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"How to Get Out of a 'Dead-End' Job"
By: Anne Fisher
From: Fortune Magazine - Ask Annie – October 2003
ASK ANNIE - From Fortune Magazine
How to Get Out of a 'Dead-End' Job. The first step, say the
authors of an intriguing new book, is to let people know you're
looking for bigger challenges. Then, learn to spot opportunities
around you.
Dear Annie:
I was hired in my current job right out of college, two years ago,
and for the past few months I've been getting more and more bored.
This position was supposed to be a training ground for bigger and
better things, but it seems to have turned into a dead end, partly
because the company isn't growing as fast as it was when I first
came. Yet I hesitate to start looking elsewhere, because I really
like and respect this organization and would like to stay. (It doesn't
seem like such a hot time to be job-hunting, either.) Do you or
your readers have any suggestions about how to maneuver my way into
a more interesting position here, or am I just stuck for now? Dead-End
Dan
Dear Dan:
I'm sure you're not the only one wondering. Survey after survey
tells of frustrated employees who are just waiting for the job market
to perk up before they go in search of greener pastures. But at
the same time, to save time and money on recruiting and training,
many companies would rather promote people they've already got than
hire from outside. What you need now is a strategy for broadening
your horizons where you are. (For one thing, if you quit after just
two years, prospective employers may wonder whether you'll turn
into a perpetual job-hopper.) So here's an idea: Take a look at
a new book called Love It, Don't Leave It: 26 Ways to Get What You
Want at Work (Berrett-Koehler, $17.95), by career coaches Beverly
Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans. "To uncover opportunities in your
organization," the authors write, "tell someone you are looking
for them!" Have you talked with your boss about your desire for
more challenging work? If not, have that conversation now. The sooner
your boss realizes that you're getting restless, the sooner he or
she may be able to come up with possible solutions.
How adept are you at spotting opportunities around you? To find
out, Kaye and Jordan-Evans suggest you take this quick quiz, answering
yes, no, or sometimes to each statement:
- I actively "lobby" to take on challenges that are new for my
position.
- I attend more seminars, conferences, and workshops than most
people in my area.
- I read and research to stay on top of trends both in my industry
and in my field.
- I have a lot of curiosity about others' views, opinions, and
issues.
- I not only continually increase my technical skills but also
make sure my communications and presentations are always top-notch.
- I am actively involved in professional groups related to my
area.
- I develop and maintain relationships at many levels throughout
the organization.
- I turn to other people as resources for my career growth.
Unless you've answered yes to most of these, you may be missing
chances that are right in front of you. Some tips on how to recognize
these:
Ask your boss and colleagues if they know of projects coming up
that will be difficult to staff.
Take a close look at your company newsletter to see what management
is contemplating or planning for the future, with an eye toward
how you might be able to get involved and contribute.
Meet with the appropriate human-resources people in the company
to let them know that you'd like to hear about job openings, or
changes to existing positions, that are happening now or may be
just over the horizon.
It might take a little time to identify the opportunity that could
boost you out of your rut. Once you do, write Kaye and Jordan-Evans,
"Get lots of information. Talk to others in your organization who
may have a breadth of knowledge wider than yours." But avoid overanalyzing.
"Sometimes overanalyzing an opportunity is just a delay tactic in
disguise," the authors note. Once you've figured out what it is
you really want to do, push yourself to act. Best of luck, and who
knows? You may find that what starts with a simple desire not to
fall asleep at your desk turns out to be a great adventure.
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