Whether you're struggling under a heavy workload, dealing with disrespectful co-workers or working under a manager who seems to have a personal vendetta against you, a bad job can leave you feeling lifeless. Many professionals in this situation could simply leave, but they always find some reason to stay. Here are some of the most common excuses you might be giving yourself to stick with your soul-sucking job.
1. It's Not That Bad
A good salary, a few good co-workers and other positive aspects of your bad job can easily keep you on the fence about quitting. Eventually, you might convince yourself that things aren't all that bad despite the life-draining aspects of your position. This excuse often stems from the fear of venturing into the unknown or leaving the comfort of stable employment.
On a similar note, you might try to convince yourself that, although things seem bad now, they're bound to get better sometime in the future. While your work problems may resolve themselves, such as a bad manager being promoted to another position, the situation may still stay the same for years to come, or even get worse. Instead of hoping for the best, take your career and sanity into your own hands, and leave your bad job behind.
2. You Don't Have Time to Job Search
It's easy to hide behind a busy schedule to avoid going through the hard work of finding a new job. However, if you don't make time now, you may be stuck in that bad job for the rest of your career. First, realize that you should spend at least a few hours a week updating your resume, searching for a new position and submitting applications. You may have to put some of your rest time and leisure activities aside to make time for the job hunt, but remember that getting out of a bad job is totally worth the extra time and effort.
3. A New Job Wouldn't Be So Different
When you've been stuck in a bad job for some time, you might start thinking you don't have the talent or skills to score something better, so you might as well stay where you are now. In truth, you never know what you can get until you try. Take a realistic inventory of your skills and experience, and don't be afraid to submit applications even if you think chances are slim. Finally, keep in mind that wherever you end up working, you always deserve to be treated with respect and professionalism by bosses and co-workers.
No one deserves the work problems that come with a bad job, so resist the urge to make excuses to stay. Realize that you can do better and that a fulfilling job is closer than you think.
Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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