What to Do If You’re Stuck in a Job You Hate

We’ve all been there—stuck in a job that feels like a never-ending grind. A friend of mine has been thinking about quitting for ages but hesitates due to the high cost of living and family commitments. It’s tough to stay in a job you dislike just to stay afloat financially. I’ve been in that position too.

But you do have options. Here are some tips to handle it:

#1: IDENTIFY WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T DO

Take a step back and list what aspects of your job you can control versus what you cannot. This might include seeking help from your co-worker or making the most of your downtime. Knowing your limits can help you make better decisions.

#2: MAXIMIZE YOUR DOWNTIME

Remember, your job is just one part of your life. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends, or volunteering can offer fulfillment and lessen the pressure on your job to provide all your emotional needs. Many find that pursuing outside interests brings a renewed sense of purpose. Try pickleball or visit local museums!

#3: WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS

Assess both the positive and negative aspects of your job. While the drawbacks might be obvious, do not forget to consider the benefits—such as a steady paycheck, a structured day, workplace friendships, or a sense of contribution. For the negatives, think about possible solutions, either on your own or with your company’s help.

#4: EXPLORE NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Say that you’ve weighed your options and things in your current company are still grim. Sometimes, a change of environment can refresh your outlook. Be open to exploring new professional fields or industries. Even if you’re not ready to leave your current job, learning about different settings can help you understand what you truly want.

#5: CONSIDER FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Worrying about a potential pay cut when changing jobs is common. However, a new role might offer better compensation or benefits. Salary can depend on various factors like industry, location, and your skills. If increasing your income is a priority, it’s often achievable with the right strategy.

#6: PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS

If your job is negatively impacting your health or happiness, it may be time to plan a transition. Start networking, update your resume, and think about your next career move. Even if you do not land a new job immediately, laying the groundwork can set you up for success. In the meantime, focus on your well-being and stay connected with friends.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Being stuck in a job you hate does not have to be your only option. By understanding your situation, weighing your choices, and taking proactive steps, you can move towards a more fulfilling career. Remember, you have the power to create a path that aligns with your needs, goals, and well-being.

Sources: 1 & 2

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How to job hunt when you’re feeling burnt out

stressed woman in front of her laptop

When you’re feeling burnt out, it’s tough to think straight.

You might feel like you can’t do anything right and giving up seems like the only option. But it’s important to remember that this is just a phase. You will get through it.

Read on for tips on how to job hunt when you’re feeling at your worst.

Define your goals

Take some time to define your goals. What do you want from your next job? What are your priorities? Are you looking for something that’s going to challenge you or are you looking for a job that’s going to be more relaxing? Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it will be easier to start targeting.

Simplify your search

When you’re feeling burnt out, the last thing you want to do is spend hours scanning through job listings and writing cover letters. So how can you simplify your job search?

One way is to focus on jobs that are a good fit for your skills and interests. Don’t waste your time applying for jobs that are a poor match—you’re only going to get frustrated and feel burnt out even more.

Another way to simplify your search is to target companies that you want to work for. Do some research online and see if they have any openings. If they don’t, send them an email anyway and introduce yourself. You never know, they might be in the market for new talents.

Consider a different path
adult classes

Image Credits: juniorchamps.my

The industry you’ve been working in for the past few years has lost its luster, and you’re not sure what to do next. Well, maybe it’s time to consider a different path.

There are plenty of other jobs out there that may be a better fit for you. Maybe you want to try something new and explore your creative side. Or maybe you want to go back to school and get your certification in a field that you’re passionate about.

Whatever it is, we urge you to go after what you want. And don’t hesitate to take some time to figure out what that is. The job market is competitive, but don’t let that discourage you. You have the power to create the life you want—and the job you want—if you’re willing to put in the work.

Don’t be afraid to take a break

It can be challenging to keep going when you’re feeling burnt out. You don’t want to spend the little energy you have on job hunting, but you also don’t want to stay stuck in your current status.

So what can you do? Take a short break. It’s not the advice most people want to hear, but it’s crucial to give yourself some time to recharge. Maybe take a few days off, or even a week if you can manage it. During that time, focus on getting your mental and physical energy back.

And when you’re ready, start job hunting again. This time, be more selective about the jobs you apply for and the companies you interview with. Make sure the position and the company are a good fit for you—you don’t want to end up in the same situation as before.

The best thing you can do when you’re feeling burnt out is to take some time for yourself. Get some support from your friends and family, and take care of yourself in whatever way you need to. Maybe that means taking a break from job hunting and focusing on something else for a while. Or maybe it means taking the full weekend off to recharge your batteries. Whatever it looks like for you, make sure to give yourself the time and space you need to heal. You will be in a much better position to start job hunting again when you’re feeling more rested and relaxed.

