Episode 337

When You Want to Quit: The Job Search Mindset Shift

Episode 337 - Job searching can test even the most experienced professionals. In this episode, I reflect on Sabalenka’s emotional loss at Roland Garros and explain why job seekers need to move from emotional reaction to strategic response after rejection, redundancy, long job searches, interviews, and career setbacks.

There are moments in sport when we see more than performance.

We see pressure, and the private battle that sits underneath public achievement.

That happened recently at Roland Garros, when Aryna Sabalenka lost a match many expected her to win and later said she felt like she wanted to quit tennis. Reports from Reuters and Sky Sports captured the emotional weight of that moment. It was not polished or strategic. It was human.

I was watching the interview with my father, and he said something that stayed with me. He observed that Sabalenka has the physical gifts of an elite tennis player. The strength, the talent, the training, the ability. But at that level, the difference is often mindset.

That comment made me think about job seekers.

Not because looking for work is the same as elite sport, of course. But because both can place people under intense pressure. Both require repeated performance under judgment. Both involve rejection, recovery, comparison, and the ability to reset after disappointment.

Read the full Blog on the Website


31 Days of Action for Job Seekers

Find Your Talents: Learn About Your Strengths, and Watch Your Career Grow

Join 5,000+ Readers of The Job Hunting Newsletter: Subscribe Now

Lear More About Renata's career coaching and courses



Timestamps to guide your listening:

  • 00:00 The Emotional Side of Job Searching
  • 05:45 Mindset Matters in Job Search
  • 10:01 Navigating Redundancy and Emotional Responses
  • 17:17 Dealing with Rejection and Performance Feedback
  • 22:12 The Challenges of a Long Job Search
  • 28:00 Exploring Career Changes and New Directions
  • 32:47 Building Resilience in Job Search Strategies

Links mentioned in this episode:

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress. 

Watch the Episodes on YouTube

Follow Renata on Social Media:




About the Podcast

Show artwork for The Job Hunting Podcast
The Job Hunting Podcast

About your host

Profile picture for Renata Bernarde

Renata Bernarde

I'm Renata Bernarde, a former CEO and senior executive, now dedicated to helping professionals succeed in advancing their careers. I believe that you can have the best career. One that satisfies your financial and personal needs, brings you joy, and adds value to your life.
I designed career services that can meet your needs and your budget. So, if you're a seasoned professional at a career crossroads, seeking to align your next job with your life's purpose, then let's redefine your career path together and turn aspirations into achievements. Are you ready? Let's embark on this journey together.

Warm regards

Renata Bernarde