In my work as a Performance Consultant, Instructional Designer, and a Training Facilitator, I am exposed to all sorts of employees ranging from the extremely enthusiastic and loyal to those who ardently hate their jobs. I often think of what a miserable existence unhappy employees must lead walking into the corridors of an office day-in and day-out that they absolutely despise.
Feeling compelled to help out, I have devised the three essential steps to take if you absolutely hate your current job.
#1 - Look within to determine why. Take some quiet time and ask yourself what is causing your dislike and displeasure with the job. In speaking with employees who feel this way, typical responses are that their skills and talents weren’t being properly utilized, or they feel overwhelmed with the volume of work they are required to perform each day. Some say that their boss is a total nightmare and difficult to work with, while others just feel the work environment (whether fast-paced or slow-paced) just isn’t a fit for them. Some also respond that ultimately the job significantly infringes on their personal values and/or family life.
#2 - Write down the Pro’s and Con’s of leaving to make a career transition. Before you start drafting your letter of resignation and throwing in the towel, consider the advantages of leaving. Your advantages might include happiness and peace of mind; more time with family; or the potential to make more money doing something that you love and enjoy. In contrast, disadvantages of leaving your current job might include financial instability until you find that new job; less money to meet your family needs; and potentially being unable to sustain the lifestyle you currently enjoy. Of course, if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages then its time to make a move.
#3 - Map out an Action Plan with specific time lines. If you are committed to leaving in pursuit of a more self-gratifying career, then start networking inside and outside of work and securing professional references; attend as many company-sponsored training workshops as you can; update your resume and definitely refine your interview skills. Most of all, give yourself a timeline by which each of these tasks will be accomplished. Likewise, if you plan to stay put in your current job and stick it out, then start a hobby outside of work that you enjoy or do volunteer work in your community or church; network within the organization, looking for internal opportunities to grow and potentially be promoted within; seek training to enhance your skills; and most of all learn not to take every little thing at work so personal.
Bottom-line, while these three essentials are not be all inclusive, my hope is that it helps get creative juices moving in a more positive direction. If you hate your current job, don’t stay, consistently displaying a negative attitude that totally contaminates the work environment and morale of everyone else. Be proactive and work toward a strategy that will move you in the direction that opens doors to a more fulfilling, purposeful career.