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The dos and don’ts of job hunting while you’re still employed

a job seeker looking at her resume

You’ve been at your job for a few years and you’ve started to feel a little antsy.

You’re not sure what it is, but you know that you’re not fulfilled and you want more. So, you start to job hunt. But then you realize that what you need is stability, so you decide to keep your job and job hunt on the side.

Sounds familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people are in the same position as you. In this post, allow us to give you some tips on how to job hunt while still employed.

Do network carefully

When you’re job hunting, it’s important to be strategic about who you network with. You don’t want to open a can of worms, so be careful about who you reach out to for help.

Your best bet is to start with your network of friends and family. They may know of job openings that you don’t, or they may be able to put in a good word for you with their contacts.

But don’t stop there! LinkedIn can be a great resource for job hunters, and it’s a great place to start networking with people in your industry. Just be sure to stay professional and avoid asking for favors too early in the relationship.

Do consider a recruiter
a recruiter extending her hand

Image Credits: flexjobs.com

When you’re looking for a new job, the last thing you want to do is quit your current one without having a new one in hand. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start your job hunt now—in fact, there are a few things you should do to make the process easier.

First, consider working with a recruiter. A recruiter can help you identify opportunities that may be a good fit for you, and they can also help manage the process of applying and interviewing. Plus, since they have relationships with hiring managers at many companies, they can often get you in the door faster than if you applied on your own.

Just make sure you choose a recruiter who is reputable and has experience in your industry. You don’t want to waste your time or theirs.

Do keep your job search private

One of the most essential things to remember while job hunting is to keep your search private.

Telling your current employer that you’re looking for a new job can put you in a very difficult position. They may see it as a lack of commitment on your part or even a sign that you’re unsatisfied with your current job.

So, how do you go about finding a new job without tipping off your current employer? The best way is to be discreet and keep your job search under wraps. This means not discussing it with co-workers, avoiding posting on social media, and not putting key company contacts in your resume.

Don’t quit your job without a plan
a man packing up and getting ready to leave

Image Credits: fortune.com

So you’ve decided that you’re ready for a new job. That’s wonderful! But before you quit your current job, there are a few things you need to consider.

First, make sure you have a solid plan in place. Don’t just quit your job without knowing what you’re going to do next. You need to have a strategy for how you’re going to pay your bills and support yourself until you find a new job.

Second, don’t burn any bridges. It’s important to maintain good relationships with your current employer, even if you’re planning on leaving. You never know when you might need them for a reference or networking opportunity in the future.

Finally, give yourself enough time to job hunt. Don’t just quit your job and start applying for random new ones the next day. It’s good to take your time and find the right position for yourself.

Don’t let your job search distract you from your current job

You might be tempted to spend all day on job boards and networking websites, but don’t let your job search distract you from your current job. The last thing you want is to get fired for job hunting on company time!

Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Dedicate a certain number of hours each day to your job search, and use the rest of the time to focus on your current work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from job searching and come back to it later.

There’s no rush, and you don’t want to end up making careless mistakes because you’re stressed out. Stay organized and take things one step at a time—you will find a new job in no time!

Job hunting is always a challenge, but it can be even tougher when you’re still working. You don’t want to burn any bridges at your current job, but you also need to start preparing for your future. While it may seem like the ultimate experience to be looking for work and earning a living at the same time, there are a few additional hurdles that you must take into consideration. Take tactful actions moving forward unless your manager has informed you of impending layoffs and permitted you to utilize company time for job searching.

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You Need To Know These 7 Job-Hunting Tips

Due to the global economic shifts brought by the pandemic, the unemployment rate in Singapore raised to around 4.38 percent in 2020. Unemployment has forced many Singaporean workers to reinvent themselves and pursue different career paths. It does not necessarily mean that they will try to get back the job they once lost.

If you are one of this people, you may turn to technology for advice. As you dive into the pool of job vacancies, you will encounter a massive wealth of job-hunting advice online. It is easy to get lost in the pile of articles found in Google. Avoid overwhelming yourself.

Let me start by cutting down the list of timeless job-hunting tips to help you survive this complex process.

#1: TAILOR YOUR APPLICATION

When applying for a job online, it is highly likely that your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) or resume will be screened by an applicant tracking system. The first human encounter your C.V. will encounter is from a recruiter or an entry-level HR officer. It is best to tailor your application to the company you are applying for. Make it obvious that you are fit for the job!

Start by studying the job description and all the available information about the vacancy. Then, mirror the words and phrases found in the job description. Showcase your strengths in the areas that are important to the role being filled. Connect your skills to what they are looking for.

#2: CONSIDER FACE-TO-FACE JOB SEARCH

While most companies accomplish the initial hiring process online and thru Zoom interviews, you must not limit yourself to online applications. Accelerate your chances of getting the job by dropping by the office and handing over the application in person.

