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Hope Deferred: The Psychological Toll of Long-Term Job Searching and Unemployment
- Teresa G. Lusk
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 21
By Teresa Lusk | Executive & Media Coach | Journalist | Faith Leader
Email: teresa@teresalusk.com | Phone: 214-552-6470
There are people all around you who have been searching for employment for a long time and still can’t seem to secure a job. I’m not talking about your cousin Jimmy, who’s been riding the unemployment train since he was 19, is now 41, and still living with mom, or Aunt Jenny and them. I’m talking about the men, women, and willing-to-work youth who have spent countless hours searching for open positions.
Since the onset of COVID-19 in 2019, the job market has been shaky. Today, gas and food prices have skyrocketed, and almost every company offering goods or services has increased prices simply because, well, everyone else is doing it!
But the effects of a prolonged period of unemployment can be detrimental, especially if someone:
Lacks a support system—whether family, friends, colleagues, a church group, or other outlets.
Treats the job search like a typical 40-hour workweek (which is not healthy, even in dire need).
Neglects to pray, take walks, exercise, journal, or even color to interrupt the thought cycles of defeat, failure, and hopelessness.
Has someone in their circle criticizing or diminishing them for the lack of results.
Lacks resources to advance, including education, transportation, or finances for expenses like required uniforms, travel for training, and other costs often overlooked by those who haven’t been in this situation before.
A prevailing misunderstanding is that if a job seeker hasn’t secured employment, they must not be looking hard enough or are unwilling to humble themselves to jobs below their education level. The reality is that individuals at every level of education apply for jobs they are qualified for, unqualified for, and even overqualified for. This is the effect of the current 2025 job market. Ask any committed job seeker who has been searching for over six months how many resumes they’ve sent out—the answer is usually hundreds. And that doesn’t even include the dreaded cover letters, which employers rarely read.
If you are the job seeker I am speaking of, what steps can you take to cultivate a hopeful and enduring mindset until something changes? Below are some simple and effective tips. Remember, these are not a one-and-done fix—they are a lifestyle until circumstances improve.
If you are a person of faith, read your Bible. Even if you are not, the Bible contains many encouraging scriptures. Here are a few to get you started: Proverbs 3:5–6 | Jeremiah 29:11 | Galatians 6:9 | Isaiah 40:31 | Philippians 4:6–7 | Revelation 3:8 | Matthew 6:33 | James 1:5.
Pray for yourself and invite others to pray for you.
Apply to jobs with excellence. Don’t just submit your resume by copying and pasting. Tailor your resume carefully for each job description. This takes longer, but can set you apart.
If you feel like you’re dragging your soul through the day in an inhumane manner, it’s time to pause. Cut your job search day in half, make plans to hang out with a friend, go people-watch—just pause. YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO PAUSE!
Watch and listen to funny and encouraging videos and podcasts. In my hardest seasons, I’ve relied on people who have a knack for motivational messages.
Understand that you are not alone in this job market slump. Nearly two million individuals were unemployed as of June 2025—qualified, hard-working, quality people who are also without a job.
Do something you love that doesn’t cost much. Do you like bike riding? Do it without guilt. Crochet? Finish that project. Write? Write as much as you want and get your creative juices flowing.
When you feel small, embarrassed, or ashamed of your situation, remember this: your situation is not a reflection of who you are, only where you are.
Never forget how hard this is, so that one day you can extend a loving, helping hand to others in need.
Lastly, remember that this too shall pass—this season will end.
Things to Not Say or Do to a Prolonged Job Seeker
Don’t ask daily, or every time you speak, if they’ve heard from a potential employer—they will tell you when there’s news, trust me!
Avoid asking how many jobs they applied for recently—the answer is always more than you know.
Suggesting they try lower-level jobs to prove they’re willing to humble themselves is not effective. Believe me, they’ve probably applied for many jobs they’re overqualified for.
Avoid clichés like “Everything happens for a reason” or “You just need to have faith.” They already have faith, or they would have quit.
Help a Job Seeker By:
Saying something positive about the future, like, “I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but it will get better.” This is not the same as “just have faith.” One comment places the responsibility of what is not happening for them on them, the other is a hopeful statement.
Taking them to lunch or coffee, offering to go for a walk, or engaging in some other activity—just be present.
Connecting them to someone you know who might be able to help.
About the Author:
Teresa Lusk is a counselor, executive and media coach, journalist, and faith leader. She draws on her diverse experience to offer practical, compassionate guidance for those facing challenges like unemployment. Teresa blends encouragement with real-world tools to help individuals rebuild confidence, navigate tough transitions, and communicate with clarity. For coaching or counseling appointments, contact Teresa at teresa@teresalusk.com or 214-552-6470.
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