What To Do When You Hate Your Job
By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide
I hate my job. I hate my company. I hate my boss. Many people do hate something or other about their work and I can't keep track of how many times I've seen those phrases lately.
That's not good, for a couple of reasons. First of all, it's tough to go to work every day when you hate it. Secondly, it really isn't good to broadcast the fact that you hate your job all over the Internet.
That doesn't mean you have to keep it. There are steps you can, and should, take to move on if you hate your job and you're not happy at work. We spend too much of our time working to stay in a job or work environment we hate, or even dislike. Besides being happier, you'll do a better job if you're working at a job you love, or at least like.
Keep Your "I Hate My Job" Thoughts to Yourself
Even if you do hate your job, keep it to yourself and your family or close friends. Don't tell the world, because the wrong person is probably going to see what you posted. Search Twitter for "I hate my job" to get an idea of what I mean.
Employees aren't the only ones using social networking sites. Employers are there, too, and if you say it someone will probably read it. Tweets, for example, show up in Google search. And, if you aren't careful about your Facebook privacy settings, you're opening yourself up for the wrong person to see it there, as well.
You don't want to lose your job before you start looking for a new one, just because you complained about it. Instead, it makes more sense to strategically plan your exit from the company.
Hating Your Job
Being in the situation where you're the person saying "I hate my job" can happen to any of us. It happens. The job might not be what you expected. Or, the job itself may be okay, but your boss or co-workers are awful. Perhaps you don't like the schedule or your customers, or whatever.
If you've reached the point where you have acknowledged that you hate the job, it's actually not a bad place to be at. At least you know and you can figure out what to do next.
Options for Staying
Don't just quit your job. You don't want to resign in haste and repent in leisure if you can't find another job fast. Begin by considering options for making the job work. Is there anything you could be doing different to be happier at work? Could you ask for a transfer or a shift change? Is there anything that would make a difference and convince you to stay?
Consider the alternatives, before you make a decision to leave. Finding a new job isn't always easy, if there's a fix, it's worth pursuing.
Get Ready to Job Search
If there's no way you can stay, that's fine, too. Again, at least you know. Don't quit your job yet though, regardless of how much you hate it. It's easier to find a job when you have a job and you probably won't be eligible for unemployment if you quit.
Instead, take the time to create or update your LinkedIn profile. Update your resume. Get some references lined up. Build your network by connecting with everyone you know on LinkedIn and the other top networking sites.
The more prepared you are before you actually start looking, the easier your job search will be.
Start a Job Search
Start a job search, quietly and discreetly. Don't broadcast the fact that you're job searching for the same reasons you're keeping quiet about about hating your job. You don't want your boss or someone else to know that you're planning to leave until you're ready to share the news.
Use the job search engines to see what jobs are available for candidates with your background. Then test the waters. Start applying for jobs and talking privately (via email, Facebook and LinkedIn messaging, etc.) with your contacts about the fact that you are seeking a new job.
These ten steps to finding a job covers everything you need to know to get your job search started and to keep it on track. Do keep in mind that it might take a while to find a new position, so be prepared for the long haul.
Moving On
When it's time to resign, I know that you probably want to shout it to the rooftops, but still don't broadcast the fact that you hated your last job. Companies check references. They ask about previous employers in interviews and what you say matters.
One applicant I interviewed spent the entire time talking about how much she hated her last job and the company she worked for. That company was my client's biggest customer. There was no way I was going to hire anyone with that big a chip on her shoulder for a job where she'd have to work with an employer she had disliked so much.
Resign Gracefully
Resign gracefully, giving two weeks notice. Offer to provide assistance during the transition and leave, as best you can, the company behind with no hard feelings.
Besides not being worth what it might cost you from a career perspective, it's also not worth the time and energy. You'll be better focused on your new job and how you can have a better experience, this time around.
MY THOUGHTS
There are days when we don't like our jobs. But when we hate our jobs, this is another issue altogether. This article is a very useful reminder. We may get to that point where we might hate our jobs - but there's professional way of dealing with the situation. never never never burn your bridges - you just don't know when you may need to cross that bridge again.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
what do you do when your boss is wrong?
5 Things to Do When the Boss is Wrong
By Suzanne Lucas
July 21st, 2010 @ 3:15 am
So, it turns out that Apple knew about the antenna problems with the new Iphone, but CEO Steve Jobs liked the design. I don’t presume to know what went on internally at Apple, but I do know this: when a HIPPO (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) appears, prepared to be trampled. I do have a few tips for avoiding the trampling. Here are 5 steps when a HIPPO threatens your project:
1.Say, “Great idea Boss! We’ll test it.” This comes directly from Jim Sterne who introduced the term to me through my BNET colleague, Sean Silverman. This gives you some time.
