Sometimes a job isn’t working out.
It’s boring. It’s devoid of purpose. It’s burning you out. And every day you’re there you can feel it holding back your potential.
So, should you suffer it any longer than you already have? Or should you suck it up one year longer to earn those juicy rewards that you know are right around the corner?
As always, it depends…
On why the job isn’t working, what you can do to change it and the alternatives you’ve already created.
But, how do you work that out?
Well let’s get into it…
The Fundamentals
Even though everyone is different, there are some fundamentals that apply regardless of your situation. Beware them or adhere them, the choice is yours.
Just make sure you’re at least aware of them.
Less than 1 year is a red flag
I hate to say it, but it’s true. Having been on the flip-side recruiting people into full-time roles, less than 12 months raises more questions than it answers.
Do it once and you can get away with it. But, do it twice and the hiring manager will think you’re about to do the exact same thing to them. And those first impressions matter if you want another job.
The grass isn’t always greener
Your next shiny object will glisten in the distance, calling you towards it. Beware how it really looks up close before committing to any decision.
Whether you’re job hopping, going travelling or starting your own thing, know what it really means. Interview those already doing it, ask them all your questions and truly get to know if it’s the right thing for you.
Everything doesn’t need to change at once
Hitting the big red button is tempting. Especially when you’re sick of life as it is right now. But, change doesn’t always mean flipping your life upside down.
It can start small. On the evenings or weekends. Building traction day by day until you simply can’t ignore it’s momentum.
It’s not You, it’s Me
Your first step: understand why the job is shit.
Find the underlying cause and you’ll quickly answer the question of whether the job can be solved or if you’re better off spending your energy elsewhere.
In short, if you’re…
Managed by an awful boss.
Feeling trapped by your role.
Or not paid fairly for your work.
Then, I have some good news: you don’t have to quit your job. These problems are solvable. You just need a strong enough negotiating position. And a deep enough love for the rest of your situation.
But, if you’re…
Not aligned with the company mission.
In an industry you couldn’t care less about.
Or working in a toxic culture that drains you.
Then it’s time to plan the exit. Because sticking around won’t solve these problems. Only finding something else you truly connect with will.
Stick: Solve your situation
Sticking it out isn’t for the faint hearted. It’ll take real work. And it should never be done if you don’t care about the job, company or industry.
But, if it’s a fight worth having. Here’s how to go about it…
Think like your manager
Make their lives easier. Even if you hate them find a way to eat their biggest frog by taking on work they don’t enjoy doing.
Care about bottom lines. Refer work into the business. Or help the team cut unnecessary costs. Whatever it takes to increase profit.
Create a great case study
Volunteer for an important project and take full ownership of it. And train yourself on how to solve it. All while keeping your manager in the loop.
Then deliver it successfully (easier said than done), measure it’s impact and arm yourself with a bulletproof case study of your own work.
Negotiate the change
Having proven how valuable you are both in how your approach to problems and the impact of the solutions you deliver, it’s time to open negotiations.
Whatever is shit about the job - the salary, the role or your manager are all up for discussion. So, make the ask. Time it with a business win and bring in your case study for the best chance of it landing it well.
But, if it doesn’t? Well then it’s time to Twist.
Twist: Plan your exit
If the job, company or industry really don’t align with who you are then it’s time to take control of your career and plan your exit.
Not as one big leap tomorrow. But, as lots of small steps today.
Build a war chest
Be frugal with your finances. Cut back on those unnecessary expenses. And do everything you can to save a little something each month.
Add to it until you can cover 3 months of living costs. Bit by bit you’ll build the war chest that will buy you 90 days to figure everything out if it comes to it.
Diversify your options
But, don’t wait until you’ve quit to start. Begin while you’re already in the role. And start giving yourself plenty of options for what’s next.
Whether it’s interviewing for another job, building an audience online or start a side hustle, the best day to start was yesterday. The next best day is today.
Pull the trigger
There won’t ever be a perfect time. Only a good one. So, once your war chest is ready and you’ve got options on the table, pull the trigger.
Tap up your network for opportunities, take daily action to build momentum towards your next adventure and remember to look after yourself along the way. Because the road ahead isn’t short. It’s long. And you’ll be needing your full energised self to navigate it.
Summary
Our careers are long. But, our uniqueness is fragile. And if our work is suffocating the essence of who we are we owe it to ourselves and those who could be inspired by us to take action. Whether it’s negotiating change from within or pulling the trigger on an escape plan, the worst thing we can do is sit still in a job that’s eating away us every single day.