Schedule informational interviews with would-be peers, if possible. You may also approach the internal recruiter and ask a few questions. This will get you on their radar. Remember that decision makers usually interview people who were recommended or referred. Letting the company know your genuine interest can help you set yourself apart.

#3: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Always come prepared. Do your research on your target companies. Once you know what you want, it is time to find out what the companies want.

A great tip is to find out the company’s culture and structure through their LinkedIn page and website. Figure out what questions they commonly ask during job interviews and discover the approximate amount of salary you may get.

#4: CURATE YOUR ONLINE BRAND

It goes without saying that modern recruiters search through the Web to find out who you really are. It is best to build a brand that showcases your expertise and passion. Most recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool. Use it to your advantage!

Moreover, you must be cautious about you post online. It can make or break your chances of getting the job.

#5: ORGANIZE YOURSELF

During the early stages of job-hunting, you must gather all the documents supporting your claims. This includes Transcript of Records and Recommendation Letters. Ensure that your C.V. and cover letter are up to date. Then, determine how many hours per day will be dedicated to job-hunting or networking.

You can neatly compile all the professional email accounts and job interview schedules into a spreadsheet. This way, your job search process can be faster and easier.

#6: ASK PEOPLE FOR ADVICE

During the end of your job interview, it does not hurt to become vulnerable. It is alright to ask your interviewer for advice on how to build strong working relationships and how to succeed in the current vacant position. Do not forget to admire their company and the work they do.

#7: NOTICE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Carry yourself well during interviews. How many times have you heard this: “body language is vital in job interviews”? It is in your interest to take this advice seriously. Watch out for your posture, gestures, and non-verbal cues. These may either exude confidence or incompetence.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Communication, much like dancing, is a two-way street. Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language too. This will help you know if you are on the right track.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Avoid These Job Interview Red Flags

As we ring in the new Year of the Ox, there are several personal and professional milestones that we can climb. You are not alone in the battlefield of job hunting. While some interviews are pleasant, others can leave you disappointed. Throughout my career in the education field, I have been in both sides of the story.

I was able to interview talented teachers as a Directress and was able to sit through countless of interviews myself. When an interview turns sour, what do you do? You can either run away to other opportunities or settle for less than what you deserve. It is easy to walk away from a bad interview when you feel that you have more opportunities waiting in store. However, there are some people who have taken positions despite the red flags. These people are worried that they might not get another job. Given the current situation, I cannot blame them!

If you are caught in this situation, it is likely that you will feel emotionally and physically worn out as the months pass. Consider politely refusing an offer and search for better opportunities instead. On that note, here are some red flags that will make you run away from an interview.

#1: WHEN THE INTERVIEWER IS LATE

It is understandable that hiring managers will encounter emergencies from time to time. Being late for a couple of minutes is forgivable. However, not respecting someone’s time is rude and bad for business. Most hiring managers need to give themselves at least 10 minutes of prep before the candidate comes in. They use this time to read the C.V. and to prepare the application forms of the candidates. If your interviewer is late during the appointment, imagine how they will act as your boss.

#2: WHEN THE INTERVIEWER SAYS INAPPROPRIATE WORDS ABOUT YOUR PREDECESSOR

While it is appropriate for the interviewer to describe the current roles in the department or how the company is structured, be cautious when the interviewer starts to badmouth the person who left. Speaking poorly about a person they are replacing shows a view of his or her character. I cannot guarantee that the interviewer will not do the same thing to you.

#3: WHEN THE SCHEDULING IS DISORGANIZED

It is common to experiences a few missteps when it comes to the interview scheduling process. It is not simple to coordinate multiple people with strict schedules. Moreover, managers and leaders are often pulled into last-minute meetings. These are normal. However, you need to be concerned when they reschedule over and over again. This shows that they do not value your time or that you must adjust your schedule to accommodate to their needs.

#4: WHEN THE COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION HAS A HIGH TURNOVER RATE

Do your research before a job interview. Check LinkedIn to see what the working culture is like and which of your friends may have worked at the given company before. If the interviewer mentions that they are refilling the role for the second time this year, it is important to ask why. If the turnover rate is high in an organization, please proceed with caution.

#5: WHEN THE INTERVIEWER DISPLAYS OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR

Inclusion, diversity, and equity play a crucial role in a company. A workplace free from racism, sexism, harassment, discrimination, and political intolerance is ideal. In reality, these exists in varying degrees in different companies. Be observant when it comes to offensive behaviors during your interview. Exit politely, if necessary.

#6: WHEN THE INTERVIEWER IS CONFUSED ABOUT YOUR ROLE

Is the interviewer belittling your profession? Is he or she confused about your role? Be concerned! Your responsibilities and duties must be given to you clearly. The leaders and the rest of the team must be completely aligned with the company’s vision, mission, strategy, and roadmap.

Image Credits: unsplash.come

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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