Quitting Your Job Does Not Solve Your Workplace Problems At All

Many people face problems in their workplace. Quitting a job means sacrificing some luxuries in one’s life. Although it is not the end of the world, many people would still take some time to consider.

However, when you feel so sick of your current job, you would not think of hanging on for another minute. The next thing you would do is to walk out, not even to say good bye to your current colleagues.

Before you do that, take some time to ponder on these questions. If you answer more than 10 ‘Yes’, you can start taking action now.

• Your job is making you physically ill

• You are being asked to do some things which are unethical or illegal.

• You can afford to quit your job now.

• You received a new job offer that is much better than the present job.

• You have fewer responsibilities than before.

• You have been excluded in ‘important’ meetings.

• You have more experience than your job requires.

• You have been neglecting your family because of your job.

• You are weary of your present job, you wanted more responsibilities but know that you won’t get that now.

• You have difficulty in getting along with your co-workers.

• You don’t get along with your boss.

• Your boss does not respect your opinions and always cracks demeaning jokes behind your back.

• You received an unsatisfactory performance review even though you are the star employee.

• You think it is time for a career change because there is nothing much you can contribute to the organization.

• Your current employer instituted many new policies that you are unhappy about.

• You are tired of the long commute to work every morning.

• You didn’t get the promotion you deserved just because you dislike office politics.

• You are sick of your colleagues who endlessly gossip about other people.

• You want to start a small business on your own.

• Your organization has decided to stop paying for the extra allowances you have been receiving.

• Your decisions are often overruled by your boss.

Well, how many “YES” did you get? It is never fun to walk away from a good paying job, especially during the economic slowdown like this. Think if you can get a better offer elsewhere?

Maybe these measures can help you to rethink about your decision to quit.

• Figure out what you like and dislike about your job. Think carefully. This is very important. There is no such thing as you dislike ‘everything’ about your job.

Take your time while listing. It is important that you are relaxed and calm at this moment.

• Check your own attitude. Your attitude may be the source of all ‘evils’ around you. There is no need to point your fingers at anyone when things go wrong. Remember that not every one can tolerate your attitude too. Change your attitude and get on with life!

• Study your boss. Now, even if your boss is well-known as a difficult person to work with, you cannot change your boss unless you change jobs. So, you have to be flexible. Study your boss’ body and spoken language. Maybe you have not been kind to your boss either. Instead of supporting him with good ideas and proposals, you have decided to go against his wishes. Although you are a capable person, it is not wise to do so while that person is still your boss.

• Make decisions that involve your colleagues. Do not complain against them. Your boss will be happier if you would volunteer to organize an event or two with your colleagues instead of you doing them alone.

Motivate your colleagues instead of laughing at them. You will find that the team works better together. You do not have to be the team leader. Motivated team players are getting more things done than a bossy leader.

• Act as an advocate instead of an adversary. No boss likes to hear the phrase, “It’s impossible” from his staff. This phrase is considered taboo and it shows that you are not motivated to tackle any problems at all. All bosses like to think that their staff are capable. They like to think that their staffs are visionaries like them too. Even if the projects failed, at least their staff tried.

• So, you receive an unsatisfactory performance review. What is so bad about that? Find out if the review is accurate. Have a talk with your boss concerning your recent performance. If you think it is truly unfair, talk again to the reviewer. Nobody wants to make others look bad. If the review is true, it is time to take charge of your attitude. It is never too late to change.

• You must not work alone. Always stress on working as a team. When you work in a team, assignments get done easily as everybody is helping one another. Compliment your colleagues for getting their work done. A short compliment goes a long way.

• If you are doing work which you have little interest in, do something about it. Discuss with your boss on how you can contribute value to your team. Your boss will definitely appreciate your effort.

• Difficult to get along with your co-workers? Have you checked your attitude toward them? Have you really sacrifice time to listen to their opinions? Do you like them at all? Have you complimented them? Many times, conflicts between co-workers happened because of indifferent attitudes. Check if this is how you treat your co-workers.

• You have been marginalized in many important projects. All right, it hurts to be sidelined for no apparent reason. Discuss with your boss to find out what is going on. There maybe hints from your boss for you to leave the organization. Take them calmly. You make the decision when to leave.

Do not give in to the pressure and quit just like that. Leave in good terms; just like people say, ‘Don’t burn bridges’. You may need their help later on too.

• After a few years of hard work, you have outgrown your job. However, due to your lack of ‘office politics’ skills, you have been left out in the past promotion. You can decide to move on to another organization which offers better pay and fringe benefits. However, you will need to readjust yourself in the new situation all over again. Unless the new offer is too good to resist, you can wait a little longer.

