Jobortunity
This last week I talked to three different people who are in jobs they want to leave. All three have tested the job market waters and decided to stay put for now.
That’s a common position these days. Here’s some advice for you or someone you care about who is hanging on while waiting for the job market to improve.
You’re still employed at your current job. That means you owe your current employer your best efforts. It’s easy to forget that when you’re thinking of leaving, but it will make things a lot more pleasant in the future. And who knows, the job you’re in could lead to something better with your current employer.
Look for interesting things to do. Interesting work will help keep you engaged and performing.
If there’s no work that interests you, find ways to make what you do interesting. Track your output. Compete with others or with your own best performance.
Look for opportunities to create credentials. Take on projects and assignments that help you build your knowledge and your resume. This is also a time to try assignments that help you learn about yourself.
If you think that the Managerial Career Path might be for you, this is a good time to try out a leadership role. Seek out a temporary assignment leading a project team or task force.
If there’s an area of the business that you want to learn more about, see if you can arrange to help out there as part of your work. Your employer will probably welcome your interest and you’ll learn about the area and yourself.
Look for friends you can make or relationships you can enrich. At the end of the day it’s all about people. Build your personal network by helping others succeed.
Even if you do move on soon, the job you have now offers you opportunities to grow and develop. It’s up to you whether to seize those opportunities or not.