Robert Half Internationa
A bad job can be the result of a range of issues. Perhaps it's a lack
of growth opportunities for a sales coordinator who's held the same
role for four years. Or maybe it's a work/life imbalance for an
executive assistant who spends late nights at the office and still has
to catch up on projects at home.
We've all had a bad job at some point along the way. If your list of
cons is longer than your list of pros, don't fret. There are tactics you
can employ to tip the scales back in your favor.
1. Connect with new people
The biggest asset at your disposal may be the people you work with. Expanding your circle to cross-departmental colleagues can bring about unexpected benefits.
The biggest asset at your disposal may be the people you work with. Expanding your circle to cross-departmental colleagues can bring about unexpected benefits.
For one, they might become sources of support and friendship, helping
to improve your job satisfaction. Further, they may be able to expose
you to new projects or areas of the company that could hold appeal.
So be a part of the office dynamic. This makes it easier to reach out
to an extended group of people. Take part in hallway chats, attend
birthday events and bring a casserole to the monthly potluck or the
summer picnic. When new people join the company, welcome them and
express your interest in learning from each other.
Remember not to mention your discontent. You're not looking for
others to gripe with. Simply focus on areas of interest. Any shared
experiences or knowledge can open up a useful conversation. Follow up
later via email and build a continued dialogue over time.
Bonus tip: In addition to peers, consider connecting with
managers and even executives. You can still look upward when networking
internally.
2. Tap your potential
Ask for projects that allow you to stretch your abilities and develop new skills. You may find that you enjoy whatever it is you begin working on and that your dissatisfaction is not so much with the company but with your current duties. An added benefit: You also can include action verbs, such as "managed," "mentored" or "developed," on your résumé.
Ask for projects that allow you to stretch your abilities and develop new skills. You may find that you enjoy whatever it is you begin working on and that your dissatisfaction is not so much with the company but with your current duties. An added benefit: You also can include action verbs, such as "managed," "mentored" or "developed," on your résumé.
Bonus tip: Ask your supervisors how you're doing with a new
assignment. If you get words of appreciation, thank them and keep any
glowing emails or reviews for your records. You can use these as a
résumé addendum or for your cover letter.
3. Investigate your industry
One thing a bad job can still help you do: explore your industry in greater depth. Many companies pay for memberships to industry associations and conferences, making it easier -- and more affordable -- to interact with your peers. By doing so, you can bring added value to your job, expand your professional network and potentially learn about future career paths.
One thing a bad job can still help you do: explore your industry in greater depth. Many companies pay for memberships to industry associations and conferences, making it easier -- and more affordable -- to interact with your peers. By doing so, you can bring added value to your job, expand your professional network and potentially learn about future career paths.
You may even realize you're not as passionate about your profession
as you once were. Instead of pinning your discontent on your current
job, it may be the business that's not working for you. Sometimes it's
hard to tell.
Bonus tip: Consider not just attending but speaking at an
industry event. It's easier to get accepted as a speaker while employed,
and being a featured presenter can boost your credentials in the eyes
of future employers.
4. Propose process improvement
Your job dissatisfaction may be the result of barriers to efficiency in your office, such as a complicated approval process that drains your excitement for a project as it drags on. Rather than complain, suggest systems or processes that will alleviate pain points. Chances are you're not the only one who is frustrated.
Your job dissatisfaction may be the result of barriers to efficiency in your office, such as a complicated approval process that drains your excitement for a project as it drags on. Rather than complain, suggest systems or processes that will alleviate pain points. Chances are you're not the only one who is frustrated.
You'll earn the goodwill of colleagues, and these individuals could
serve as future references. Also keep in mind that spearheading these
types of improvements is résumé gold.
Bonus tip: Create a proposal for your boss that clearly
outlines the benefits of any changes you suggest. For example, "If we
remove this review step, we can save a week in producing the financial
report. Here's why that step is redundant."
5. Examine your career path
It's important to assess what you want -- and what you don't want -- from your future job to avoid landing in another unsatisfying position. And it's easier to reflect on your career path while employed; for one thing, you won't have the added financial stress.
It's important to assess what you want -- and what you don't want -- from your future job to avoid landing in another unsatisfying position. And it's easier to reflect on your career path while employed; for one thing, you won't have the added financial stress.
Focus on targeting employers and roles that can offer you what you're
looking for. This research phase can take time, so dig in now.
Bonus tip: Sign up with a staffing firm. A specialized
recruiter can do much of the heavy lifting in a job search. These
professionals are able to identify opportunities that might interest you
and approach companies, confidentially, on your behalf. You don't have
to make a move until you're ready.
Use the above tips to remain positive and productive when you're
stuck in a bad job. Even if you can't leave at the moment, there are
ways to stay motivated and find the right fit eventually.