If you are one of the nearly 99 million full-time workers in the United States, you might understand what it like to be unhappy at your current job. According to Working, people between the ages of 14 and 22 held on average almost 11 different jobs, or one job ever 2 1/3 years. A variety of reasons may actually influence you to stay or leave a job, but there are circumstances that may cause you to think about leaving.
Step 1
Make a list of your personal and professional goals. This step creates clarity for your workplace commitment. According to CareerBuilder, you need to have a clear vision before making important decisions about your current job. Answer questions, such as purpose for working and what you hope to accomplish. Clear goals give you better focus for getting up and going to work each morning.
Step 2
Place a check mark next to the specific goal (personal or professional) your current position is helping you to achieve. Be realistic about the capabilities of your current position in meeting your goals. Hoping for things is not a goal. For example, if one of your goals is to reach senior management, then be sure your company your company has a senior management. In addition, if the senior position you seek pays only five figures, and another of your goals is to make six figures, the capabilities do not match.
Step 3
Determine objectively and specifically what is making you unhappy at work. For example, it may be a poor or difficult work environment, personality issues with co-workers or the boss, or you may be bored or feel unchallenged. Objectively analyze the conflict making you want to leave.
Step 4
Consider a lateral move within your company or within the same line of work. Your current career ladder may not be your best option. According to Quintessential Careers, lateral moves allow you to gain more contacts making you a more attractive candidate for a future promotion. For example, you could move from the sales department to the production department, or you can move from one company to another under the same job title.
Step 5
Make the decision about your current position. Based on your list, the decision may be an obvious one because your job does not line up with your goals. Alternatively, you may decide that your job is in line with your goals, but something or someone else seems to be the problem. Then it is time to decide how to deal with that underlying issue--though that may include your attitude.
Tips and Warnings
- It might seem unimportant to include personal goals in Step One, but your professional success plays a major role in your personal accomplishments. Discuss your career goals with a trusted co-worker, spouse, family member or friend to get an unbiased opinion about your decision.
- Make sure your decision is not made in the heat of the moment. According to Portland Community College, a change in jobs or careers should be a rational decision, not an emotional one.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
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