A - month job search is a marathon, not a sprint.
Signs you need rest:
- Dreading applications
- Making careless mistakes on known problems
- Snapping at friends and family
- Physical symptoms (headaches, sleep problems)
What rest looks like:
- Take a weekend completely off. No LeetCode. No applications.
- Do something non-tech
- Sleep properly
Signs you're avoiding, not resting:
- "Breaks" that last weeks
- Finding reasons not to apply
- Prep that feels productive but isn't (reorganizing notes instead of practicing)
Career Changer Tip: Schedule rest before you need it. One day off per week prevents burnout.