With unemployment at record highs this last year, it seems those with jobs would be grateful simply to have one. However, as humans with preferences, likes, and dislikes, being employed doesn’t always equal happy. Some folks are under-employed. This means an individual is
working in a job in which their skills and talents are not being utilized. It would be like the former owner of a mortgage bank flipping burgers at the local fast food joint. Some folks are in jobs they have outgrown. Perhaps the job hardly ever changes (production line) and it has become boring or perhaps the job is full of change (like in the technology industry) and the individual feels as if he can never keep up. For whatever the reason, there are people who are employed who hate their jobs. Here are some ideas to either help you “bloom where you’re planted” or find other employment.
- Count your blessings. This is often the hardest thing to do. Humanly, when we are unhappy, the lenses through which we view everything are darker and a little cloudier. Instead of being resentful your pay check isn’t bigger, be glad you are getting a paycheck. Look around your house and family and realize all the things your money does buy.
- Look for ways to make each day count. Find ways to make a difference. It might not be something that will affect the bottom line for you personally or for the organization for which you work, but maybe you could impact someone with whom you work. Do you know someone in the office is going through a divorce? Be extra kind to them and offer a kind word or a cup of coffee. Is someone ill? Perhaps you could offer them a box of Kleenex or maybe even help cover for them so they can take a day off. Did someone just have a new baby? You and a few co-workers could organize a few nights of meals to be delivered to his/her home.
- Talk to your supervisor. This may be a tough one, too, but if it pays off you may kick yourself for not doing it sooner. In a kind fashion, let your boss know you’d like to do something different or new. Do you feel like you have talents that aren’t being used? If so, let him/her know and then offer a solution. Bosses aren’t real crazy about people simply bringing them problems; however, if you state the problem and offer a reasonable solution, they may be a little more likely to hear you out and make it happen. You may ask for a lateral move or maybe even inquire about a move up the chain.
- Seek out extra training. There is nothing like a conference or workshop to get you excited about what you do and give you some new ideas. Sometimes we are miserable in our jobs because we feel like we’re doing the same thing over and over again. See if your organization offers training and education events or if they would help financially pay for you to attend something outside the agency that you could bring back and apply to your current position. You may even offer to come back and share with others what you learned in exchange for the agency paying your mileage or the conference costs. Money is tight for everyone right now. However, spending a little money on some training in order to “buy” a little rejuvenation at your job is well worth the investment.
- Begin looking for another job. The job market is tight, but there are places and occupations that are growing and hiring. While in your current job, go back over your resume and be sure it’s up-to-date. Start looking in the classifieds and online for positions available. Consider whether or not you would be willing to move for a new or better job. It’s wise to start looking for a new job before you quit your current job. It may take a while to find something you believe to be a fit.
- Consult a career counselor. There are counselors who are trained to know how to help people prepare for or change careers. They have questionnaires and inventories they can help you complete to determine what types of things hold your interests and where your talents lie. They can often help you put together an impressive resume and help you practice for job interviews. They will assist you in putting your best foot forward.
If you’d like assistance with your own personal growth, contact Lotus Group today and schedule an appointment with one of our counselors.
