Instead of six more weeks of waking up to a job you don't like, perhaps you can do something about it here in the new year. One of the most difficult steps in a job search is often the first one. You don't know where to start. You are afraid your current employer may find out. You are worried you don't even know what you want to do next. Rather than living under that shadow, here are a few suggestions to come out into the light and stay there in regards to your job search:
SET A GOAL
Sounds simple, doesn't it? You should really assess what you hope to accomplish with your job search. Don't just put your resume on a job board and hope the "right employer" calls you with some miracle position that will double your pay. Employers often ask candidates, "Why us?" Why do you want to go to work for them? What is it that you are seeking? If you haven't set goals for yourself, these questions are difficult to answer. Maybe it is more money. A bigger title. Education reimbursement. Better benefits. It can be simple, but once it is a stated goal, this can become something to achieve as you begin speaking with possible new employers.
DO SOME HOMEWORK
Oftentimes I have candidates reach out to me seeking a new job, only to tell me they really haven't worked much on their resume. Maybe they'll get to it, maybe they won't. If you have not gone to the trouble to polish up your resume and add pertinent details, I would argue you're not really ready to make a change. You're just hoping for some luck to come your way. My advice would be to discontinue your job search and just start playing the lottery. Your odds will be better.
REFLECT ON YOUR PAST
Think about your recent job history. What did you like about certain jobs or employers? What didn't you like? Incorporate these thoughts and reflections into your job search. If a prospective employer asks why you didn't like one of your jobs, be honest without being negative. Maybe there are parts of this new job that will seem much like a past job that you didn't like at all. Might be time to scratch that one off the list if that is the case. Believe it or not, this reflection may also lead you to the conclusion that where you're at isn't all that bad. You may have much of what you want right in front of you. It could just be a few bad days or a recent change that spooked you, but staying put is the best move for your career.
TALK WITH A TRUSTED ADVISOR
This might be a spouse, a parent, a friend, a colleague, or a search consultant like myself. Ask honest questions of these people that are in your close circles of trust and then listen to what they have to say. You may not like parts of it, but this honest evaluation could really lead you to the path you've been seeking, but haven't been able to see for yourself. These people likely have your best interests in mind and will stay objective with you throughout the process.
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