• New policies are always disturbing. However, study the policies carefully. Make sure you know where to channel your dissatisfactions. Do not be agitated when you are presenting your views and arguments to your boss. All bosses want their staff to accept the policies they implemented. He will listen to your views if you will listen to his reasons.

• If you are ill because of your current work, discuss with your boss and ask for alternatives. When there no other way you can continue working, a change of job is the best option. Leave only after you have received the new job offer.

• When your children grew up without your knowledge, it shows how much you have neglected your family. At this time, slow down and check your priority – work or family. Your children can live on happily without the best of life, but can they be happy without your attention? If spending time with your family is your priority, you can discuss with your boss to handle less projects. If things did not work, you may consider applying for other jobs.
• You have heard so much about people working at home and earning much more than you do. You also want to do the same. A forewarning here is that, the ‘home based’ job may be easy, but also involves a lot of self motivations and preservation. You are doing things alone and there will be nobody to help you.

There you are. You know it is difficult to make such a choice. So, sleep over it. Quitting your job in a hurry is not going to help you in any way. Give yourself some time to think clearly before making any decision. Whatever you decide, always believe in yourself!

Use What Have Learned

Know Your Prospective Employers before Applying for the Job

When you apply to work in a certain organization, you may need to know more about your prospective employer. Do not think this as a small matter. Getting to know your prospective employers is like getting to know yourself. It is never a wasted effort.

Your effort to do some research allows the interviewer know how serious you are with the opportunity. It also reflects your sincerity in working with the particular organization.

Most employers think that if the candidates would spend time and effort to prepare for the interview, it is likely that they will put in the same time and effort into the job. That is why doing a little research in your part goes a long way. Employers will feel pleased that they have a good standing in the industry and community when you are able to relate to them some of the good things you have heard about them.

You should be clear why you do the research:

- to convince your boss that you are the right person for their job;

- to gather more information on types of jobs and industries that interested you;

- to discover other options to help you make decisions about where, when and whom you would like to work;

- to discover who at these organizations has the authority to employ you, and to find out who your prospective employers are.

Be focus when you are looking for a job. Any job is not good enough. Be very specific with what industry, company and position you know is right for you. Finding the right job means you have the competitive edge over other interviewees.

Here is a short list of specific researches for you to consider:

- What exactly does the organization make, sell or provide for it customers?

- What is the size of the organization – big or small?

- The internal structure of the organization – how many departments, what is most senior post of each department, other positions related, some job functions of the positions that interested you, etc?

- Is it a family-owned, private or publicly held organization?

- What is the financial state of the organization?

- What is the reputation of the organization in the industry and community?

- Have there been any changes in ownership or management recently?

- Are there branches of the organization in the country or overseas?

- Are there women and members of other ethnic groups in high level management positions?

- Does the organization promote from within or sourcing candidates from outside?

- Has the organization been entangled in any legal matter?

- What is the corporate culture and style of the organization – modern or conservative?

Some of the questions or information may be provided only by people who are working the organization itself. Get your network to find out who is working with the organization. The more you find out about it, the better are your chances at making a good impression with the interviewers.

However, do not feel over-confidence with your new-found knowledge. Prospective employers may not like candidates who know too much about their organizations. You just need to know what you should know.

If you heard rumors about the organization, do not repeat them during the interview. The most unwise move is to relate everything you know to the prospective employers. They are the ones who will disqualify you immediately.

A job may not be a career. A career is a vocation that provides satisfaction, fulfills long term goals as well as offering a bright future. So, you need to be clear when you hunt around for your ‘perfect’ opportunity. You may waste some time and effort, but it is always worth it.

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Slip-ups That Cost A Job Opportunity

Attending interviews means opportunities. Everyone with the thought of getting a job loves the chance of attending an interview with the top personnel of the company. This is the time the candidate can really 'advertise' himself.

However, there are times candidates make blunders or slips ups. Worst of all, they make one mistake after another just when the hiring company is about to offer them that ‘dream’ opportunity!

Listed here are some of the common blunders:

- Did not attend the interview without any apologies

- Did not bring copies of original documents

- Did not greet the interviewers

- Avoid eye contacts with the interviewers

- Wore the wrong outfit

- Brought along a newspaper into the interview room

- Brag and exaggerate about past experience

- Criticize former bosses and companies

- Chew gums or sweets during the interview

- Gave away secrets of former company

- Avoid questions concerning past company/experience

- Interested only in the benefits of the job and demanded for more

- Discloses the person(s) they knew in the company

- Busy asking own questions during the interview

- Loud ringing mobile phone interrupts the interview

- Demand expected salary instead of negotiate

If you look at the list again, you will find that most of the slip-ons happen because candidates have an attitude – ‘over confidence’. If you are a fresh graduate, be reminded that being called to attend an interview does not mean your chance of securing the job has increased. That may be true ten or twenty years ago, but not today.

