My Job Is Awful. What’s the Point of Trying?

I know there are a lot of you who feel your job is awful. We’ve pretty much all been there at some point.  But a good number of you have also reached the point of there being no point … at least no point of trying to make it work for you anymore.

Maybe you dream of marching up to your boss’s office and quitting in a blaze of glorious words that make them realize they undervalued a great worker. (One who doesn’t have a job anymore, of course.) Or maybe you just dream of winning the lottery and traveling the world for a few years.

But let’s say none of that happens. So what’s next?

Here’s the point of trying (maybe)

I know we said you’re sick of trying and just don’t have it in you anymore. But there are good reasons to give it one more go. Even if at the same time you start looking for or at least thinking about your next job. (I recommend the latter strongly no matter what else you do.)

• Leave on a high point to get a better reference. Even while thinking ahead to your next (better) job, let your boss & coworkers see you at your best.
• You could try to find something — even a small thing — to focus on with renewed effort to help your mood. Less time thinking how miserable you are and more time showing even to yourself how good you are is not wasted effort.
• Find a person you respect to connect to more — even asking advice of them. Having them on your side can help boost your mood and improve how you’re feeling.
• Look around with a new perspective. There might be a skill you can pick up or some useful experience that helps aim you toward the next job. But also helps make your current one more interesting.
• While you’re still getting a paycheck, trying again gives you time to look. And time to brush up any skills outside of work that can help you find a better job.
• You’ll feel better about the workday by trying rather than slogging through your days and / or cursing. That may be hard  believe, but your brain at work can be “tricked” into switching gears if we give it a chance.
• Even if you are gearing up for a job hunt, spending your days with renewed energy and reminding yourself how good you are — even if no one at your current job sees it — will actually help you interview better!

And that, in a nutshell, is the point of trying. You may find even more reasons of your own. Or you may think it’s still not worth it. And I can respect that. But at least think about it.

⇒  EXTRA:  Job Morphing: 20 Ways To Improve Your Job

 

One final bit of advice

Please …  before you start looking for that wonderful new job that makes your life better, do something that gets your own spirits up NOW — even if it’s outside of work.

I’ve interviewed many many people, and we interviewers look for a certain energy from a person. And a sense they believe in themselves. Your mood shows in an interview and can undermine your chances of getting hired.

So whether it’s volunteer work, a hobby you love, a side business you start ever so small, or whatever brings you joy … give yourself a chance to start fresh on a high note.

 

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