism begins to fade.
It's hard not to take the rejections personally. Even though you know logically that companies receive hundreds of applications, each rejection still stings. The silence is often worse, those times when you don't even hear back after an interview. It makes you question yourself, your skills, and whether you'll ever find something. Staying positive and pushing through those low moments becomes one of the most challenging parts of the process.
3. The Constant Learning Curve
Another reason job hunting feels like a full-time job is the need to constantly adapt. The hiring landscape is always changing. There are new technologies, platforms, and even trends in how to write your CV. Every time you thought you had the perfect format, recruiters would tell you they needed to see something different. Then there's LinkedIn, online portfolios, personal websites, and networking events, it can feel like there's always something more you should do to stand out.
Even the interview process itself is demanding. Each interview requires preparation, researching the company, practising answers to common questions, and thinking of thoughtful questions to ask. It feels like you're preparing for an exam each time, and that preparation takes energy and focus.
4. Networking is Work, Too
Speaking of energy, let's talk about networking. Everyone says networking is vital to finding a job, and they're right. But networking doesn't come naturally to everyone. (blog about networking) It feels like another layer of work on top of everything else. Attending events, contacting people on LinkedIn, and forming genuine connections all require effort. And when you're already tired from the job search, networking can feel like an extra task.
5. It Is a Full-Time Job
In the end, the realisation that job hunting feels like a full-time job is because, in many ways, it is. You're marketing yourself, preparing for interviews, and constantly learning. The process demands patience, persistence, and resilience. While it's draining, you will also see it as an investment in your future. Each application, rejection, and interview is a step closer to finding the right fit.
So, if you're in the middle of a job search and feeling overwhelmed, know you're not alone. It's normal for it to feel all-consuming, and that's because finding a job today requires time, effort, and emotional endurance. But like any full-time job, it's also temporary. And when you finally land that role, all the hard work will feel worth it.
Ray Baptiste - With over 30 years of recruitment experience, I’ve helped thousands of mid-career professionals and those over 50 find jobs that match their skills and passions. Whether you're just starting your search or fine-tuning your interview technique, I can provide the guidance you need to succeed.
If you're ready to take control of your job search and land your next role with confidence, I’m here to help. Contact me at ray@aionion.co.uk, or book a coaching session to start your journey toward your ideal career.
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