Feeling trapped in your current job?

Let's see if I can pull off this comparison - feeling trapped in your current job vs. feeling trapped in the incredibly small cars/trams that take you up into the famous St. Louis Arch.  I don't know if you can tell that the picture above is that tiny compartment, but it is.  My family traveled to this legendary landmark a few weeks ago and it had been almost twenty years since I had taken the ride to the top.  My kids are not very big, but squeezing our family of five into that space was pretty interesting to say the least.

There were many thoughts that ran through my head, but one was overwhelming - I don't want to be in here, even if they say it is only four minutes to the top and three minutes back down.  That was seven minutes too long in my book!  So the question is, have you recently had this thought at your desk?  The thought of working even one more day in your current job almost unbearable?

In my opinion there are three very clear cut ways to handle this dilemma:

1)  Run for your life.  Life is short and you could quit on the spot to save any additional pain and suffering.  If things are really that bad at work, then you have to take this option into consideration.  The problem with this is that you immediately become unemployed without a job if you quit without something else lined up.  I can also tell you from experience that it will appear as a red flag to prospective employers.  Even if your reasoning is solid, this will create some unnecessary tension when someone asks in an interview why you left your former employer.  So this is not an option I hardly ever recommend even though many candidates consider it.  Usually it is based off of emotion, and you have to think with your head, not your heart, in these tough situations.

2)  Talk with your boss.  This option also comes with some risk, but I have also seen it come with reward.  Perhaps there is a change coming that you didn't know about that could resolve some issues.  Or your boss could see some mutually beneficial ways to solve any existing problems.  When I first meet new candidates, I always ask how they would feel if the end result of a search is that staying put is the best option?  Most people can't fathom considering that, but it happens more often than you would think.  Timing is everything in this business and sometimes the timing simply isn't right.  You may need to work extra hard to make your current employer the place to be instead of pushing a square peg through a round hole and change just for the sake of change.

3)  Grin and bear it.  Prospective employers are looking first and foremost for candidates that are not unhappy with their current jobs.  So even if deep down inside you are miserable, you have to remember that no one wants to hire someone that is running AWAY from a problem.  They would much prefer to hire someone running TOWARD a better solution.  This will start with your attitude at your current job.  I can tell you right now that it will also help you get through your daily grind.  I know it sounds like a bad fortune cookie prediction, but sometimes putting a positive vibe into your work will create a positive result.  You sure have nothing to lose as you're likely not going to be with the employer for much longer.  It is always better to end on a good note as well, if possible.

Any other suggestions on how to handle the feeling of being trapped in your current job?  Or comparisons other than the St. Louis Arch elevators?  As always, I welcome and covet your thoughts!