Q: I’m bored to death at work, but I need the security. How do I know when it’s the right time to quit?
A: This might not have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. The least disruptive shift you can make is to try to redesign your job. Create a list of pros and cons, tallying what’s good and what’s not so good about your current position. You like being able to leave at 4:00 p.m. to pick up your son at afterschool, but you don’t want to look at another spreadsheet.
Brainstorm ways you might swap what’s boring for something more challenging—like trading clients with a colleague or volunteering for meaningful new projects in (or outside) your department. Then ask for a meeting with your supervisor, explain that you’re ready for a new challenge and offer up your ideas.
Online courses, networking with a professional group, corporate coaching and other types of professional development—any of which your boss may pay for—could reinvigorate your outlook, too.
If a job makeover isn’t possible, start plotting a new path. But be realistic. Finding a new job is a job in itself. It requires a great deal of energy and time, often six months to a year. Keep in mind, also, that you don’t want to be labeled a job-hopper. In today’s market, it’s best to try to stick around for at least three years. If you really dread going to work each day—plan your escape. Think hard about what you want to do, and tell your network of trusted colleagues, friends, and fellow parents what you’re looking for. Remember, the neighborhood playground can be just as fertile for networking as the golf course.
It sounds as if family obligations may prevent you from switching jobs right now, so look for satisfaction out of the office. Pursue a meaningful hobby or passion, like taking Pilates or that rustic Italian cooking class, to get over the doldrums. It’s okay to park yourself in neutral at work—and look forward to lively lunch hours with your book club. Go ahead and network with them while you’re at it!
Takeaway Tips:
- Keep your resume fresh. When opportunities arise, tweaking your CV (after the kids are in bed) will be a snap if you’ve done the heavy lifting ahead of time.
- Use your lunch hour. Working without a break can add to job burnout. Work out, run errands, or get outside to refresh yourself for the afternoon.
- Time your request. The moment to ask for new job responsibilities or a department transfer is after a large project has gone well, not in the face of a crucial deadline. Be sure your boss has time to listen.
Our expert: Jan Cannon, PhD, career counselor/coach and author of Now What Do I Do? The Woman’s Guide to a New Career
Interview by Victoria Scanlan Stefanakos
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