Know When To Move On

How many times have you left work tired and discouraged about what you do for a living? If so, then perhaps it is time you moved on, says Oneta Aldrich Dernelle.

Quitting your job is easily done, but getting another one may not be. So you could look for another job while holding onto your present one, then, when you’ve found it, give notice. Or you may wish to consider skills training or advanced education, most likely on a part-time basis, in the evening and on a long-term basis, but that can be difficult too.
But the sacrifice pays off: it makes the present job more bearable and working toward another line of employment gives you hope that one day you can move ahead. And by having an engrossing interest outside of work, you gain and keep a more positive perspective in your personal life.
Meanwhile, try adding interest to your day by planning an enjoyable lunch hour at least once a week. That might mean getting outside to a park or trying a different eatery in the company of a friend.
Even if you can’t enjoy your present job, take a positive view. Look for the advantages in it and just maybe you’ll find a few redeeming features. It helps to make a list of those aspects that you like—and those you don’t. You may be surprised to discover that the “like” list is longer than you thought. Perhaps you have been expending more thought and energy on the “dislike” items.
And if, after checking your list, you still dislike your job, then go ahead and plan your actions.

Three suggestions on moving on:

1. Change jobs immediately. If you can find a more fulfilling job, move quickly, giving at least two weeks notice. But don’t consider quitting without it. And remember that you never know when you may need to come through that door again, perhaps not to get your job back, but for a recommendation or some favour.

2. If an immediate change is not possible, plan a long-range one. If you know the type of work you’d like but little about the educational requirements, pay structures or employment possibilities, check around, first ask questions of professionals and those already employed in the field.
If you don’t know the type of work that you would like to do, take some aptitude tests and consult employment professionals and agencies.

3. If you are locked into your job by circumstances, resolve to take it one day at a time, making that day as pleasant as possible. Anticipate pleasant evenings and weekends away from work; build a full personal life and develop new friendships. Instead of seeing your job as your life, realise it’s only eight of 24. Your irritation and stress on the job will be reduced when viewed in this light.

Many successful writers, artists and creative personalities have had to work at what they considered boring and unsuitable jobs in order to support themselves in the early stages of their careers. But their creativity outside those jobs gave excitement to their lives. Let your special interests lift you above and beyond the confines of your present dull job while you prepare yourself for an ideal career.

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