You wake up, you go to work, you come home. You enjoy your job, but you feel unfulfilled, undervalued, and it’s just not the dream career you envisioned when you were younger. But…
It doesn’t always mean it’s a dead end, and by reframing your perspective, you can turn it into a stepping stone to something new or simply reignite the spark you had when you first started.
Not everyone is lucky enough to be in their dream job, but there is still a lot you can do to make the most of the job you have. With the season of ‘new year new me’ upon us, many people are thinking about changes they can make in their life, and according to Google trend data, searches for “make job better” have risen by 206% in the last month. Career expert Rob Phelps at AI Jobs explains how to make the most out of not being in your dream job, and how to know when it’s time to move on.
EMBRACE JOMO
FOMO, the fear of missing out, can cause you to constantly compare your career to others – whether that’s colleagues, peers, or friends – comparing things like your salary, position, speed of progression.
The joy of missing out, JOMO, allows you to think about the positive things, rather than the negative. Instead of focusing on what’s missing, think about what your current job does offer you, like opportunities to learn, connections, and stability.
TRY TO REIGNITE THE SPARK
Even if your current job isn’t exactly what you dreamt, there may be elements that one excited. Think about why you applied for the job initially; was it to have the chance to work in a certain industry? Learn particular skills?
Focus on these aspects, and try to reignite the spark you once had – from volunteering to work on new projects or with a different team, to trying to find new ways to approach your everyday tasks. A fresh perspective could make the same work feel new, and small wins can give you a reason to stay motivated.
IMPROVE WHAT YOU CAN IMPROVE
You might not be able to quit, and can’t change everything you dislike about your job, but there are possibly areas you have control over and can improve for yourself. Taking ownership of what you can improve can increase your feeling of accomplishment and make your workday feel more fulfilling.
Try to improve things like your workflow, the relationships you have with your colleagues and managers, and even look at online courses or workshops that can help you increase your skills, and lead you closer to your dream job.
SET YOUR GOALS
Ask yourself what your dream career is. Your idea of your dream job – and what you need to get there – might have changed, so think about what skills, experience, or qualifications you need. Set SMART (specific, actionable, achievable relevant, and time-bound) goals that will take you in the direction you need to be, using your current job as a stepping stone. Sometimes, a job can take a turn and lead into a path you never thought of – and your dream job might not be what you thought.
FOCUS ON GROWTH
If you feel like you’re missing out on growth opportunities, talk about your ambitions with your managers. Openly discussing your goals, and asking what you can do to help yourself grow, will ensure that you’re on your employer’s radar. Growth isn’t always about rocketing up the career ladder, it might simply be about gaining skills in areas you hadn’t explored before, that can help you in the role you have, as well as preparing you for future roles.
SET BOUNDARIES
You might find yourself trying to overcompensate for how you’re feeling by overworking, thinking that forgetting about your work-life balance and taking on extra tasks will bring the recognition that you want, and make you feel more fulfilled. But this can have the opposite effect, and lead to burnout, so make sure you set boundaries, not only with your employers, but with yourself.
Boundaries don’t mean you’re less committed to your job; they allow you to have enthusiasm and energy for your work, as well as your outside life, and mean you can stay focused on your long-term aspirations.
DON’T GIVE UP
When you feel stuck and frustration sets in, it’s hard to not sabotage yourself by slacking, giving up, and just doing the bare minimum. But this doesn’t just reflect poorly on you in your current job, it can also hinder your growth and future opportunities.
PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT STEP
Even when making the most of your current situation, don’t lose sight of your long term plans. Make sure your CV is always updated, including new skills, achievements, and experience, and build a strong professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities that can help you move one step closer to your dream career – it might be something you never expected.
HOW TO KNOW IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON
YOU’RE FILLED WITH DREAD
When you start to dread going to work, it’s a strong sign that something needs to change. Dreading tasks and upcoming meetings, and spending the day watching the clock, desperate for the day to be over, is a clear indicator that your mental health is taking a hit, and it’s time to think about moving on.
IT’S GETTING TOXIC
A toxic work environment can have a huge impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing, chipping away at your self-confidence, and make you feel like you’ll never be able to escape. Studies have shown that 27% have left their job because of an unhealthy culture – and whether it’s workplace bullying, disrespect, or negativity and gossip, if bad vibes and a toxic environment are making you dislike your job, it’s good idea to leave before it starts to impact your mental health, too.
IT’S A DEAD END
The most difficult decision can be leaving a job that you still love, even if it’s not your dream job, but you’ve simply outgrown. Do you feel like you’ve learnt everything you can, and there’s no room for progression and growth? Are you constantly exceeding the expectations or managements, but you’re always being passed over for promotions? Remaining in a stagnant role will limit your career development, and if there’s no route to progression where you are, it might be best to get off the dead-end road and look for a new path.
