How many times have you heard a friend, colleague, or relative say “I hate my job?” It seems to be a reoccurring topic with many people – one that can be very tiresome. “I only have ten years to retirement and I can’t wait to get out of this place.” “I despise my boss – I know she is out to get me.” “This job totally stresses me out, it’s ruining my life.” There are many variations but it’s the same old theme. You can’t help but recognize the tone of helplessness in their voices. Is it a societal issue that we are not responsible for what happens to us, somebody else always has to bear the blame?
Too often we cruise on autopilot and accept what a company or job gives us. Especially in today’s tough job market, you will hear “jobs are scarce and I can’t afford to risk making a change.” But these are usually the same people who complain a lot, and shoulder stress, without taking action even in prosperous times. Stephen R. Covey states, “Many people wait for something to happen or someone to take care of them. But the people who end up with the good jobs are the proactive ones who are solutions to problems, not problems themselves, who seize the initiative to do whatever is necessary, consistent with correct principles, to get the job done.”
Does anyone really believe that they are going to get a tweet on Twitter, a FaceBook message, an email, or knock on the door stating, “we’ve been on an extensive search looking for someone just like you.” The fact is you are responsible for your career choices. Only you have the power to be proactive and take the initiative to make a change, if change is needed. If you have a horrible boss or work environment, you have to take responsibility to either work with team members to improve the situation or start making plans to move on.
The key is to make a plan. This doesn’t necessarily involve quitting your job. It may very well be setting your sights on a different position within your company and proactively going after that job. Don’t do anything rash – half the battle is recognizing there is a problem – then developing a conscious plan to do something about it. This should be a written plan and shared with a trusted mentor or respected friend to get another viewpoint. You need to look within and determine what you really want to be doing. Because you can’t have a real plan, until you establish the goal. What can you become totally immersed in and enjoy going to work to do? This is usually easier said than done. It must be practical and reasonably attainable, but nonetheless what you really have a vision of doing. We can’t all venture off to Africa with the Peace Corp. on a humanitarian mission, as we have other life commitments. It may require several intermediary steps, like going back to school for an advanced degree, getting a shorter term well-paying job to save money to start your own business, or getting an entry level job in the field of your dreams to allow you to work toward the position you desire.
Take control of your career (and life) by not accepting the status Quo until it’s too late. Life is too short!
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