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It’s a sorry situation that more and more people in the working world are starting to find themselves in. There’s security in a dead-end job, some might think, but security isn’t enough for everyone. If you’ve been in a job for years and you’re starting to see the walls close in on you, it’s time to pay attention to those alarm bells. Once you’ve identified a dead-end job, you have to figure out how to get out of it.
If you feel like you’re stuck in a dead-end job, then a new
Know what you want and what you’re willing to pay
There are going to be no assurances here that you’re not taking any risk by looking outside your current place of work for a job. You might have to make choices that see you taking a pay cut, for instance, if you need to take fewer hours in order to study or to spend more time looking for jobs.
You need to make sure that any sacrifices you make are getting you in the right direction.
Plot out exactly what you want from a career opportunity and whether your current position really lacks it, whether it’s a new experience, training opportunities, internal promotion possibilities, or more.
If you frame your gains and losses only financially, you might be making a mistake there, too. Start considering the opportunity cost of your career moves, too. Taking a pay cut in order to reduce your opportunity cost isn’t always a bad move. You just have to know what you’re giving up and what you stand to gain.
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Your employer should know your feelings and have the opportunity to provide you with what you need from your current place of employment. However, this does not mean you should threaten to quit. No one likes being threatened and very few people respond positively to it.
Even if it somehow gets you the promotion you want, it creates friction between you and the boss which can become an issue further down the line. Instead, focus on what you could provide to the business and the skills that you’re ready to apply. If your employer doesn’t have the sense to see the good in helping you move into a better position, then it’s time to look outside that company.
Up Your Education
If you’ve not got any other skills than for the job that you’re currently in, consider going back into education to learn the skills for the job that you desire. There are so many different options available, for example:
- An apprenticeship will offer you paid work while you’re learning, although the rate of pay is often much less than you would get in a regular job. If you’re able to spare the cash loss while you’re training, then this would be the option for you.
- Earning a degree online, such as a Master’s in HR online will help you get the skills and degree you need while allowing you to keep your current job.
- Going back to
college is another route that you could go down. If you have other commitments like family and children, then there are normally part-time courses available for you to take, which also means that you could be working at the same time. - Getting yourself a scholarship in your desired field would ensure that not only are you going to get the training, but you’re also going to be paid the wages that you’d expect from it too. A scholarship is basically a sponsorship, so the people are sponsoring you for the position you’ve filled. Ideally, you’d have experience in the field of work you want to work in.
There are hundreds of different courses that you could be taking, so have a think about what
Reboot Your Skills
If you’ve been in a job that’s offered few opportunities to learn new skills, you might have a skill set that’s a little out-of-date. You need to find the time to learn them yourself.
Finding time to take an unpaid
If you don’t want to go back to school or just don’t have the time, there are also many options for training that will build on skills you already have.
Isn’t training the same as education? Yes and no. Education is generally where you’re example:
- If you’re handy with computers, you could take some training to improve how you’re using them so that you could go into a career to do with computers.
- If you’re a good driver and you like the idea of going into the transport business, learning how to become a truck driver will give you the ability to go into a new career.
- If you’re a nurse, why not think about taking more training within your field so that you could be carrying out more procedures? Also, the more skills you have within your field, the more money you will earn.
- It’s likely that you took a class in school or
college that gave you some skills that you would like to take up again. Taking classes that will improve these skills will help you kickstart yourself into a career change. Skilled classes are often held at all different times so that people who work or have other commitments can attend and learn too.
So, if you want to improve on some skills that you’ve already obtained with the goal to turn it into a career, then consider paying for some training for you to do exactly that.
Learn how the game is played
Similarly, if you haven’t looked for a job in quite some time, your knowledge of the best ways to find them can be out of date, too. There are blogs that can provide excellent information on what employers look for from applicants nowadays.
This includes nailing your resume, cover letters, and interviews. But it also includes search. For one, don’t be amongst the many who make the mistake of believing they’ll land a new job straight away. A 30-day plan isn’t always the most practical. Instead, consider making a 4-month plan and consider how you’re going to factor your current job and educational efforts into those four months.
Start creating opportunities
Your chances of landing your
But to achieve a better career, you must put yourself out there. Network within the industry, find mentors, and create opportunities for yourself. Consider if you have the skills to create your own job and start working for yourself.
Escaping a dead-end job is a challenging process that requires self-reflection and determination. Never doubt your ability to work hard and achieve your career goals. Take a good look at what you want and what you’re willing to do to get there.
This book will take you through understanding the way you feel now as well as how to improve your current situation immediately so you can create enough space to work on breaking out and doing what you truly love.
Taking a leap
Entering a new job doesn’t always require training or education. Many companies offer on-the-job training or only require good customer service skills. If you can’t afford training or education, consider finding a new job that doesn’t require time off.
You may also find opportunities for growth in your current job. Take the leap and go for a promotion if you’re content with your current wage, live nearby, and know your colleagues. A change within your current job can reignite your passion for your work.
Consider which option best fits your lifestyle and make the necessary changes today. There are different paths you can take to make a positive change in your career.
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