Positive vibes only? How toxic positivity can sabotage your job search

Positivity is a powerful tool that can help you stay motivated and optimistic during your job search. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful. This is where toxic positivity comes in.

What is toxic positivity?

Toxic positivity is the belief that you should only focus on positive emotions and reject anything that may be considered negative. This can manifest as telling someone to “just think positive” or “look on the bright side.”

While positivity is important, toxic positivity can be harmful. It can make people feel guilty for experiencing negative emotions and make it difficult for them to express their true feelings.

How can it harm your job search?

Toxic positivity can harm your job search in a number of ways. It can lead to unrealistic expectations and feelings of failure when those expectations are not met.

If you are struggling to find a job and someone tells you to “just be positive,” it can make you feel like your feelings aren’t valid. This can lead to feelings of shame, which can make it difficult to stay motivated during your job search.

It can also prevent individuals from seeking help or support. If you are told to “just be positive” when you express your struggles during the job search, you may feel like you can’t reach out for help or support as it may be perceived as a sign of weakness or negativity.

This can make the job search process even more isolating and challenging.

Impact with potential employers

Toxic positivity can also come across as insincere to potential employers. If you are constantly putting on a façade of positivity, it can make it difficult for employers to get a sense of your true personality.

This can make it difficult for you to build genuine connections with potential employers and could harm your chances of getting hired.

Conclusion

While positivity is important in many areas of life, including your job search, toxic positivity can be harmful. It’s important to acknowledge and process negative emotions, rather than simply pushing them aside in the name of positivity.

By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with searching for a job. Remember that it’s okay to not be okay, and that experiencing negative emotions is a normal part of the job search process.

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