Beating Blue Monday: How recruiters can help job seekers navigate career transitions and job changes

This article was posted January 2024.

As the third Monday in January, Blue Monday has gained notoriety as the "most depressing day of the year." 

The post-holiday blues and cold, dark days really can take a toll on our emotional and mental wellbeing - and just knowing there’s a day called ‘Blue Monday’ on the horizon just adds to that. For job seekers contemplating career transitions or facing job changes, it can feel like an additional layer of challenge.

In this article, we'll look at what Blue Monday is, explore how it can affect people in the workplace and discuss the role recruiters play in offering support, guidance and opportunities to those looking for a fresh start. You’ll also find valuable tips for individuals dealing with job-related stress and uncertainty during this challenging time. It’s time to beat the blues…

What is Blue Monday and is it real?

The term Blue Monday was coined to describe the third Monday in January; in 2024 it falls on the 15th of January. It's said (by a holiday company for a marketing campaign, no less) to be the day when a combination of factors, including post-holiday financial strain, cold weather, failed New Year's resolutions and a general sense of ennui culminate in a collective feeling of sadness and depression.

Blue Monday has not been scientifically proven - the marketing campaign lacks empirical evidence to support its claims. Emotional wellbeing is influenced by a complex interplay of factors and varies from person to person. While some people may indeed feel down during this time, attributing it to a specific day on the calendar is overly simplistic.

How can Blue Monday affect job seekers?

Nevertheless, the fact that it’s talked about can affect those looking for jobs, and of course, people may have the blues for any number of reasons.

Job seekers, particularly those considering career transitions or facing job changes, can find Blue Monday to be an additional source of stress and uncertainty. 

The emotional toll of job searching can be exacerbated by the perceived gloominess of the day. If someone is already experiencing self-doubt or is apprehensive about their job search and future career, Blue Monday probably isn’t going to help.

How recruiters can support job seekers

There are a few ways in which recruitment consultants can help job seekers during times when their emotional or mental wellbeing may be negatively impacted:

• Recruiters can provide personalised advice and guidance to job seekers, helping them tailor their job search strategies to their circumstances and career goals.
  
  
• They can match candidates with job opportunities that align with their skills, experiences and career goals, helping them find positions that contribute positively to their sense of purpose and wellbeing.
  
  
• Recruiters can support building mental resilience during the job search process, emphasising the importance of self-care and maintaining a positive mindset.
  

5 tips recruiters can give candidates

While Blue Monday may not have scientific validity, the challenges it symbolises are very real for job seekers. Here are five valuable tips recruiters can offer job seekers dealing with work-related stress and career uncertainty:

1. Set realistic goals: Encourage candidates to set achievable goals in their job search and career transition process. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps.
   
   
2. Stay connected: Emphasise the importance of networking and maintaining connections within their industry. Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities and emotional support.
   
   
3. Seek professional development: Suggest that candidates use this time to invest in professional development and upskilling. Learning new skills can help increase confidence and lead to new career paths.
   
   
4. Practice self-care: Remind candidates to prioritise self-care activities like exercise, eating healthily and quality time with family and friends. These activities can help reduce stress and lead to improved wellbeing.
   
   
5. Stay positive: Encourage candidates to stay positive and resilient when they experience a setback. Rejections are a part of a job search, but they don't define someone’s worth or potential.