Hate your job?

Bang. Just like that it’s the second month of 2018.

You’re either back at work with a recharged battery, keen on making this a cracker of a year, or you’re slumped over your desk wondering why you’re in a job you hate and hoping you’ll win the lottery so you can escape—forever.

Here’s the thing. You can’t control who you land as a boss or who your colleagues are. You can’t always control why you’re in a position that doesn’t perk you up. But you can control your misery and how long you remain stuck in your job.

Not sure how? Consider these tips.

What to do:

  1. Put things into perspective. You’re not the only one in the world who is in a job that’s not a good fit. Unhappiness at work can erupt at a moment’s notice. It can be caused by shifts in management, staffing and your responsibilities. Unhappiness can also be caused by staying in a role for far too long.
  2. Shift your mindset. You’re smart and talented even if you don’t feel like you are. You can deal with this. Optimism while being realistic is the way to go. With careful planning, persistence, the right strategies and support for dealing with obstacles, you’ll succeed.
  3. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Seek professional writing support to make sure your expertise and experience shine through. You need to stand out in your field.
  4. Book an appointment with a professional career coach to work through a strategic plan and build your confidence. HINT: Only go to an accredited coach (the industry isn’t regulated so in theory anyone can become a coach). With Kim Vella Coaching the first consultation is free.
  5. Get moving. It can be overwhelming looking for new work, but if you break the process into small, manageable steps you’ll soon gain momentum and feel better.
  6. Manage expectations. You might land a new position quickly and you might not. But if you snooze you’ll lose and not get anywhere.
  7. Look for important work rather than work that makes you look important. Important work is what will keep you happy in the next phase of your career.

What NOT to do:

  1. Blab about wanting to get out (especially at work and on social media). Keep your plans to yourself, or at least close to your chest.
  2. Quit in haste and without a plan. Ideally you want another job before you resign. If you can’t wait, then make sure you have a strategy in place or you may find yourself in limbo.
  3. Stay too long. The longer you’re in a job that’s dragging you down the worse you’ll feel. Stress and even depression and anger may creep in. You need to avoid this.
  4. Become a moaner at work while you sort things through. This will drag you down. It will also drag everyone else down and ultimately ruin your reputation.
  5. Drown your sorrows with unhealthy habits. Using drugs, alcohol or food to drown your sorrows will only make you feel worse. Searching for your dream position requires energy.
  6. Doubt yourself or let self-doubt paralyse you. Again, a coach can support you to get into the best mindframe and position you to make the best decisions.

 

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