How to exit a dead-end job

A woman deep in thought. [Photo: Courtesy]

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt.

Examine yourself and your role in the company. Your lack of motivation could be due to a number of factors. For instance, when your skills and level of education are not utilised to the fullest, you will not feel any challenge from the job. You could also be in a position where your superiors seem uninterested in promoting your career goals or not compensating you adequately for your efforts.

Ask yourself if your work routine has any possibility for change or if you are still interested in the company’s mission and vision. Does your current job meet your career goals? Is the job adversely affecting your mental and physical health? Is it your decision to stay or is someone else telling you to stay?

Explore your options

“Understand that the right to choose your own path is a scared privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility.” Oprah Winfrey.

Consider the merits and demerits of leaving your current job. What are the short term and long term gains of venturing into a new job? Do you have a plan or alternatives to your current source of livelihood? It would be unwise to jump from a bad situation to much worse position. Itemise what you can and cannot change. Assess your options carefully; there could be other opportunities within the company that are more ideal to you compared to your current position. However, do not wait for your job to get completely intolerable to make a change.

Talk to your superior

“The flower doesn’t dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.” Mark Nepo.

Be strategic and solution oriented when you table your job challenges to your boss. Build your credibility by putting across well thought out ideas and invite your boss to help you explore more challenging opportunities within the company. A company that is interested in building its employees will have managers that are willing to find more fulfilling positions for their staff as it directly translates to improved productivity. You should be careful not to get upset when your boss’ reception is not positive. Prove your worth to your boss, keep your discussion positive and share ways that could contribute more to the company.

Research

“If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking.” Steve Jobs.

Scavenge the internet for any leads on potential jobs and more exciting opportunities. Match your skills and goals to the needs of a specific company that you are eying. The grass is not always greener on the other side, so when you are ready to jump ship, do so with a wealth of potentially engaging and challenging options for yourself. Gather relevant information about the company you want to join to demonstrate your interest. Prioritise the opportunities you identify. Maintain an updated resume on hand and send it to prospective employers especially concerning jobs that are excellent matches to your needs. Attach an attractive application letter with your resume. Avoid exaggeration and remain honest about your qualifications.

Remain tight-lipped about your plan

“If you don’t program yourself, life will program you.” Les Brown.

Do not announce your intention to leave your job; it could backfire on you and undermine your aptness to find a more fulfilling job. Your manager can also let you go without a positive reference. You can discuss your intentions with someone you trust. Could be a spouse or a mentor who can help you decide on the best way forward. It is also advisable for you to use your personal computer in doing your job search to put off any red flags that may arise in your company internet use.

Maintain high productivity

“If you quit on the process, you are quitting on the result.” Idowu Koyenikan.

No matter how much you want to change your job, continue performing your duties to the best of your ability. Maintain a cordial and respectful relationship with colleagues to help you move on with grace. You never know what the future holds; it doesn’t serve anyone to burn bridges. In addition, you may need good references once the time to shift comes. Find time to also educate yourself; get any training that you may need in your next chapter. Show up on time and add your accomplishments to your resume. Take as much experience, knowledge and skill from your current job and bring those attributes along to land the job of your dream.

Test the waters

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Abraham Lincoln.

It is wise to take some part-time or volunteer work at the company you wish to join after exiting your current job. This will help you get a taste of the company and set base for appealing to the hiring manager. Getting practical experience at the company you want to join can help you decide if it is the right choice. Learn from other people’s job change mistakes and never dismiss external support and advice of people who have made job change decisions.