You’re not the only one dreading work on Sunday nights. If you’ve been wanting to make a change, here are a few tips on what you can do.
- Think before you quit.
Elene Cafasso, of Enerpace Inc. Executive Coaching, says that though it may be tempting to tell those who have made your life miserable at work off while you’re at it and leave, only consider quitting if you’re in one of the following situations.
To leave your current situation, do you have enough savings to cover six to twelve months of living expenses? Is your partner employed and willing/able to support both of you on one paycheck for at least half a year? Finally, are you in an emotionally or physically abusive environment that warrants a quick escape?
If not, think about how you can change your current situation for the better while you look for another job. Cafasso is here to help with this as well.
“Focus on what you can control,” she says. “ Maybe it’s the marketing plan you’re in charge of that will be a crucial addition to your portfolio to get yourself that new job.”
- It’s not me, it’s you.
The next time you find yourself disliking your work or coworkers, take a step back and reassess the situation. Oftentimes, our frustration stems from evading conversations we should be having. By opening up these lines of communication, we can begin to change our perspective for the better.
“The old adage, ‘you won’t get it if you don’t ask’ is true. Often we complain about our work life, but do nothing to change it. The best way to change your situation is to be brave enough to have conversations with the people who can help you get what you want.” McLeod said.
“One client of mine was on the verge of quitting his job because he was working very long hours, was frustrated with problems on his team, and unhappy,” McLeod continued.
“He was afraid to talk to his boss about the situation, but I convinced him that, at that point, he really had nothing to lose. He met with his boss and had a productive conversation. It turns out his boss was not aware of the problems my client was facing and thought very highly of him. He was able to get additional resources for his team and a flexible work schedule that gave him the time with his family that he needed.”
- The work…I can’t.
But, when you hate your job responsibilities and not the people you work with, how do you figure out what career change to pursue- if any? Cafaso says:
“Write down every job you’ve ever had–even going back to your childhood lemonade stand. Make two columns and jot down what you loved in one column and hated in the other. What patterns or commonalities do you see? What does that tell you to look for in your next job? What types of jobs are rich in the things you love?”
Knowing your strengths and interests allows you to zero in on the occupations that would suit you best.
Kimberly Ramsawak, the creator of Tourism Exposed, an online forum that guides students and people who want a job change to their dream jobs in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. She believes that your best plan of action is to make a concentrated list of five up to ten companies you’re interested in based on your desired career role or title.
“Then, use social media like LinkedIn and Twitter to research and find current and former employees at those companies, and to see how you’re connected to them and get their email addresses as your first point of contact. Reach out to them too via email to request informal informational interviews (or coffee meetings) to learn more about their companies, their jobs, to get the inside scoop on the industry overall and job opportunities that exist before they are made public,” Ramsawak says.
Job-hunting can be tough, but one of the most important things you can do is network with people who may have connections to potential employers. This process is more effective than simply submitting your resume online and hoping for the best.
With this guide, you now have the tools to understand what it is about hating your job, if those factors are changeable, and what to do next accordingly. Resolving your issues at work will be a breeze with this valuable advice–best of luck!
Photo: Wonwoo Lee / Getty Images
