It’s a question many people ask themselves when they look at a jot they hate. The truth is, most of us have had jobs we hated and labored in dreadful silence. If you are in this current situation, instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you can do. In order to make changes at work without losing your mind in the process, make a plan. Here are 6 tips on how to deal with a job you hate:
Be realistic from the start
The first and most important thing you have to do is be realistic about your position at work. You have to be upfront about what you want and what you don’t. If you don’t know what you want, it’s likely you won’t be able to get it. This can be a difficult task, but it’s necessary. You have to be realistic from the start. If you don’t know what you want, get some training or learn a new skill. There are many different ways to get a new job, and you don’t necessarily have to go into it all guns blazing. There is a chance you might not be good enough for the new position, or you might not be the right person for the position once the opportunity presents itself. If you’re unsure about something, ask. Ask until you’re happy. If you don’t know, ask until you know. Be honest and open about your situation and expectations. Talking to other employees about your situation can also help alleviate the pain. Maybe you don’t get along with the boss. Maybe you hate the job tasks itself.
Ask for more responsibility
If you’re unhappy in your current position, it’s important to remember you have the ability to ask for more responsibility if that is the issue. In some cases, this can mean talking to the manager. In other cases, it can mean speaking to a human resources representative. In either case, it means raising your voice and saying you want to do something. At the end of the day, you have to make the conscious decision to ask for what you want. There is no guarantee you’ll get it, and you might even have to chip away at your current job until you get it.
Find a different role
Sometimes, a change in role is needed. Sometimes, a move is better than staying where you are. Sometimes, you have to look in another direction and look outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, you have to do something you don’t really want to do. When this happens, the first step is to ask. If you want a new position, make a plan. Start looking online, and don’t be afraid to apply to jobs near where you live or afar if that is an option. If you have to change roles, make a plan. Be honest with yourself about what you don’t want, and compromise on what you do. If you have to do something you don’t want to do, find a way to look at it as an opportunity to grow.
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback
When you’re in a new role or dealing with a new company, you’re going to get feedback on everything: your performance, your appearance, your ideas, and your approach. This is normal and expected. You might even get feedback on your ideas or how you’re going about doing things. While you might not want to hear what other employees have to say about your methods, it’s important to remember that you’re in a new position and you want to learn. The best way to deal with criticism is to ask for feedback on your own work. The worst thing you can do is ignore it.
Learn the culture
When you’re in a new position, you’re going to notice a culture quite different from that of your previous job. There may be certain things that are expected. You don’t have to be a member of the club in order to participate in the culture at work. In fact, you might want to keep your home culture separate from your work culture in order to avoid crossing any boundaries. When you make the move, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take some time to get to know the people around you and to learn about the culture they’re living in. You never know where your next job placement or promotion could come from.
Look for other opportunities
Finally, don’t be afraid to look for other opportunities outside your current role when you’re unhappy at work. This might be a perfect opportunity to look for a new job. In some cases, you might be able to look for a better job without moving to a new location. In other cases, you might have to leave your job to turn things around. All of these situations are different and require different considerations. The question is what do you have to lose by looking for other opportunities? Don’t let your guard down until you’re back on your feet and ready to start a new job search. There are always opportunities out there, and you have to look for them.
Conclusion
Dealing with a job you hate can be a dreadful thing. You might feel like there’s no way out particularly if you have been there a long time and the health insurance and paycheck is secure. Keep in mind, though, that every job is different. Every position is different, and every job has different requirements. If you’re not happy in your current position, than you need to consider the alternative resolutions.
