Here are some disturbing facts for you. The average person will spend 90,000 hours in the lifetime in the workplace and 80% of those workers are dissatisfied. Don’t put up with it! There is little or no excuse for being unhappy in the workplace. Granted its rarely possible to be totally content, 100% of the time in your job because nothing is ever consistently great.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
The first thing you need to do to fix your unhappy work environment is to be proactive searching for something new. Set yourself a plan of action, with steps to help guide you through each stage of your exit. If you’re unhappy in your job, here’s how you can fix it:
Get Your Resume Up To Scratch
The most crucial thing about any resume is that it’s tailored to each job you’re applying for. However, if it has been 10 years since you last looked for a job, save yourself sometime and get your resume up to date. This will also help you to start thinking about what you have recently achieved and which aspects you favoured over others.
It is a great idea to have an updated resume at the ready because windows of opportunity can open at any time.
Network
The world of networking has changed considerably over the last 10 years. With the arrival of hugely influential networking sites such as LinkedIn (and many more), for the first time, you have direct access to CEO, managers and HR in any company. Leverage the opportunity of these social networking sites, presenting your best, professional self.
Work For Yourself
Not everybody is cut out for working for someone else. If you believe you can do something of value that will sell, then don’t be scared. It is a daunting leap, but if it works, you will never look back. If possible, try setting the wheels in motion to being your own boss before you quit your job. This way you have something to rely on in the early stages. Be your own boss and set your own rules!
Exit Strategy
Storming into your boss’s office and handing over your resignation paper is not a sensible exit strategy (although it could be very satisfying)! Preparation is paramount. The last thing you want is to find yourself unemployed and without an income.
Work out a realistic timeline to quit your job. During this time you can start preparing for your job search, or starting a venture on your own. This way at least you are still making money while you are getting all your ducks in a line.
Making the decision to do something about your unhappy work life is the first, and trickiest step. From here it should be a fun adventure of discovery. Don’t put up with being dissatisfied. Act now.