Unhappy? Switch It Up!
I just did a coffee run. I was crashing. It’s almost Friday, what can I say? When we got there the girl behind the cash register was fighting with another worker about someone who hadn’t cleaned something. Then the guy that was making the drinks started freaking out on another employee and screaming about how much he hated his job.
Now, while I realize it may not have been his childhood dream to make coffee for other people, there’s no reason to yell at anyone, especially in front of customers. Perhaps he was holding the job to pay for his expenses from school or something. Whatever the reason, he really did not need to get so upset. Everyone stopped what they were doing and just stared at him.
Here’s the thing - if you’re that unhappy with your job, why not look for another way to get other work? I know that this is not the easiest of things. Jobs aren’t just always available and transitions are certainly not easy. But people do it all the time. From career switchers to career enhancers you can really be anything you want nowadays. You don’t need to go back and get a whole new degree - go back and get a certificate. Some of those programs are really short. And you’ll have more experience and the backing of your school’s career services on your side.
Think about these factors:
1. Your likes. What interests you? Do you like to work with your hands? Do you like to write? Maybe work on music? Get involved somehow in something you like because it will give you something to look forward to every day.
2. Your dislikes. What do you absolutely hate, besides your current job? What bores you? If you get queasy at the sight of blood then being a nurse or phlebotomist may not be for you. But maybe you want to work in the medical field somehow. Perhaps you’ll look into medical billing and coding. Try to think outside of the box.
3. Your environment. Does the thought of a nine to five cubicle job drive you crazy? Maybe you need to interact with people regularly or maybe you like to work with a computer all day. Think about what kind of environment best suits you. Who knows you better than yourself? Not many people I’d say.
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: make a pros and cons list. You’ll see everything you’ve been thinking right in front of you, on one piece of paper. And you’ll be able to assess the situation for what it is and make an informed decision.
Check out the best schools for you and different occupations you may never have even thought of before. Talk to admissions officers and get a sense of where you may belong in the future…
Good luck!
-Amanda Fornecker