Practically everyone has had at least one job that had no future. It was soley used for the purpose of making money until a more appropriate position came along. It’s easy to get "stuck" in feeling that the future looks bleak when money is tight and no exciting new job prospects are arising. What is a worker to do? Here are some tips to weather the storm while planning a better future for yourself.
Use your current job as a means to an end
Instead of thinking that the unpleasant job you’re at is permanent, think of it more as a temporary "stepping stone" to a better position. It helps keep food on the table, bills paid and gas in the car while you patiently look for a more attractive, better paying prospect. Don’t bog yourself down in thinking negatively, just take it one day at a time, being aware that when you’re ready you can and will leave for greener pastures elsewhere.
Take action to find other employment opportunities in your down time
In order to find a good job, it takes a strong amount of effort to get the employment ball rolling, and get you out of your former position. Most likely, desirable employers won’t come looking for you, so it’s your duty to find places you like and research them. Find out how to apply, what the company requires from you (resume, etc), and who to contact regarding positions. If you can find a specific name other than just the usual "Human Resources department" then all the better. Make sure your resume is up to date and that you follow up on interviews afterwards with a call or a thank you note. Research what the current employment protocols are online.
Be true to yourself
If faced with another position that parallels your current one, but pays better, against another that pays the same but has a promising future, opt for the one that you can see having a future in. By taking another job that doesn’t inspire or interest you, it’s just prolonging your misery. Look for a position that you wouldn’t dread going to, that can teach you new things and help you build a career, not just make you a few bucks.
Be patient
Keep working your current position with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Keep as positive an attitude as you can-I know this can be hard at times-but it’s best to handle it with dignity and class during your remaining time there. When the new job is yours, leave the old job gracefully. Sure, it’s tempting to tell your former boss what you actually thought of his loud mouth and obnoxious behavior, but don’t. Keep quiet, stay classy and exit peacefully. Your happiness in your new position will be the best payback. Be nice to former co-workers and bosses because you never know who will show up later in the future, as a colleague or superior. It’s a smaller world than you may think. Don’t burn bridges. Someone told me that once, and it turned out to be very, very true later.
Make a job hunting plan of attack
Figure out what you want to do with your career, then plan it and execute the plan. Don’t expect instant results. Sort your goals into long or short term, and have a realistic idea of what date you want to accomplish each by. Then consistently, methodically, stick to your plan. Weed out things that don’t work, add in others that do. Change and tweak your campaign, resume or portfolio at will. Go with the flow and keep your ears open for promising opportunities. When you see one, then go for it. Companies won’t know you are interested in them until you apply and make the effort to follow through afterwards. Show interest and competence.
When the time is right, whenever that may be, the job you now dread going to every morning will be history. You will then be working for a future, at a career. It will have its bumps and turns, but never give up and keep working on it. Getting ahead takes hard work and much sacrifice. It’s like a big puzzle. Be creative and try to figure out the best solution to get you where you want to go. It can be done, just give it time and lots of elbow grease.
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