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If You Don’t Love Your Job, Here Are 5 Things to Do

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If You Don't Love Your Job, Here Are 5 Things to Do

Getting stuck in a job you don’t love can be draining. You’re probably asking what you’re doing there in the first place.

It’s not the work you thought it would be. Your role suddenly switched. Or you think you should be in a different industry altogether. You may feel like there’s no other option but to quit.

Don’t despair. Whatever situation you’re in, know that there’s something you can do about it. And you should delay drafting a resignation letter. You have to take stock of the situation first. Here are 5 options for you if you are currently in a job you don’t love:

1. Figure Out the Root Cause

When something goes wrong, it’s easy to point a finger toward someone or something else. It could be a toxic work culture, a bad boss, or an overall wrong fit. But in such cases, you may be overwhelmed by your emotions and the effects of stress. These are all valid. Accept that you’re responding a certain way to these triggers.

However, do not stop there. That is, do not base your conclusions on feelings alone. Make sure to probe deeper into what’s going on internally. Identify the issues that you are having and see if there’s a solution within reach. It could be talking to your boss or allowing yourself to acclimate (if you’re new).

Then, look at the externalities if the root of the matter is outside of yourself. According to a CareerBuilder survey, the top 3 reasons an employee ends up in a job that’s different from their expectations are the following:

  • Toxic work culture (46%)
  • Boss’ management style (40%)
  • Job didn’t match what was described in the job posting and interviews (37%)
If You Don't Love Your Job, Here Are 5 Things to Do

2. Assess Your Current Role

If the job does not match your expectations, don’t write your 30-day notice just yet. Ask yourself if there are aspects of your current role that you like. Maybe it’s not all doom and gloom. You have to look for the proverbial silver lining in this case. It’s actually a mental exercise that allows you to see beyond your current understanding of the problem.

During this self-assessment, write down the things that you like about your current role. What skills are you able to use, what connections are you able to form, and what benefits are you able to enjoy? Some people lasted in their past jobs on the basis of their relationships alone. You can probably do better if you’re also adding value in some areas through your role.

The next step after the evaluation would be to determine which aspects of your role you dislike. Understand the underlying event. Do you hate a task because it’s not part of your skill set? Is it redundant? Or do you feel being left behind by your colleagues because you’re misplaced? See if you can find a workaround for the stuff you don’t like. Consider requesting a lateral movement if your company allows it and you’re able to build a good case.

If You Don't Love Your Job, Here Are 5 Things to Do

3. Learn What You Can

While you’re at it, learn as much as you can. You may have your reasons for not feeling any love for your job. But that doesn’t always mean it’s a bad job. Sometimes, it’s a good job that you don’t just feel aligned with.

Meanwhile, some people adapt to their environment quickly by accepting their situation. Of course, this is different from settling. When you adapt, you are learning things that you did not expect to do. This phenomenon is building new pathways in your brain. If you’re thinking of maximizing your role instead of abruptly leaving it, then perhaps you’re also paving the way to your growth.

It may really be not what you wanted, but you can turn your situation around to benefit professionally from it. Who knows? That new skill you are striving to be good at will be useful in the future.

4. Apply the Proximity Principle

You may be thinking of switching careers. You are ready to cut your losses and file this under bad breaks. It’s all about pursuing your dreams, right? That’s great. But don’t be too hasty about making a decision. There are a lot of factors to consider before you make the big leap. Those who want to transition into entrepreneurship or any other industry should apply the proximity principle.

The proximity principle refers to the concept of surrounding yourself with the people who are already doing what you want to do. If you want to be in business, find someone in your town or city who is doing business. Then schedule a lunch or dinner with them. Use that time to ask about what it takes for someone in your situation to make the transition.

You can also find a mentor to guide you throughout the transition. But don’t let go of your current job just yet.

5. Take Steps Instead of Leaps

Whatever you’re planning to do next, err on the side of caution. Taking a big leap has its place. But in going through the steps outlined here, pacing yourself is key. Not feeling good about your job may already have caused some setbacks in your life. You don’t want to add to your stress by making yet another unfavorable decision.

Your next steps should be easy and smart. Slow down a bit. Take a day off. Make sure to be gentle with yourself throughout the whole process. Then work on the tips mentioned here.

Final Thoughts

It’s not easy to stay in a job you don’t love. You’d rather do the next wild thing than stay in a toxic workplace or kowtow to a difficult supervisor. But there are also instances of people falling in love with a job they didn’t like before. Or people accepting their circumstances as challenges. Oftentimes, work is a matter of perspective and maturity.

Even if you’re placed in the wrong role, that doesn’t mean you can’t maximize your time in it. Just follow the tips shared here, and you’ll avoid jumping into conclusions. What you need is to plan your next steps. Easy and gently. Be smart about it. And you’ll bring yourself closer to a better choice.

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