Take care of yourself today, and be ready to respond if circumstances change
Over the last two years, there has been a tsunami of people resigning their employment, a phenomenon dubbed as the Great Resignation. We also learnt about the Great Reshuffle this year, which refers to employees changing jobs or sectors entirely. The message is clear: Never before have so many people left their previous jobs to pursue new opportunities.
What we hear far less about are the people who are trapped. People who are unable to quit their existing jobs for a variety of reasons, ranging from personal to professional. While data on how many people are in this circumstance are difficult to come by, these stranded employees do exist. I work with them, and you undoubtedly know a few or are one yourself.
Employees who are unable to leave their occupations are sometimes accused for choosing to be a victim of their circumstances or for lacking the guts, tenacity, or confidence to pursue another career. Many people are unaware of how an employer's perks may operate as a tether, binding them to a job they don't want or a work environment they despise.
As an example, a past client I worked with was unable to leave a toxic job owing to a spouse's health condition and the insurance offered. Their family's medical demands were too significant (and the coverage was too superb) for them to leave. Another customer earned a degree through the company's school reimbursement program, which they would have to repay if they resigned within five years. Employees were trapped in both situations.
There are several more causes, some of which may be related to a fear of change. Wanting to quit but knowing you can't is frustrating, if not downright sad. Priority number one is to take care of oneself. Here are a few pointers.
Try keeping a "could be worse" notebook
A often advised method for feeling trapped in a job is to make a gratitude list: write down three things you are glad for each day. According to several studies, the approach improves mental wellness. It's commonly promoted as a tactic for boosting resilience and getting out of a rut.
Gratitude lists, however, do not work for everyone. For some people, the lists appear fabricated, and the practice is ineffective. In my experience, they are the folks who see the glass half full, find flaws before positives, and are quick to critique fresh ideas. They appear to have a darker sense of humor, in my opinion.
These people could benefit more from a "could be worse" notebook. This is a place to keep track of everything that possibly be worse than being stuck in a job you want to leave but can't. This is a negative visualization practice that stretches back to ancient Greek and Roman Stoic thinkers. For some, this method inspires thankfulness in a more genuine way. It is not to rejoice in the misfortunes of others, but to acknowledge that being stuck in one's current situation may not be that horrible after all.
Make relaxation a priority and take more pauses
Being in a job you want to quit but can't is physically and emotionally exhausting, especially if it's fast-paced with a hefty workload. It will drain your energy and leave you with nothing at the end of the day. This indicates that you are not just fatigued but also a grump to be around. Rest—not just at night, but throughout the day—is the best method to regain energy and enhance your attitude. As a result, take regular pauses.
The Human Performance Institute, a pioneer in providing evidence-based strategies for wellness and high performance, discovered that switching between energy expenditure (working) and energy recovery (taking breaks) leads to not only better overall performance, but also an improved sense of wellbeing.
Breaks do not have to be lengthy. Every couple of hours, 10 minutes of walking or stretching (away from a computer) is sufficient to maintain mood and attention. Not only will this help you maintain a more positive attitude about your profession, but your friends and family will appreciate it as well. You'll have energy left over for them at the end of the day.
Get ready for the next phase
This, too, shall pass, as corny as that may seem. In the larger scheme of things, the current predicament of being locked in a job is likely to be temporary. Keeping a transient perspective and acknowledging that things will ultimately change is sometimes enough to retain a constructive attitude.
This also emphasizes the significance of being prepared to act when circumstances change. So get ready now in case an opportunity comes your way, because one will. Can you describe your ideal new job? What about your skills and what you bring to a team? Is your resume up to date? Have you lately met with someone to discuss your job goals? Being prepared entails answering yes to all of these questions. If you responded no, you now know where to invest your time and effort.
A sense of development and upward movement is important for professional fulfillment. This is why being stuck in a job with no way out is so unsettling. Maintaining a productive attitude, managing your energy, and preparing to respond when opportunity knocks are the best ways to keep moving forward, even when you're stuck.
SOURCE
What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment