We are in the middle of a worldwide economic crisis. It is difficult to predict what is going to happen from day to day. There have been lay offs already and for many others there is a real possibility of losing their jobs. In view of this it seems likely that there will be a slowdown in certain sectors of the job market and more people looking for a new job.

OK – how does that opening help you if you have come to this post for some advice on leaving a job you hate?

Well I have coached enough people to know that the chance of turning a job round into something good is rarely totally hopeless. In a bouyant job market many people will opt to take their chances by jumping ship but it is worth thinking about frying pans and fires at the same time.

So before you make any decisions here are some tips for appraising where you are right now

I want to start by thinking about the positives.

Spend some time reflecting on

• what first attracted you to the job you are in?
• in what areas has it lived up to expectations?
• what have you achieved? Any surprises?
• what opportunities have you had ? What were the outcomes?
• who do you work best with?
• when did you last feel happy at work – what was going on?
• what have you celebrated with your team?
• what have you learned about yourself?

Now think about what you are not happy with

• when did you realise you were not happy? Was there a trigger?
• who have you found it hard to work with and why is that?
• how have you negotiated your salary package – what input did you have?
• how do you  approach the management of your workload?

Now looking at the positives and the negatives together

• do you have a clear(er) idea of what you are looking for and what is stopping you from getting it?
• who can help with the issues that are turning your current situation bad?
• if there are problems with working relationships do you understand your impact on this?
• can you take steps to change how you react to situations that are currently making you unhappy?

You might work through these suggestions and still feel that the only option for you is to move on. Or you might find something that might help you find another, better solution where you are.

It might help to work through these questions with a friend or trusted colleague. Articulating your feelings out loud can be very helpful. Ask them to listen though and not to offer solutions.

Or you could consider working with a coach to help you work this out. If so – get in touch.

jackie@consultcameron.com

07775 823862