2.Test with an Open Mind. So, it turns out that some of those people at the top of the food chain got there because they are smart. Just because it seems stupid to you, doesn’t mean it’s stupid. So, test the HIPPO’s idea. You may be surprised. But, if you’re not and it’s a bad, bad, bad idea then…
3.Document, Document, Document. A casual stop by the CEOs office to say, “So, Sally, we looked into that rubber-snake-designer-jeans idea you had and, well, nobody likes it. See you later!” will not fly. Actual numbers will. Focus group data that says, “Gee this antenna problem is a BIG DEAL” is much more convincing. Make sure you have your data and present it professionally. But if the HIPPO still wants this solution then…
4.Don’t Whine, Problem Solve. In my experience, HIPPOs want what they want, dang it, and sometimes they just won’t listen. So, figure out how to solve the problem. So, you’ve tested it and the results show problems. It’s time to problem solve. CEO and BNET writer Margaret Heffernan has a rule that all complaints must come with a solution. So, don’t complain. Come up with a solution and be prepared to present all the costs involved in the solution.
5.Get on board. Unless the HIPPO’s idea is illegal or immoral (in which case you should blow the whistle), you’ve made your case and now you need to get on board. You’re being paid to work for the HIPPO, so after you’ve done your best, you need to do what he or she wants. I know it’s unpleasant, but it’s the reality. If it’s just so terrible that you can’t support it, then it’s time to leave the company.
Following these steps can often stop the stampede–or at least lessen the impact. Just be prepared whenever a HIPPO walks into the room.
MY THOUGHTS
as a boss, i make mistakes, for sure. a lot. that's because as bosses, we don't know everything. but we are HIPPOs (not necessarily the highest paid in the organization, but should get higher pay than the staff) because we should know how to take risks. taking risks means, sometimes making mistakes. and when we do, i would love having staff who can do steps 1-5. for staff who seem to think trhey are better than the boss, no. 5 will be difficult. it will take maturity, and wisdom, to realize and accept that even if the boss is wrong, he's still the boss. as a subordinate, it's still a responsibility to give the boss some warning. at the end of the day, he decides, we obey.
By Suzanne Lucas
July 21st, 2010 @ 3:15 am
So, it turns out that Apple knew about the antenna problems with the new Iphone, but CEO Steve Jobs liked the design. I don’t presume to know what went on internally at Apple, but I do know this: when a HIPPO (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) appears, prepared to be trampled. I do have a few tips for avoiding the trampling. Here are 5 steps when a HIPPO threatens your project:
1.Say, “Great idea Boss! We’ll test it.” This comes directly from Jim Sterne who introduced the term to me through my BNET colleague, Sean Silverman. This gives you some time.
2.Test with an Open Mind. So, it turns out that some of those people at the top of the food chain got there because they are smart. Just because it seems stupid to you, doesn’t mean it’s stupid. So, test the HIPPO’s idea. You may be surprised. But, if you’re not and it’s a bad, bad, bad idea then…
3.Document, Document, Document. A casual stop by the CEOs office to say, “So, Sally, we looked into that rubber-snake-designer-jeans idea you had and, well, nobody likes it. See you later!” will not fly. Actual numbers will. Focus group data that says, “Gee this antenna problem is a BIG DEAL” is much more convincing. Make sure you have your data and present it professionally. But if the HIPPO still wants this solution then…
4.Don’t Whine, Problem Solve. In my experience, HIPPOs want what they want, dang it, and sometimes they just won’t listen. So, figure out how to solve the problem. So, you’ve tested it and the results show problems. It’s time to problem solve. CEO and BNET writer Margaret Heffernan has a rule that all complaints must come with a solution. So, don’t complain. Come up with a solution and be prepared to present all the costs involved in the solution.
5.Get on board. Unless the HIPPO’s idea is illegal or immoral (in which case you should blow the whistle), you’ve made your case and now you need to get on board. You’re being paid to work for the HIPPO, so after you’ve done your best, you need to do what he or she wants. I know it’s unpleasant, but it’s the reality. If it’s just so terrible that you can’t support it, then it’s time to leave the company.
Following these steps can often stop the stampede–or at least lessen the impact. Just be prepared whenever a HIPPO walks into the room.
MY THOUGHTS
as a boss, i make mistakes, for sure. a lot. that's because as bosses, we don't know everything. but we are HIPPOs (not necessarily the highest paid in the organization, but should get higher pay than the staff) because we should know how to take risks. taking risks means, sometimes making mistakes. and when we do, i would love having staff who can do steps 1-5. for staff who seem to think trhey are better than the boss, no. 5 will be difficult. it will take maturity, and wisdom, to realize and accept that even if the boss is wrong, he's still the boss. as a subordinate, it's still a responsibility to give the boss some warning. at the end of the day, he decides, we obey.
Friday, July 2, 2010
11 Ways to be Productive When You're Brain Dead
11 Ways to be Productive When You're Brain Dead
By Steve Tobak
Ever have one of those days when you wake up but your brain doesn’t? Come on; tell the truth. Hell, it happens to me all the time. There are dozens of causes: overwork, overstress, lack of sleep, too much fun the night before, temporary depression, sick of a never-ending project, or just plain lazy, to name a few. Sometimes the old noggin just doesn’t want to work. Do you blame it?
On days like that, you essentially have four choices: Stay home, try to have a normal day and probably screw it up, exercise, or adjust. Since I don’t consider the first two choices real options, at least not for me or most executives, and when I don’t feel like thinking I sure as hell don’t feel like exercising, I decided long ago to find ways to adjust, to make the most of those days when my brain’s on autopilot.
