Job Has No Future — But You Do!

If you’re reading this, odds are you have one of those jobs with no future. Or perhaps you know someone who feels like their job has no future. Unfortunately there are far too many of us that feel that way — and way too many jobs that really do cut off professional growth for their employees.

So what can you do if you’re trapped in what feels like a no-win job situation? Well, first let’s take a deeper look at what’s really going on.

Why no promotion or raises?

Jobs that feel like dead-ends can feel that way for many reasons. Some of them are jobs that you have little if any control over. But others still may have some room for you to grow.

SITUATION #1:  Job has no advancement path.

No matter how talented you are or how hard you work, some jobs simply are designed badly. Ideally, all jobs should offer ways to grow or advance. But some really are dead ends.

• So what can you do? Take an honest look around and make sure there isn’t anything you’re missing before jumping ship.
  • Sometimes you can get someone to create a new position for you by coming up with a clear organizational need you’ve observed.
  • Maybe you can find ways to morph your job that may open up new paths.
  • Or there may be other departments with openings now or later on.
  • Meanwhile, either way you need to build relationships to help strengthen your reputation and internal profile.
  • And don’t forget your boss. If they see you working hard and know you support them, they may be open to working with you to create new opportunities. It’s at least worth trying.

SITUATION #2:  Promised promotions & nothing!

Some jobs are bait and switch with full knowledge of management. My take on this? If you can’t trust the people you work for, your plans should include eventually finding  a new job. But let’s say you need to stay, at least for a while.

• So what can you do? At the very least, you need to get it out in the open. Knowledge is power — even if that power is freeing you to finally look elsewhere for what you deserve.
  
  • Once again, an honest non-blaming open conversation with your boss may be helpful.
  • See other 3 options above, especially building relationships that can help support you and your efforts to move ahead.
  • Give it some time. But if you still see no movement or hope for the near future, then brush up that resume and your external network. {NOTE: You should always be building your network anyway.]

SITUATION #3:  Someone blocking opportunities.

It may be someone you know or someone you wouldn’t guess sees you as competition. I once had a job where a fellow manager whom I thought was a friend was secretly undermining me with the boss. And sometimes it can even be your boss.

• So what can you do? Again, you need to have an honest talk with your boss. Always stay professional in your attitude. And blame no one. Just express your professional goals and find out what they see for you if you do stay. No reason to keep yourself in the dark. And even if you decide to stay, it’s your choice — but done with your eyes wide open.
  • Ask for specific measurable goals to help you and your boss assess your progress.
    
  • If you find out who’s blocking you, at least you know who to be cautious about. You may still be able to form an alliance, but that’s tricky — and they could see your renewed efforts / relationship with your boss as a threat.
  • If it’s your boss blocking you, that can be a strong clue to begin to plan for a new job. Of course, if you can live with things knowing all that, staying is a valid choice. Just remember that the longer we stay feeling held down, the more that eats into our confidence and determination to aim for what we truly deserve.
  • Also, if it feels like your job has no future, make sure to build those internal relationships and keep an eye out for other possibilities. Again, if your boss is the block, this may not be too helpful, depending on the type of company and your boss’s power. Still it’s worth a shot.
  • In this case and in general, start to create a strong external professional support network. It’s a great asset to any career, especially as time goes on and relationships strengthen. And remember … the strongest most enduring networking relationship is one that goes both ways.

SITUATION #4:  Not doing good enough job.

It also pays to be honest with ourselves. If you hear yourself always blaming everyone else, take time to see where you might be playing into a weaker position for yourself. And where YOU can take action to improve your situation.

Are you really good at this job? Might there be something you can do right where you are to strengthen your abilities / performance? Sometimes a coach or mentor can help you see things more clearly.

Then again … perhaps the answer really is a better job or new skills that can get you to a career you actually enjoy — and where you can excel. Even if it takes time to get there, planning now for the long-term can pay off big time!

But don’t blame yourself — it’s wasted energy and makes you feel even weaker. Every situation offers us a chance to learn and move on to better things. And some bosses and workplaces are truly awful. Or simply a bad match for you and your needs.

PLEASE don’t ever give up on yourself

… or on a better future for yourself!

 

How feeling trapped changes you

Feeling like your job has no future can leave you feeling trapped … and powerless. And unless you can find ways to take actions that feel positive, as time wears on you begin to lose faith in yourself.

Feeling small. Feeling helpless. These feelings trigger all kinds of memories from our earliest days when we really did have almost no power. But you are not that child anymore. And you can find ways to make things better for yourself — even if it takes time.

No matter what anyone or anything does to us, when you believe in yourself, change is possible. It may not be the exact change you wish right away — especially if it feels like your job has no future. But every step we take toward a better future improves who we are and how we feel right this minute.

Every step you take toward a better future

improves who you are and how you feel right this minute.

 

So where can hope come from?

It comes from inside. And it comes from other people, even if you haven’t met them yet.  If your job has no future, first see what you can change right where you are. And then, bring all you’ve learned to your next job.

Take some time now to assess who you really are and what you want from a job. Starting off wiser and more determined to help shape your own future can make all the difference.

Some articles to help

How Changing Your Attitude Can Change Your Job!

Fed Up With All the Things My Job Doesn’t Have!

5 Workplace Fears That Limit Your Success

Emotional Boxes: Stuffing Your Feelings at Work

 

I Can’t Stop Feeling Like a Failure

Workplace Solutions: The Whole vs The Parts

Why Do I Always Have Bad Luck in Jobs?

10 Reasons Your Job Isn’t Working for You

 

When Emotions Take Over In the Workplace

My Job Is So Boring. Should I Quit?

Are You Embarrassed By Your Job?

Getting Through a Tough Day at Work (While Staying Sane)