If you make some of the slip-ups in an interview, remember not to repeat them again in the next one. You can see how much damage one simple slip-up done to your image and reputation.

Be careful and remember that you may be blacklisted easily. Some interviewers are nice and they do not really bother what you did wrong as long as you are honest. Some examine you closely and would be glad to see you making mistakes.

What can you do to overcome these slip-ups?

- List down all you need to bring to an interview.

- Get ready the outfit you want to wear to the interview earlier.

- Practice answering questions (rehearse the interview in your mind).

- Practice smiling in front of a mirror.

Actually nobody knows what is going to happen during an interview. Just do the best you can. If you do not hear any news from one organization, there are still other organizations waiting. You will have many chances not to repeat the slip-ups in the next interviews.

Justify Why You Should Be Hired

Many years ago, applicants being called for interviews were ascertain of jobs. However, that is not so today. There are more candidates compared to job vacancies in any company. Some are fresh graduates; some are looking for better opportunities while others are unemployed and so on.

In today’s job market, you have to compete against so many candidates for a job. You may have to face the fact there may not be a chance to get the interview at all! So, you have to work hard to earn each and every job offer that comes your way. You may even have to convince that potential employer to create a new position just for you.

Yes, it is possible.

Every interviewer who interviews you must be convinced why you should be hired. They must know the benefits you will bring to the company. Every company hires for a business reason. Hiring managers want only people who can help to solve their problems as well as getting a large return on their investment.

Before you decide to write your cover letter or resume, try to predict the most important criteria to your potential employers. You can also use them in any job interview you attend. Some of the important questions arise at this point will be:

- How can I contribute to the department/section/company?

- How much training do I require before I can handle this position?

- What can I do to solve the business problem of this company?

- What kind of return can I provide to this company?

- Can I generate more than just the expected results?

- How can I gain trust from my co-workers?

- How much salary do I ask for the position?

- Do I have the personality to fit into the culture of the potential company?

- Am I really qualified for this job? (Check your education level and experiences)

And then, there is one secret you should know. Every interviewer wants to look good by hiring YOU! They have their own interest to look into first. Nobody wants to be blamed for hiring the wrong candidate and causes loss to the company.

Knowing these criteria helps you to position yourself. Never show your

desperation to get that job (even though you really are!). Instead, be confident and always convey an aura that there are other companies interested in you. When the hiring managers think other companies are courting you, they will act much quicker.

One of the ways to justify getting hired is to create your own business case. It does not have to be a complicated case. If you are a fresh graduate, this will demonstrate how you help to solve the business problem of the company. If you have a few years of experience, quantify the value of your experience. You can express how much return of investment the company will get by hiring you.

Show your potential companies :

· How you can solve their business problems or needs

· How you can make an immediate contribution to the company

· Why hiring you is the only option they have

· The kind of ROI (Return of (Investment) you can provide

· How you will make the hiring managers look good.

So, you are unable to quantify your contribution in monetary terms. That is all right. ROI is an intangible asset. Not everyone has the ability to do so. There are many other ways you can justify yourself. Focus on things like efficiency, organization, network, uptime, response times as well as morale.

Now, make that happen for yourself!

Searching For Your Ideal Job

Do not worry if you feel dissatisfy with your present job. There are many causes of job dissatisfaction. Many people accept jobs to earn the money, period. There are not many who will even try to align their personal interests, skills, passions as well as values with the jobs they have chosen. Are you one of them?

Have you taken some time to define the purpose of choosing the job you want? Ask yourself these questions:

- What is it that you are after in the job?

- Are you going to learn, contribute, or help others?

- Are you accepting the job for the money?

- How long do you plan to work for the company?

- What will your career path be?

- Is this job just a stepping stone to another ‘dream’ job?

Knowing the purposes of choosing a job helps you to derive joy from the job itself. A working life is dull and stressful. You will keep on looking for new jobs if you do not know your purpose of choosing the job. You need to feel proud of the job so that you will feel needed and important.

Reflect on your previous jobs and identify your likes and dislikes. Then list them accordingly. After this exercise, you will find that you are extremely focused on the new position you want. Sad to say, many people ended up in the same dead-end positions because of their unawareness.

Accepting a job which does not align with your life’s purposes can cause great discomfort and stress, not to mention dissatisfaction. It is essential to state your life’s purposes and believe them. You can choose to help others, raise a family, motivate others or own a business. Of course, you can have as many life’s purposes as you want.

Then, you need to know what your own values are. Do your values in anyway align with the job? If one of your values is to promote healthy living, but the job is to market cigarettes, you have to be honest whether to accept the job or not. Some of the common values people have are; family-oriented, honest, trustworthy, healthy living and so on.

