While job satisfaction in the UK is on the rise, more than one fifth of us still do not feel satisfied with our careers and may well be thinking of a change.
For many people, however, a career change is not an option no matter how enticing it appears. The range of career opportunities where you live could be limited and for family or other reasons you may not be able to relocate. Perhaps you have very specialist skills which are not transferable, and you cannot afford to give it all up, move into a new sector and start again.
But just because a career change is not an option doesn't mean that you should be condemned to an unhappy working environment. There are things you can do at work and outside work to help you take your mind off the pressures of your job.
Within your job, some of the things you can consider are:
Training and personal development
Work may give you opportunities for extra training and personal development. Explore what is on offer, and think about what could add some value to you working life.
Take some time to think about the personal and technical skills you would like to acquire and discuss the possibility of enrolling on courses or training to help you gain these with your employer. You will need to demonstrate why it is in the employer's interest to release or fund your participation in these courses, but a good employer should understand that staff need to grow and learn at work. Even an unimaginative employer can be persuaded to take a greater interest in your welfare if you are important to them.
Review your career path within your firm or sector
Take a look around you at work. Where will your career go if you carry on along the same path? Where could it take you if you made small but significant adjustment?
Look at the other jobs people do in your company. Could you do them? For example, would you want to move into management or take a sideways move into a different function? Even if you don't have the skills or experience to do a particular role, the fact that you already work in the company or sector, and have a deeper understanding of the business and culture, gives you an advantage over external candidates. Before you can make a sideways move you are likely to need further training – are you prepared to take this on?
Talk to your employer
You can't go to your boss and say you don't enjoy your work, or that you have no respect for the company. But you can approach them with some positive messages that encourage them to think about your issues constructively. Show them that you take an interest in the business, that you are an asset and that you have hidden qualities that they may not be taking advantage of. For example, you could say that you feel ready to take on further challenges or that there is a particular project coming up that you would like to take responsibility for.
Things to do outside work
Trying things outside work can add an extra dimension to your life. The idea is to stop your job from having a negative impact on your wellbeing – you'll see work as no more than a means to an end.
There are many things you can do and they all depend on your personal interests and abilities. You might, for instance, set up you own part-time business, maybe an eBay store. You could join local cultural or social groups, get immersed in what's going on in your neighbourhood. Check out Do It for things you can volunteer for in your area. Or look at Spogo to see where you can find local sporting activities. The list of possibilities really is endless.
You may well feel that you need some help in motivating yourself. There's no shame in that. Everybody knows that a job you don't enjoy can be debilitating. Somebody on the outside, a professional or good friend, can help give you the boost you need, help you to see things differently and encourage you to try something new. It's worth a try.
Harry Freedman is a career coach and founder of the Career Advice Centre. He is the author of How To Get a Job In A Recession.
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