‘I Hate My Job — Now What?!’

Whether it’s a nightmare boss, a stagnant
position in a dead-end company, or an unfulfilled career dream, it may
be time for you to stop complaining and do something. Follow these
steps, courtesy of Tony Lee, editor-in-chief of CareerJournal.com, and find a job you love.   

Step 1: Assess your situation, review your strengths, and dig in your heels.

                        

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window.yzq_d['eQZnDEJe5Fc-']=’&U=13bbcofl2%2fN%3deQZnDEJe5Fc-%2fC%3d570687.11083131.11657138.2991744%2fD%3dLREC%2fB%3d4595608′; "To
even think you won’t have roadblocks is unrealistic, so number one –
accept them," says Andrea Kay, career consultant, speaker, and author
of several books including "Greener Pastures: How to Find a Job in
Another Place."

Once you’ve done that, take time out to reflect, she adds. "Don’t rush to develop a new resume.
That’s the mistake almost everyone makes. Instead, reflect on what
isn’t working, what’s not right about where you are, what your greatest
strengths are, and what you love to do," says Kay.

Step 2: Explore your options, set goals, and make plans to develop yourself to fit your new career path.

Kay emphasizes the power of communication during this stage. "The best way to find a new job
is to hold meaningful conversations with people," she advises. "Talk
about your career with people who can guide you and refer you."

Networking
with some old friends is how Cameron Herald eventually became the vice
president of operations for 1800GotJunk, a junk removal company in
Vancouver that serves North America. Prior to that, he literally broke
down from job-induced stress. His health literally depended on a change
in his work lifestyle.

His advice? "Take
a look and find the companies that are well-respected in the industry.
See which ones are ranked as good employers." Of course, he says, there
may be some bumps in the road. "Maybe you’ll have to get a part time
job on weekends at Starbucks to pay the rent. Or maybe you’ll have to
use an executive recruiter to help me find a new position."
Nonetheless, he adds, "every single obstacle can be beaten."

Step 3: Acquire new skills by returning to school and/or volunteering.

For
freelance writer Stephanie Jo Klein, it was volunteer work with the
Newswomen’s Club of New York — she was the club’s membership vice
president in 2003 — that sparked an entrepreneurial endeavor. When
gift bags she created for the club’s annual Front Page Awards gala were
so well received by the journalists in attendance, she decided to start
Klein Creative Communications, a promotional gift bag creation business
based in New York City. "If you’re trying to figure out where you want
to go, volunteering is a good thing to do," she affirms.

Stephanie
further developed her skills via New York University’s School of
Continuing and Professional Studies, in its meeting, conference, and
event management certificate program. "I got the course guide and I
couldn’t decide what I wanted to take next," she says. "Just meeting
the people and the speakers was a great networking experience."

Step 4: Do something you enjoy.

Ultimately,
it’s up to you to find a job in which you can be happy. "When you
notice yourself not feeling challenges, not feeling energized, and
watching the clock, start taking note," says Kay. Once your motivation
to move on outweighs your fear, she says, you’re ready to make the
leap.

Fifty-nine percent of
college-educated professionals in New York City say they expect to have
three or more different careers over their lifetimes, according to New
York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

~courtesy of Yahoo.com leaflets~