One of the fall-outs of this great recession is that many people feel stuck in jobs they don’t like.
People are stuck because they are afraid that if they quit, they may not find another job.
Many college graduates simply can’t get employment in their field, so they hang on to the only job they could find … often, low-end customer service jobs. They have bills to pay.
But if you’re bored with your current job or if feel you’re stuck, that’s a no-win situation: you can never attain your full potentials in that condition, and your employer cannot get the best services out of your work either.
So as tough as it may seem, it may be best to seek another job.
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But of course, you don’t want to give up your current job just yet. At least, until you’ve found something better, unless you have an understanding rich uncle who is willing to take care of your bills.
Mindset is the starting point of success. Be sure you have the right mindset. Do NOT have the mindset of victim-hood, or bitterness, or jealousy. Rather, develop the mindset of positivity and excellence: you want a better job because you want to attain your highest potentials in service to humanity using your skills and education.
Ask yourself what you’d really like to be doing. Consider all your special interests and skills. Where do you excel at the present time and where did you excel in school? Review your volunteer services, as well. You need to set some near term and long term goals.
Start with evaluating your present job to see if there’s any chance of moving to a different department within the company. Talk with your boss or Human Resources folks to find out your options.
Don’t threaten them with leaving or express unhappiness with what you’re doing. Just let them know you want to do better and ask what they can do to help. Most companies will do what they can to help you be the best you can be. If the employee is interested in doing better it’s usually better for the company.
Determine what skills, qualifications or certifications you have at the moment. If they don’t fit with what you want then get qualified by attending school, taking special classes or reading books. Be realistic with your job expectations. Few people start at the top.
Update your resume, highlighting your strengths, skills and education. If you prepare the resume yourself double-check it for accuracy and neatness.
And be sure to clean up your social media pages
Crank up your network. Network, by far, is one of the most important strategies for getting better jobs. If you had been a hermit all these years, now is the time to crawl out of your cave.
Reach out to your high school and college alumni. LinkedIn and Facebook now make networking very easy.
Reconnect with old friends, family members and church members. Find out if they know someone who is working in the industry you are interested in seeking employment.
A good interview can be your springboard to a new and better job. Start with dressing for success or what is appropriate for the job you’re seeking. Better to dress up than dress down. Make good eye contact and show enthusiasm and knowledge about the position you’re applying for. Never speak badly about your former or current employer.
Turn your special interest or hobby into a career. Perhaps, you could start out converting your hobby into a money making venture while continuing your present job. Many times what you’re enjoying as a pastime could become a good second income or more.
If you like making jewelry, sell it at an on-line auction or craft fair. Or, use your jewelry expertise to become a jewelry salesperson at a local store and perhaps advancing to a jewelry buyer or repair person.
Writing presents many opportunities and you can do this at home or anywhere you have a laptop. You may not get rich as a travel writer but it offers many perks of sometimes traveling and eating for free.
Entrepreneurs who sell things on line are always looking for good ghostwriters to write interesting articles and sales letters. Good copywriters are always in demand to work from home or at an advertising agency.
Talents such as dancing, gardening or being good with animals all offer many opportunities to transform these hobbies into moneymakers or job changers. What if you’re great with photography, or avid social media enthusiast? Check the ads to see if jobs are being offered in these related fields.
Getting a better job takes time and effort. But, if you’re not happy with your current place of employment it will be worth it. It’s up to you to get the job search ball rolling.
