What to do if your job sucks!

You are into the 11th month of your new job.  There is no psychological lift from your work. The boss is a serious micro manager.  You are not having much fun.  You are at your wits end and see no relief ahead.  What should you do? 

This scenario likely applies to more people than one might imagine. Perhaps even you. Rest assured you are not alone. The good news is that the situation is not fatal and there are ways to manage the pain. Here are some ideas.

 

1. New gig.  Well you could look for a new job but in the current environment, job searches are lengthy at best.  It is an option that exists but it is not certain.  And as the saying goes don’t put all of your effort and thinking into one basket.  So while you are looking here are other means to an end.

2.  Relax.  Take a deep breath.  Count to ten. Take a 20 minute walk around the block. Take a sprint on the beach.  Sit back. Decompress and come to your senses.   

3. Endure. Don't quit.  The job market is still in turmoil.  You have a paying gig and are still able to pay for the roof over your head and three square meals a day.  Consider yourself fortunate. There are 11.8 million Americans without gainful employment.  Be thankful you are not one of them.

4. Divert. Find other outlets for your creative energy and drive. Volunteer with non-profits who likely could benefit from your talents. Join your professional trade association and get involved.  Head a committee, run a meeting, staff a conference, add to your network, mentor a student.  The list is likely endless of activities to engage and be engaged.

5. Enhance and improve. So the job is not what was promised. The boss is mean and never lets you run with it.   You are weary of just taking orders. Well back up and take a fresh look at your performance, your habits and your demeanor. Are you delivering at your level or just getting by?  Are you cutting the boss a break and giving her or him the benefit of the doubt.  

 

6. Focus.  Look at the glass half full, not empty. Maintain perspective. Consider a strategy under which you try to help the boss see things your way or at least in a different light.  Take her or him to dinner or lunch.  Encourage them to talk about their passions and motivations. This may give you a clue about how to influence their hot buttons.  It might even set the tone for improving how the boss treats you.  In any case it's worth a try. 

7.  Change the scenery.  Look for opportunities to move.  Are there other positions in the same company that fit your professional skills and aspirations?  Now that the real estate market is on the upswing look at renting a new apartment or buying a new house, preferably one with a view that enables you extend your vision beyond four walls. A perspective with a wide vista might just open you to new possibilities.

8.  Shock. For extreme therapy, visit an outplacement center, unemployment office or job fair.  See how the other 11.8 million are adjusting to life in the "slow lane" or "no lane."  It likely will give you some fresh perspective on your life in the faster lane. 

Eat and Run? Should I Leave the Table Hoping for Something Better?

Here is my guest blog at Lindsay Olson's Blog on job hunting.


http://lindsayolson.com/eat-and-run-should-i-leave-the-table-hoping-for-something-better/

Thanks to the skittish economy, the job market today is not easy pickings. I have gotten more than a handful of letters asking whether now is the time to leave an existing role for hoped-for greener pastures. My answer is now is not the time to jump head first into the job market. If you read the New York Times on Sunday September 26, you learned that job seekers now outnumber openings by six to one. These are not great odds. So stick with the current gig, try to expand it, broaden your skill set and prepare for better times.


Since you currently have a position, use your time now to plan well and perform the due diligence required to take advantage of any upturn in the job market for public relations professionals. So what would I recommend? If you have the time, use it wisely and judiciously. Here are some rules of the road.

1. If you have not done so already, network and keep building your network. Get out and meet other colleagues. Get active in your local PRSA, IABC, Social Media, Publicity Club organization or chapter of your choice. Go to meetings and engage.

2. Institutionalize your network using tools like Linkedin, Facebook, Plaxo, etc. Tools like these afford you the luxury of never having to update your own Rolodex®. Your network keeps it up to date.

3. Check your online brand. Google yourself. If there is nothing about you, start building it on your terms. Craft your profile on Linkedin, Facebook, Google Profiles, Plaxo, etc. in ways that shine light on your accomplishments. If you are there, insure it is on your terms.

4. Even look at other interesting venues like Slideshare and VisualCV to help you illustrate what you do well and how you do it. Most important, spotlight how you have helped your employers move the needle.

5. Volunteer. Believe it or not, employers do not discount volunteer experiences, they may likely admire your generosity to give back or “pay it forward.” Volunteering is not just good for the beneficiary, but you. Volunteering can help you stretch and learn new skills and expand your value add.

6. Also try to broaden your current job responsibilities. Look at ways that you can do your job better, for lower cost or greater efficiency. Volunteer to take on new responsibilities that relate to what you already do. Demonstrate to your current employer that you have its interest at heart and are the consummate superstar they have always dreamed of attracting.

Again, while you have a gig, do it well. And build your current asset base so when the time comes to change, you'll be ready.