Ugh! Arg! How can a survivor type job be good for me?
I'm barely hanging on to what I found and at minimum
wage. (I have been promised a ten cent an hour increase
in one month).
I used to be a facilities manager at a tire factory. Boy,
have I hit bottom! I've had to give up a lot of things I
liked; like my fitness club membership. None of that
now. I feel so down in the dumps that I don't even
go for a walk, much less worry about my being fit or not.
I feel lousy after the tire factory went overseas. This
new job making and serving coffee and sandwiches makes
me sad at what I've lost. How can I EVER feel good about
what I'm doing now to make money and pay my bills?
Here comes the career counselor to the rescue of this
job holder's blues. I suggest the following ways to
help anyone who has had to take something less than what
they wanted, like the person described above.
1. You found a job! Yes, yes, yes, it is not what you want or
expected after job loss. However, you found one that offers
you some money, structure and to be out in the world.
Try some small samples of gratitude for your luck.
2. Learn all you can about this job, no matter how menial
you may think it is. Employers like people who are enthusiastic.
See what you can do to improve it, even in small steps.
3. If this is a job working with the public, (like the sandwich maker
above), you can network politely by finding out more about your
customers. One might be your next employer. Good customer
service has not gone out of style either.
4. Use your spare time to decide what you really want in a job.
You are using some of your innate skills in this job. Pinpoint
what they are. Make a list. Keep applying for jobs.
5. Have supportive people around you. They've been where
you are. Show them you care about them too.
6. Be happy! Things change in a flash and this job is one
that you can use to your advantage. Keep learning and smiling!
Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A.
Certified Job & Career Transition Coach
Phone: (509) 469-3514
Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net
Web: http://www.doitnowcareers.info