A job search that lasts for a long time can wear you down. You may have started out with a positive attitude, but if you've been looking for a job for a while, you may no longer be as upbeat. For one thing, rejection can really deflate one's ego. Then there's the frustration of plugging away at something that doesn't seem to be moving forward.

Remember, a job search, on average, takes several months. Depending on the economy, it may take even longer. The best thing you can do is to stay positive. A positive attitude will translate into self-confidence, something you surely need when you go out on job interviews. A negative attitude, in contrast, will make you look defeated. It will not bring you any closer to getting hired. And you certainly don't want to make your job search last any longer than it has to, do you?

If you are currently employed, continue to do your job well. You don't want the stress of job loss to be added to the stress of a job search. If your reason for looking for a new job is that you don't get along with your boss or coworkers, look for ways to improve these relationships. If you simply hate your work, remember that you're doing something proactive so that you will eventually not have to do it any longer. If money is the issue, remember that earning some money is better than earning none.

If you are unemployed and find yourself spending every waking moment on your job search, take a break. You need to set limits on the time you spend looking for a job. Try to stick to working only during business hours, let's say 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Remember to take a lunch hour halfway through the day. You can even meet friends for lunch — perhaps catch up with your old work buddies. Or you may try doing something a little more productive, like scheduling lunches with your network contacts. Okay, that may feel a little more like work than a break, but you can always take a break at another time.

Get out of the house for a while. A change of scenery may revitalize you. If you have a laptop computer, work outdoors if the weather is cooperative. Some businesses, including coffee shops, have wireless Internet connectivity so you can pretty much work anywhere these days. If you don't have a laptop, find out if your local library has public computers.

While you're in the library, borrow a book that isn't job-search-related. Reading a good novel after a long day working on your job search will be refreshing. If you can't concentrate on a book, take yourself to a movie. You may be trying to save money, so a matinee may be a better option. Remember, if you spend time away from your job search during the day, you can always make up for it in the evening. Just don't count on contacting any leads by phone after regular business hours.