Staying Motivated at a Dead-End Job
Jan 25th, 2012 | By Editor | Category: Employment NewsUnfortunately, many employees across the United States see the writing on the wall when it comes to their opportunities for advancement within the company they work for. Older workers are increasingly putting off retirement due to tough economic times, corporations are cutting positions to save money, and options to go elsewhere are extremely limited due to a weak job market. Such “dead-end” jobs can be the source of high anxiety and depression. While hiring a big city New York or Chicago life coach may be your company’s solution to boost motivation in such situations, that doesn’t have to be the strategy you utilize to make your go-nowhere job more tolerable. When it comes to personalized methods for handling an uninspiring work environment, consider putting the following into practice:
- Remember the recession: The unemployment rate is just barely hovering around 8.5% in this country. Millions of Americans are out of the job and would give just about anything to be in your salaried shoes. No matter how bad your current job may be, it’s far better than scouring the want ads everyday as your unemployment benefits run out.
- Find supportive co-workers: Chances are that if you are having a hard time dealing with uninspiring work, you aren’t the only one there who feels that way. Talk these things over with trusted co-workers. You may learn that all it takes is some healthy venting during your lunch hour to feel better about your job.
- Resume build in your free time: Part of the depression that comes as a result of working a “dead end” job is the notion that your current job is not making you a viable candidate for the careers you do want. Fix this by committing to resume-building volunteer work and other ways to update your experience on the weekend.
- Humanize human resources: Take the time to realize that those that seemingly stand between you and further success in your workplace are not enemies. Chances are they have very practical reasons for refusing to upgrade your position, or they simply do not have the ability to help you at all. This helps to relax your mood during high points of frustration over this issue.
- Focus on what’s important: Friends and family are ultimately what matters. It sounds hokey but there’s a very good reason why that veteran co-worker’s cubicle is littered with pictures of his wife and kids. Constantly staying aware of what’s most important in life is key to getting through a bad day at work. It boosts confidence while at the same time improving mood.
Millions of Americans are currently working jobs they don’t particular enjoy because they have to. Seeing the good as much as possible is critical when it comes to making it through the day in such circumstances. In between a dead-end job and a life-changing career switch, figuring out how to get through each day is how you bridge the gap.
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I definitely agree with the solutions your article proposes! Working at a staffing agency, I have found that some people are emotionally down because they are at dead-end jobs. I will be sure to pass this information along to my staffing solutions colleagues as I know they would really appreicate it!
I have taken this opportunity at my current dead end job to network with peers on twitter and professional online forums and blogs. This has been invaluable. There aren’t classes at the local colleges that are on the particular training classes I need for my job or else I would take them. In lieu of this, I take every course my employer offers that will enhance my job such as time management and communication skills. Out of ~50 employees at my current job, it sounds like I am the only one who takes advantage of these free courses. I strongly encourage anyone in a dead end job to find blogs that are pertinent to what they do every day & read them & begin to comment on them. Study ‘branding’ & how to brand yourself. After all, if you are doing the same thing for many years, then the chances are high you are an expert @ what you do even if it’s a niche job that not many people do. From Nov 1 to Dec 15 I had 1 employer & 2 headhunters reach out to me with potential job offers. Get your name out there. I think that it’s important to realize the pro’s of a dead end job as well. For someone who is taking care of elderly parents or a spouse or children with a disability or a very active personal life such as civic or volunteer work, going to college & has a ton of homework, a dead end job with health insurance, vacation & all the usual bennies is really ok.
Great tips. I would also suggest joining an Expert Network like Gerson Lehrman Group, Maven Research or Askvisory. Expert networks connect experienced professional with investors, individuals and corporations for 30 to 60 minute micro-consultations. Engagement pay well and offer great opportunities for networking.
Hello Careerists,
A very nice article!
So often we get wrapped up in the chaos created by the deep sense of dispair and job dissatisfaction that we indeed forget the bottom line. This article is a great reminder that there is more to life than our dead-end job.
At least we are able to pay our way in life! :0)
I think the key is to focus on finding things to do at your job that can expand your knowledge and/or skills. This not only shows how valuable you are, but it also gives you more satisfaction in your work.
You can only go so far with a dead-end job until you go crazy. Low pay sucks but conditions of employment will really make you go nuts even more. I’m stuck with one now and have been for over two years have a BA degree and can’t find anything. We’ve all heard the saying — crappy boss and low pay. Well, the U.S. will keep adding those low paying grunt jobs as the job market slugs along. I’d take my boss to lunch, but he’ll have to pay the bill.