I Want OUT!!

I hate my job. There is no other way to put it. I can not sugar coat it.

There are millions of people in the same position I am in, and thousands more added to the list daily. After a good friend of mine lost a great job with a household name non-profit last year, he took a huge pay cut to work in a gun shop. Although it is one of his hobbies and he enjoys his job to some extent, financially, he is in trouble. He may have to move back in with his parents until he has enough money to get back out on his own. (Something that he does not want to do). Needless to say, he wants out of the gun shop. Not because of lack of enjoyment, but lack of money.

My situation is not that dissimilar to his. I do feel that I am grossly underpaid and underutilized, (thank you Glassdoor) but I am also drained by the endless cost-cutting measures and the continuously rising expectations of returning more results with less help. I want out!

There is nothing I would enjoy more than attaining a new position and thriving. As I have in nearly every capacity that I have ever been used in previously. The problem is, the job market is constantly getting new “fish” dumped in, and it is getting harder to “stand out” in the crowd. Not to mention the ever shrinking payroll with current employers. What to do? Here are some suggestions.

Start your own business.
Essentially, Financial Methods is my way of operating my own business. I have never yearned to operate my own store or manufacture anything, so I write. There are endless ways to start a business. You do not have to aspire to become the next Wal-Mart or Apple, but it does take discipline and a plan. A new business will not instantly give you the money or freedom to get rid of your job and focus solely on it. It will give you extra motivation and confidence to become self-reliant.

In many cases, the loads of extra work that a business can bring along is daunting. Remember to think long-term and do not give up. Treat your business like a child. At first, EVERYTHING will seem slow. You must constantly pay attention to and devote time and resources to it. Once it becomes older, it “learns”. Once it has “learned” enough, as long as you have put enough time and effort into it, your business will become a success. That does not necessarily mean that it will become a cash cow, but hopefully, it will become everything you had initially hoped.

My struggles and learning experiences since starting Financial Methods in late January have been exponential. I have taught myself so much that I never would have thought possible about writing, web design (don’t knock me for that one, I’m still awful and I know it) and time management (among many other things). I have also contacted MANY helpful and knowledgeable people who are more than willing to help me along the way.

Never stop looking.
Even with a flooded job market and companies that seem unwilling to take on new employees, there are ALWAYS opportunities available. Everybody knows that it is horrible idea to quit a job without a new one lined up. Circumstances that we can not control may lead to a lay-off or firing. For these reasons, you should always have a few irons in the fire. Although it is not necessary to always be actively seeking a new job (which could lead to an unwanted situation in your current position), but looking around and having a few backup ideas is always smart. This way, if you do have to leave your position, at the very least you will have a head start on many.

Transfer within your own company.
Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to be reinvigorated and to begin enjoying your work once again. If you work for a large company with many options, a transfer may be a good idea. Maybe it is not what you are doing, but who you are working with that is frustrating you. If this is the case, request a transfer. It may be a breath of fresh air that allows you to find new life without having to find a new job.

Get a new skill set.
Although you will still need to be employed while you do this, further schooling or specific classes will assist you in getting a new job and can drastically increase your worth. Continuing education is vital in today’s job market and without the willingness and ability to adapt and learn, you will be left behind. This is now true in nearly every profession. Especially the best paying jobs. Never be afraid to learn!

Chances are that if you do not currently want out, you have at some point in your life.

Tagged as: business plan, career, Education, employment, job, money, salary