Hi there,

Welcome back to You Got a Minute by LifeAt. If you’re new here, you can get caught up by checking out our blog here!

If you’re interested in sponsoring a spot on our ever-growing newsletter, click here 🌱

Have you ever opened LinkedIn, scrolled through a few job posts, and suddenly felt like crawling under a weighted blanket? Job hunting can be exhausting even on the best days, but when you're already burnt out, it can feel like trying to run a marathon in molasses.

If you’re reading this while switching between job alerts, half-written cover letters, and some existential dread, I just want to remind you: you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re tired, and tired folks deserve understanding, not guilt.

Let’s talk about how to approach the job search in a softer, more sustainable way, especially when you're running on low battery.

💡 Reframing the Job Hunt

The typical hustle culture take on job hunting looks like:

• 🗯️ “Apply to 100 jobs a week!”

• 🗯️ “Treat your search like a 9–5!”

• 🗯️ “Network with everyone you've ever met!”

But what if you’re not able to handle that right now? What if your nervous system is already on edge after months (or even years) of pushing through? What I’ve realized is that you don’t have to go all-in to make progress. You can build a system that respects your energy levels while still helping you move forward (gently).

🌱 Our soft search strategy

Here’s what that could look like:

1. Set Micro Goals Instead of Marathons: Instead of “Apply to 20 jobs this week,” try:

• Update my LinkedIn summary

• Search for 3 roles that feel interesting, not soul-sucking

• Reach out to 1 person I genuinely admire (no sales pitch, just connection)

Small, consistent steps > burnout-inducing sprints.

2. Create a ‘Hope Folder’: Screenshots of kind messages. A list of your proudest wins. Notes from professors, coworkers, or friends.

On days when the rejection emails hit too hard, open your Hope Folder. Remind yourself of who you are beyond a job title.

3. Apply Only to Jobs That Spark Curiosity (Not Panic): You don’t need to mold yourself into someone else’s idea of a “dream hire.” The right role won’t ask you to completely abandon your values, needs, or identity.

Even if the job market is (really) hard right now, trust that filtering out what drains you is also part of the job search.

4. Protect Your Mental Space: It’s okay to mute LinkedIn for a day. It’s okay to log off after one application. It’s okay to cry a little, eat ice cream, and watch dumb TV.

Rest is part of the process. So is tending to your nervous system.

🔁 Remember: you’re not starting from scratch

You’ve learned things. Built skills. Survived setbacks. The version of you that’s job hunting or looking for an internship right now is wiser and more self-aware than ever before. You’ve overcome 100% of your bad days! 🙂 

So if it feels slow, if it feels emotional, if it feels uncertain, that’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that you’re approaching this with care, not chaos. You’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone & that’s where true growth happens.

📓 Journal Prompt

What kind of support would my future self thank me for right now?

(Maybe it's applying to one job. Maybe it’s taking a break. Both are valid.)

✨ Final Thoughts

You don’t have to hustle your way into a new job. You don’t have to prove your worth by burning out all over again. What you do need is a little hope, a little clarity, and a little self-compassion. You’re allowed to job hunt at your own pace.

You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to believe that a better fit is possible without sacrificing your well-being to find it. See you out there 🙂 calm, curious, and reclaiming your energy one step at a time.

With care,

Rorrie 🌿

LifeAt: Focus with joy

LifeAt isn’t just a productivity tool—it’s your personal focus sanctuary. With a Pomodoro timer, over 1,000 aesthetic virtual spaces, cozy soundboards, and a planner that actually keeps you on track, it’s built to make work feel good.

✨ Romanticize your workflow. Try LifeAt today and create a routine you’ll actually look forward to.

Reader Spotlight ❤️

We want to feature our community bi-weekly! Submit your profile here!

Real or AI 🤖

🎉 Last week, 85% of you nailed it - Image 2 was the real splashy treat! From the ultra-smooth lighting to the strangely perfect sand, you picked up on the subtle AI giveaways like pros.

This week, we’re headed to the water park. Two towering slides, one giant gorilla, and a whole lot of chaos. But only one of these images is the real deal - the other was dreamed up by an AI. 👀 Look closely: which one has more realistic textures, lighting, or water behavior? Is anything too clean? Too sharp? It’s all in the details!! Vote below 🏄‍♂️