Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves in this boat. I, for one, have been on the lookout for better opportunities for some time now, but have yet to reel in something good enough to leave my current dead-end position for, which at least pays well and provides great benefits.
It can be a challenge for even some of the most experienced job hunters to pinpoint a dead-end job.
Here are some telltale signs that it may be time to start polishing up that resume:
1. There's high turnover.
2. Several people have been in the same positions for years and years.
3. Your job doesn't make good use of your skills.
4. You feel as though opportunities to expand your skill set and grow professionally are few and far between.
5. There's promotion in sight. Either there's no money in the budget for it or your boss finds you too indispensable to lose you.
6. Your boss doesn't seem to care about your professional growth, making no attempts to challenge you.
7. You feel they're running you ragged for very little pay.
8. You feel like you're spinning your wheels every day at work.
9. You're finding it difficult to get up in the morning.
10. You don't connect with your coworkers.
11. The workplace culture is not to your liking.
I've observed that some people are okay with having a dead-end job. As long as they're being paid well and can enjoy a decent work/life balance, they couldn't care less whether they're being challenged.
However, others eventually grow bored of the same tasks day in and day out. If they find that a promotion within their department is elusive, they eventually seek out new opportunities elsewhere -- whether in another department or company.
If you're in the latter group, be sure not to resign until you've been offered something in writing. It's always easier to land a job when you already have one.
I always try to discourage people from getting too comfortable in their job. Complacency makes it very difficult to bolt once one realizes that remaining in the position will only further stunt his growth.
A couple of years ago, staying in the same position for less than 3-5 years was frowned upon. Nowadays, jumping ship every two years has become acceptable so long as you can show that each position has been a stepping stone to one of increasing responsibility.
If you want to get out of a dead-end job, don't rest on your laurels. Start looking today. The sooner you start pounding the pavement, the quicker you'll be in your new position. Be patient, as finding a job can take some time. Leave no stone unturned, and, above all, don't give up!
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