I was going to write about how I use twitter today.
Well, more correctly, I was going to talk about how I use twitter and show you a video screencast of my computer as I use it.
But my voice is craggy and kerfuffled. It’s a thing going around, you know.
So, instead I’m going to talk about kerfuffling – in its traditional context of workplace unhappiness.
For reasons I can’t quite explain, I have been discreetly contacted by no less than ten people in the last two months who are dissatisfied with their current stations in life. Two of them work for the same company!
They’ve all wondered if I knew of something better or something new.
These are not nose-pickers, mind you. Every one of the no-less-than-ten is smart, dependable and talented.
I don’t know whether this is, in fact, a pattern or trend, but it is interesting, isn’t it?
I don’t recommend or refer easily – I’ve been hurt before, you know.
But I know five things – the first from my mentor, Mike Reis:
1) “It’s easier to get a job when you have a job.”
Remember that. Don’t be hasty. Don’t make ultimatums where you’re not prepared to accept either outcome. Don’t back bosses into corners.
Bosses bite sometimes.
Here’s some more advice for you if you’re currently dissatisfied:
2) Understand your cost of staying power – that’s a term I learned from another mentor, Roy H. Williams. Staying power’s what you need to pay your monthly bills and have a little blow money. You know Dave Ramsey’s stuff? It’s like his basic spreadsheet. You don’t need to live like a monk, but you do need to know this number. I don’t care what you want to make. I don’t care what you think you deserve to make. I care about staying power, and you should, too. The lower that number, the more freedom you have to take risks and explore options.
3) Keep your profile/resume updated. If you’re not on LinkedIn, you need to be, and your profile needs to be updated, and asking for recommendations doesn’t hurt either.
4) Speaking of the online world, google yourself. It’s an easy way to do a superficial background check on you. Is your Facebook page public? Are there pictures of you doing body shots or dressing up like Hitler? You might want to consider googling yourself – your future employers will.
But, this is maybe the most important question to ask yourself:
5) Will a new job solve your problem? Or is it something else?
Sometimes it really is the job – whether it’s a toxic environment or unchallenging position or no chance for professional growth.
But even if it is the job, how do you get from the beginning to the end of the day without having a drink until you find something new?
Get your sugar out of a different bowl.
Get a hobby. Invest your time, talent and heart into a passion that has nothing to do with work.
Volunteer. Garden. Learn Mandarin.
Exorcise the office demon. Don’t let it bring you down (as well as those around you). Remember to remain positive at work – in spite of everything you may feel about the place, don’t drag others down. Plus, whining and feeling sorry for yourself and wearing your misery mask and cape just make the days go by more slowly.
Get your sugar out of a different bowl.
You may even learn it’s not so bad. At least, for a while.
How about you? What have you learned? Do you have something to add to this list?
I’ll write a bunch more about twitter next week. Have a great weekend.
Tim,
Good stuff in the first four but MAN you have hit the head on number 5. I love the sugar bowl maxim and I am going to apply that both to myself and as advice for those that come to me asking for input.
I’ve learned two things. 1) Everything is a learning opportunity. Whether it’s learning to deal with difficult people (e.g. a boss or co-workers) or learning to better manage your time. And if your job is boring, take the time to do some professional development. 2) Your entire life is one big job interview. Most of the jobs I’ve had are because I “interviewed” by working hard and showing that I could do the job before it was even offered. Networking, volunteering, and going the extra mile can show the right people that you’re the one to hire without ever having to go through a grueling face-to-face interview.