List down your passions. You may like traveling, photography, entertaining and so on. This is an endless list. However, many of your passions are not job related. That is all right. They may not be job-related at this moment, but can be job-related later as you decide to get a new job.

Base on your life’s purposes, values and passions, you can now list all your possibilities. You can choose to be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, salesperson, motivator, and the list goes on. Of course, you have to be practical. You cannot be a doctor without going to med school and undergo all those special trainings. Nevertheless, you can still choose to be a ‘doctor’ specializing in other disciplines of science.

Surely you will be overjoyed to find that there are so many options out there. In spite of that, focus only on one or two that you really want to do for a living. You may have a few good choices; but, it is advisable to just concentrate on the ones that you really are interested.

Remember your competitors? They are competing with you all the way. They may be better than you and have already identified what they really want for their future. If you have many choices, you may lose the concentration and opportunity to get the best job for yourself.

Some elements which you really need to consider when defining your ideal job is

- What is the occupation?

- Which industry is it in?

- Which company has the vacancy? Does the company have a good social track record?

- What will your career path be? (Imagine where you will be in a few years’ time.)

- Does the job structure suit you? (Working in a team or independently, a team player or a team leader)

- What are the working hours? Will there be overtime?

- Does the job involve any traveling?

- What is the working environment like?

- Where is company located? Do you have to work in the city or in a branch company?

- What are the compensation and benefits offered by the company? (Other than the salary, are there anything else that benefit the employee?)

Now you can use the elements above to help you write a mission statement. This is just a one or two-liners of statement about the job you have in mind. It can be like this … “To work as a ….. in an organization that ……” Since you have listed your priorities in detail, you know what you want every time you read this statement. You will not go wrong because deep in your heart you have already defined your ideal job.

Go for it and good luck!

An Honest Presentation of Yourself Before The Interview

So, you have lost your last job. Of course, you will be disappointed. But, do not let the disappointment stop you from looking ahead. Be objective and try to understand what happened. Truths are heart breakers. Yet, if you accept the defeat, you will be prepared and able to avoid the same problem in future.

Not everyone has a chance to learn his or her mistakes. If you are given a second chance, that is good. Take the opportunity and make the best of it. If not, move on. Life is too short to wallow in such disappointment.

At this juncture, ask yourself these questions:

- What have I learnt from this lesson?

- Where can I make improvements?

- What do I really want from this job (or a new job)?

- What can I do so that the outcome can be different?

If you cannot answer the questions, give yourself two hours to grieve and then look past the failures. Bury the past as soon as possible.

Now it is the time to analyze yourself. You need to reassess you strengths, capabilities and talents. First, identify your core competencies. Take time to identify your abilities.

· What are you good at?

· What are your strengths?

· Where does your passion lie?

These are the questions you need to ask yourself. Think hard and list down the answers. Go through the answers again and again until you are sure and satisfied. This will make you more prepared when you are asked in the next interview.

Focus on what you are good at in every job hunt. The chance of you landing a job that suits you will increase significantly. However, always be honest about your strengths and weaknesses.

Think about your competitors. They are also job hunting like you. Some of them have more years of experience and receive higher education than you. However, you need to be better than anyone of them. You need to present yourself as the best candidate for the position. You may want to present your core strengths and competencies along with your personality and appearance that will ultimately put you in a better position to get that job.

The key here is to identify your selling points to make yourself appealing to your potential employers. Get a sheet of paper and do the exercise below, answer the questions honestly.

· List your Personality Traits

(outgoing/social/emphatic/creative/motivated/etc)

· List your Work-related Personality Traits

(team oriented/detail oriented/multi-tasking/etc)

· List your Personal Achievements

(charity/community services/etc)

· List your Job-related Accomplishments

(awards/certificates/featured in company’s news/etc)

· List your Cognitive Skills

(interpersonal/problem-solving/creativity/etc)

· List your Functional Skills

(managing people/reducing expenses/processing payroll/copywriting/managing projects/etc)

· List your Job-related Knowledge

(year-end reporting/procurement/marketing/accounting/etc)

· List your Credentials

(educational institutions and professional body certifications/degrees/etc)

This exercise helps to keep you in focus, build your confidence as well as helping you to find the right job for yourself. If you focus on the good in you, you will definite have better outcomes.

It is all right if you have not discovered some of the work-related personality traits or functional skills. Remember it takes some time to acquire these skills as not everyone has them. However, you can still answer the question, “Why should we hire you over the other candidates?”

Tell them about your achievements. Remember to identify your positive attributes that are relevant to your targeted job. You also have to know your selling points well. Let them know how hiring you will benefit the company! Whatever you say, always be honest!