Work got you down? Looking to leave? Simply realizing that something needs to change is a good healthy instinct. It shows you aren’t willing to just sit there in misery and let the fates have their way with you. But running to the next job just to get away isn’t always the best answer.
Of course, you may already have done much soul-searching and realized you absolutely belong elsewhere. And I’m not trying to talk you into living a life of compromise amid gray, soul-sucking walls. If you’ve always wanted to be a Buddhist monk and just don’t belong as the Creative Director of an advertising agency, then by all means, join the monastery.
But you might want to read Jill B’s story first:
⇒ Are You Avoiding Things You Don’t Want To Do At Work?
Do you feel something needs to change?
As with Jill B., your desire to leave is often more about escaping than about finding nirvana. So, before you pack up your desk, it’s important to ask yourself whether you’re choosing to go toward something wonderful or simply running away.
If it’s the latter, odds are you’ll only find yourself back in an uncomfortable situation again. Why? Because you never faced the real issues that are inside of you. The issues that are adding to your misery now. (Big exceptions for personal danger or other extreme workplace situations.)
And now for some of that change
So if you feel the need to take action, congratulate yourself. And then, before putting your resume out on all the job boards, take a new look at where you are now. If something needs to change, examine ALL your potential resources in this job — starting with your own personal resources. Make a list of them.
Since you’re already in a job and have familiarity with the territory, it’s a great starting point for the kind of change you hope to find elsewhere. And when the “something needs to change” starts with you, possibilities are endless. Especially if you start where you are now and carry the change with you.
In addition to your personal resources, add the people (internal or external) who can support you in your efforts — and who clue you in to opportunities. Look closely for any internal potential for change, this time setting your mind on finding it. With the right mindset, you often see things you missed before!
But that’s not the whole story. You’ll find more tips on how to change jobs from the inside here:
⇒ So You Don’t Like Your Job. Should You Leave?
Feel free to add this discussion if you have a story to share or advice to offer!
Some posts to help
Should You Actually Leave Your Job?
Are You Always Feeling Angry At Work?
Real Problem (Maybe) If Your Job Feels Wrong
Workplace Solutions: The Whole vs The Parts
How To Change Your Job Without Quitting
Trapped In a Job You Can’t Stand?
7 Reasons We Stay In Bad Jobs
When Emotions Take Over In the Workplace
Job Morphing: 20 Ways You Can Improve Your Job and Career
Why Do I Always Pick the Wrong Job?
5 Questions To Ask Yourself If You Hate Your Job
And just in case you do need to leave
⇒ How To Quit a Job (Without Hurting Yourself)
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