25/08/2025
Caring for Yourself while searching for a role in care
Searching for a job in adult social care or any other sector can feel emotionally and mentally draining, especially if you are between roles or facing repeated rejection. Whilst social care is a sector built on compassion, care and people skills, the job search process follows similar pattern to other industries. To protect your mental health, it helps to bring structure, perspective and kindness into the process.
Start by building a routine. Give yourself a set time each day to search and apply, and then stop. It can be tempting to keep refreshing job boards late into the evening, but that leads to burnout. Instead, focus your efforts during a few productive hours and then take time to rest or do something enjoyable.
Keep a simple record of progress. This could be a list of jobs applied for, a tally of cover letters written, or notes from interviews. When progress feels slow, these notes are a reminder that you are putting in the work.
Celebrate every step. Sending one application might not feel like much, but it is effort. Getting an interview, even if you do not get the job, is a sign that your approach is working. Each step is part of the journey, not just the end result.
Talk to people who understand. Whether that is fellow job seekers, past colleagues or friends in the sector, talking helps. It reminds you that you are not alone and that others have faced similar challenges and come out the other side.
Importantly, do not measure your worth by the number of responses you get. Social care is about people. It demands empathy, presence and real skills. If a job does not come through, it is not because you are lacking. Sometimes roles are paused, already filled internally or just not the right fit.
Finally, give yourself permission to rest. Job searching is a form of work. If you need a day off, take it. If you feel demotivated, step away and come back when you are ready.
The right role will come, and you deserve to enter it feeling confident, balanced and supported!
