Challenges with mental health are increasingly common for college students. It can be overwhelming to look for jobs, figure out career pathways, and network with professionals—all while juggling classes and extracurriculars. It’s important to mitigate stress by giving yourself a break when needed and being aware of the resources and support that are available to you.
Mental Health’s Impact on Career Decisions
Your mental health is an important consideration when thinking about future jobs. Be realistic with yourself and know your boundaries. Think about your preferred level of workload, interest in working remotely or in-person, ideal company culture, etc. Self-reflection and awareness are important to uphold while deciding what job you want to have. If you prefer a fast-paced environment, maybe you would prefer corporate or working at a larger organization. If you would rather set your own deadlines and work independently, consider starting your own practice. Do what you know works well for you!
Managing Stress in Job Searching
Know that jobs can be competitive and it can take months of earnest searching and applications before securing an offer. You are not alone! You may feel pressure from yourself or others to find a job quickly, but quality is more important than speed in building your career. While looking for a full-time position, you could continue gaining experience through classes, volunteering, internships, personal projects, etc.. Break down tasks into manageable steps and take time off from applying as needed. Consider changing some of your strategies and focus on what you can control. For additional support, you can meet with a Career Coach to reflect on your process and get answers to your specific questions.
Disclosing Mental Health and Accommodations
You may choose to disclose your mental health condition to an employer to receive proper accommodations. The ADA prohibits discrimination against employees due to their disability status, and employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations. You may find that working a hybrid schedule, receiving modified deadlines, flexible hours, or assistive technology can be helpful to you at your job, so it’s important to let your company know if you require any of these so that you can be protected. For UW students and employees, check out Disability Resources for Students (DRS) and the Disability Services Office (DSO) for more information.
Campus Resources for Mental Health
Below are some resources available to UW students:
- LiveWell Peer Wellness Coaching – LiveWell is located at Elm Hall 109 and is dedicated to health promotion, advocacy, and education. You can schedule an appointment with a peer wellness coach to help problem-solve, create intentional change in your life, and strengthen your personal well-being.
- UW Counseling Center – Located in Schmitz Hall 401, the UW Counseling Center provides individual, group, career and crisis counseling for students via secure Zoom and in person. There is also an option for drop-in support with a mental health counselor.
- Husky Helpline – You can call or text the Husky Helpline 24/7 and receive support from a licensed mental health counselor. They offer confidential mental health and crisis intervention support.
