Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Dealing with a job you Hate!



Dealing with a job you Hate!

Many people are forced to remain in a job that they hate. I am not talking about the 'had a bad day' types of folks, I mean people who feel genuinely trapped. For some people this situation can be toxic, harming themselves and their families.

My first tip is to recommend that you honestly evaluate situation. This evaluation includes the costs of staying in a harmful situation. What is the downside? Is it taking you away from your friends and family? Is it taking YOU away from you? Are negative or harmful behaviors increasing (be honest)? Don't make a bad situation worse, if you feel that you need professional help, get it.

Next, fix the job, if possible. You are to some extent, a valuable employee, which we can surmise because the company keeps paying you. You are producing more goods or service than you cost. Delineate exactly what the problems are for you. Is there a risk to asking for a change in job duties, hours, location, and so forth?

So, assuming that is not possible, fix yourself, and your reaction to the problem. I am not advocating some sort of self-induced Stockholm Syndrome, where delusion and love for your captor is the survival strategy. Instead, perhaps the situation isn't as bad as you have gotten into the habit of believing. Presumably, things were better once upon a time. Was this a job you loved once? Can you find that again? If not a little bit of acceptance could go a long way toward helping you hang in there. Accept and adapt.

Help in this process is probably closer than you think. When you are dealing with a difficult or stressful time, use your social supports. Sometimes, just having a friend who will listen is invaluable. Activities or hobbies outside of work can be fulfilling, and might provide enough 'positivity' to get you through a difficult time at work. Anchor yourself to avoid the rocks.

Another anchor point is to remember why you are doing this job. Some very important thing is motivating you. Keep it in mind. If you are in a situation that you hate, that is harmful for you, then remember why. Acknowledge your efforts.

Knowing what you are doing and why is fine, as far as it goes. If the problem still remains, and you cannot either fix or accept the situation, you need an escape plan. This may involve fixing your finances. Sell your boat. Sell your car. Sell the house. No wait, most real estate markets suck, people are upside-down, and can't sell. Often the house is what leads people to read articles about 'Dealing with a job you hate'. Set your personal priorities, and work toward them. Get credit counseling if it is appropriate, but be very careful in this area. Some 'credit counselors' are predatory sharks. Look for a truly helpful non-profit and check them carefully. In Southwest Ohio, there is www.lifespanohio.org an ethical agency. Personally, I have benefited from the Dave Ramsey http://www.daveramsey.com/home/ method.

The escape plan probably has a crucial financial component, but that is not all. You need to find that job that you deserve. Set goals, and remember that 'I will' is the most powerful phrase in the world. Career transition is another entire series of articles which I will be addressing.

Do your best even if you hate it, and hang in there,

Chris


Links to my work, “Beyond a Career Crisis”:

Kindle Edition

Paperback Edition




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