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Just so happens I wound up in a pretty good job, at a pretty good company doing very unique work in an industry I was interested in but knew little about. The position wasn't something I was accustomed to, that being operations and technical support related.
I found this gig through a varied, harrowing and often frustrating search. I've been on dozens of interviews and learned a bit about myself and what I want each time. When I landed in my current role, I felt less than satisfied with where I stood in the company. I wasn't doing a ton of work with what I was interested in, but the longer I stayed, the more I was able to feel my way around the subject matter my company deals in. Despite not working with the deliverable, being on the back end made me more curious and forced me to try to learn on my own what the hell we were doing.
Sorry to speak in vague terms, but my point is that this past year has proved that taking a less than ideal job is a calculated risk. Winding up in a "rut" is a bad thing, but if you're able to stay in a less-than-perfect job for a while and get your footing in your real interests while still getting your work done, then you're truly making the best your situation.
Never settle. If you need to make ends meet doing something you don't love, always keep planning. Always keep your Plan B fresh and ready for deployment. If the economy is going to be as bad as many believe, keeping your day job may be necessary, but knowing what you're going to do next is also necessary as well.
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Comments
01.02.09
Be cautious of this "rut" mentality.
The post started strong with learning about your current job and making yourself an expert.
Search for a job that and love the job you have. Keep the focus on being a team member as opposed to making yourself desirable for a job.
Keep the attention on how to serve your team and organization
01.02.09
Thank you for your insight Michael. I disagree with your perspective, but I definitely respect your opinion. Depending on where you're at, or where you want to be, your attitude should vary and adjust. Being responsible, getting your current job done and being there for your team is all necessary, but looking forward, if that's your thing, is completely okay in my mind.
...or I'm just reading too much Seth Godin ;-)
01.02.09
But, Michael is right about looking for a job where you can have this "all in" mentality. I think everyone desires that.
01.02.09
James,
I also am a Seth Godin Fan:)
perhaps what I am trying to say once you start developing fallback plans you have abondened what you really want to do.
By taking a job that is not ideal, while at this job learn all that you can! take classes develop profesional demeaners, learn about the industry find what this job, that is not ideal can teach you. If you choose to view your not ideal job as "something to fill time" you will never learn and gain the skills that this job has to offer.
When you do leave this job (that is a step in your successful career) and you are interviewing or being recruited for your ideal job.
You can say, "I learned x, y, and z. In my former positions I am can make you and your team a success becuase of a, b , and c."
Once we start saying "I am just doing this because I have to" we start to become disgrunteled. Making us and creating a "this place is not deserving of my talent I can learn nothing new here" This breeds negative self-value.
Keep in mind your larger views and beliefs, while learning all you can from where you are. Build skills and realize that nothing is below you unless you alow it to be.
This "rut" is just a choice that you are responsible for, the only beliefs you have in something being not perfect your career are the stories you tell yourself.
01.02.09
Thanks for the retort, Michael. Your perspective(s) is very helpful. Re-thinking the matter, I appreciate what you're saying even more. Problem vs. Opportunity... it's the wording and the viewing angle. Very good points.
01.04.09
James,
You are absolutely right when you say, "Never settle." It's important to always look for the right career, not just the right job. This could take some time. In fact, many people (including myself) spend the first few years of their post-college life finding out what they don't want to do as opposed to what they do want to do.
If you do find yourself in a "rut," ask yourself if you're doing everything possible to make your job more enjoyable. If the answer is yes and you still don't love your job, it's time to start looking for another one but do it in a way so that you don't burn bridges at your current job. You also don't want to be labeled as a "job jumper" (someone who changes jobs very often)so utilize your networking contacts and really do your research on your next potential employer. This way, you'll have a much better idea of what you're getting into and hopefully your next job will turn into your next career.
Andy Teach, author of FROM GRADUATION TO CORPORATION: THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO CLIMBING THE CORPORATE LADDER ONE RUNG AT A TIME
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