As it turns out, there are certain types of tasks that most of us either have to do or should do, even managers and top level executives, that don’t require you to be at the top of your game. Of course, you may have to crank up your willpower to get started, but the point is that, once you do - get started - you’ll cruise right through these ….
11 Ways to be Productive When You’re Brain Dead
1.Work on the graphics, special effects, or slide show timing of a Powerpoint presentation. Creative work that doesn’t require intense thought.
2.Hold one-on-one meetings with your staff or peers, ask them how you can improve, and really listen to what they have to say.
3.Let your mind wonder and brainstorm. You see, when you’re conscious mind is tired, your subconscious sort of kicks in and takes up the slack. You’d be amazed at what you can tap into. I get some of my best ideas when I’m half asleep or not even thinking.
4.Walk around, talk to people, let your guard down, be yourself.
5.If you happen to be writing something, do an outline. The final product always turns out better that way and outlining is methodical work that doesn’t require a lot of brainpower.
6.Check out what the competition is doing. Do a little digging, call some contacts to get some competitive G2.
7.Try a change of scenery, like working outside for a change.
8.Schmooze with some vendors or partners. No, I’m not saying completely waste people’s time, I’m talking about checking in and asking open questions that you usually don’t ask.
9.Take your administrative assistant or favorite employee out for a long lunch and really get to know them.
10.Do your expense reports. Yes, my least favorite too, but it is more or less brainless work.
11.Clean off your desk. Granted, this one really sucks, but you feel such a sense of accomplishment when you’re done, it almost makes it worthwhile.
Now, assuming that each one of you has a brain, which I sincerely hope isn’t too much of a stretch, and that’s it’s not always operating at peak efficiency, what do you do to make the best of it?
MY THOUGHTS
of course it happens - your brain just stopped working. and quite often when you're not happy about what you're doing. or when there are just too many things happening at the same time. it's good to know there are at least 11 ways of switching on your brain that went somewhere. personally, i think it's good to be brain dead once in a while. just for the overworked brain to rest. but not when you have a board meeting the next day and you end up fouling up your report. that's not gonna be brain dead. that's gonna be simply - dead!!!!
By Steve Tobak
Ever have one of those days when you wake up but your brain doesn’t? Come on; tell the truth. Hell, it happens to me all the time. There are dozens of causes: overwork, overstress, lack of sleep, too much fun the night before, temporary depression, sick of a never-ending project, or just plain lazy, to name a few. Sometimes the old noggin just doesn’t want to work. Do you blame it?
On days like that, you essentially have four choices: Stay home, try to have a normal day and probably screw it up, exercise, or adjust. Since I don’t consider the first two choices real options, at least not for me or most executives, and when I don’t feel like thinking I sure as hell don’t feel like exercising, I decided long ago to find ways to adjust, to make the most of those days when my brain’s on autopilot.
As it turns out, there are certain types of tasks that most of us either have to do or should do, even managers and top level executives, that don’t require you to be at the top of your game. Of course, you may have to crank up your willpower to get started, but the point is that, once you do - get started - you’ll cruise right through these ….
11 Ways to be Productive When You’re Brain Dead
1.Work on the graphics, special effects, or slide show timing of a Powerpoint presentation. Creative work that doesn’t require intense thought.
2.Hold one-on-one meetings with your staff or peers, ask them how you can improve, and really listen to what they have to say.
3.Let your mind wonder and brainstorm. You see, when you’re conscious mind is tired, your subconscious sort of kicks in and takes up the slack. You’d be amazed at what you can tap into. I get some of my best ideas when I’m half asleep or not even thinking.
4.Walk around, talk to people, let your guard down, be yourself.
5.If you happen to be writing something, do an outline. The final product always turns out better that way and outlining is methodical work that doesn’t require a lot of brainpower.
6.Check out what the competition is doing. Do a little digging, call some contacts to get some competitive G2.
7.Try a change of scenery, like working outside for a change.
8.Schmooze with some vendors or partners. No, I’m not saying completely waste people’s time, I’m talking about checking in and asking open questions that you usually don’t ask.
9.Take your administrative assistant or favorite employee out for a long lunch and really get to know them.
10.Do your expense reports. Yes, my least favorite too, but it is more or less brainless work.
11.Clean off your desk. Granted, this one really sucks, but you feel such a sense of accomplishment when you’re done, it almost makes it worthwhile.
Now, assuming that each one of you has a brain, which I sincerely hope isn’t too much of a stretch, and that’s it’s not always operating at peak efficiency, what do you do to make the best of it?
MY THOUGHTS
of course it happens - your brain just stopped working. and quite often when you're not happy about what you're doing. or when there are just too many things happening at the same time. it's good to know there are at least 11 ways of switching on your brain that went somewhere. personally, i think it's good to be brain dead once in a while. just for the overworked brain to rest. but not when you have a board meeting the next day and you end up fouling up your report. that's not gonna be brain dead. that's gonna be simply - dead!!!!
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