If you are under a great deal of financial pressure, accepting any job — and tabling your search for a job with a greater purpose — may be the right choice for you, at least right now. Do what you need to do to feed yourself or your loved ones. You can find a way to grow and contribute in almost any role.

The pressure around a job search causes many people who do have other options (either desperately or excitedly) to say “yes” without a moment’s pause. It can cause people to apply to every job without considering whether they’d actually enjoy it. If you have the leeway to do so and won’t be putting yourself at risk, try to give yourself some time — both before applying to a role and when considering an offer.

To safeguard your wellbeing during any hard time, and keep your spark alive, you must learn to separate your emotions from your worries.

When something is pulling at your mind (such as your employment situation), schedule that heavy thought and visit it only once per day at...