Dear Nancy:

Q.  I hate my job and I can’t stand it another minute.  My boss is driving me crazy and I am so stressed out that I’m ready to hand in my two-week notice even though I don’t have another job.  Help!!!

A.  Sound familiar?  Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you too might be dying to shout “take this job and shove it!” Before doing anything rash, consider picking up a copy of the book, Before You Say "I Quit" by Diane Holloway, Ph.D. and Nancy Bishop.   More than just a guide to the art of resignation, this book offers help for people who find themselves at a critical career juncture, when the only two viable options seem to be to quit or take the first job available.  The author outlines several key steps to help steer your career back on course:

Refocus your thinking so you can approach the problem from a position of control rather than helplessness – Feeling helpless is a natural byproduct of a miserable job, but you do have options.  Concentrate on what you can control (i.e., investigating new job options, building your marketability through professional associations) rather than on what you are powerless to change (i.e., a nasty boss or a low salary).

Pinpoint the source of your job dissatisfaction – Knowing what makes you unhappy is the first step to averting a misguided career change.  While issues such as having to tolerate a nasty co-worker or lengthy commute are obvious stressors, the true source of your dissatisfaction may be multi-faceted and will only be revealed with a methodical self-evaluation. 

Figure out what you want to do next – Don’t bail out of your job until you understand what will make you happier in your next position.  The author recommends you think about these six questions:

1.  What do I want to do? Think about job duties, industry focus and level of responsibility.

2.  Who do I want to work with? What types of clients and co-workers do you most enjoy?

3.  What type of schedule do I want? Consider the number of hours and type of work schedule best suited to your lifestyle.

4.  Where do I want to work? Think about the type of work environment that would make you happiest.

5.  What type of pace do I like?   Are you looking for fast paced or laid back?  Challenging or routine?  High-risk and high-reward or low-risk but predictable?

6.  What are my key motivators? Money?  Creativity? Prestige?  What drives you?

Once you have a handle on what you’re looking for, brainstorm alternatives and research your options.  Recognize that changing your job takes time and changing your career takes even longer, so plan accordingly, even if it means staying in your present job so you can sock away some savings. 

After serious thought, you might be surprised to discover that what’s needed is not a new job, but an adjustment at work.  Perhaps you should investigate a transfer into a new department, a more flexible schedule or implement more effective strategies for dealing with a difficult boss.  If you’re on the fence about your decision to quit, consider taking some vacation time or a leave of absence from work to gain needed distance and perspective.

If, after thinking long and hard, you still can’t stand your job another minute, investigate options for freelance or temp work in lieu of grabbing the first opportunity that comes your way.  And remember, no matter how much you’d love to tell your boss what you really think of them, do try to make your exit gracefully to avoid unnecessary problems down the road.

Copyright Nancy Collamer.  If you would like permission to reprint or transmit this article, contact the author at NCollamer@aol.com

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