From “Cubicle Convict” To A Career You Love

Do you feel like you’re stuck in a job you hate? That’s not taking you anywhere? But you don’t know what you what you want to do or how to change? I encounter this often within my financial practice and it’s not just the people who are financially strapped. No matter how much money you have in your 401k or other savings, you can find yourself in a less-than-desirable job situation. But you have no idea how to escape your “dead end” job.

The job landscape is changing faster than ever and so many people are having to temp or take on jobs that they don’t like in order to just scrape by financially. On the other side of that, others are just staying in jobs to maintain a lifestyle that they thought wanted, but…all of this “getting by” may make you feel like just another drone in the system. If you’re feeling like a cubical convict – trapped in a career that you had no intention of pursuing – it’s time to make some changes.

Look at what you can do right now

No, not tomorrow. Or next week. Or in a couple of months when you have a little more money or feel more secure. Now. Today. At this very moment. This could be something as simple as suggesting something to your boss on a project you’re working on or asking if you can draft up something for him to take into consideration. It could also be monetizing a hobby you love. Offer up your scrapbooking services to friends and family for a small fee or sell that jewelry you like to make while you’re watching television.

Shift your focus away from money

With that said, if you are only looking at the financial side of things you will likely miss out on great opportunities. Isn’t that how you got into your current situation in the first place? When you focus only on money, you are disconnected from what you are truly after: your desired life. So instead of focusing on money, look inward at the things that you enjoy doing and the things you’re good at. There are several courses available on the internet like personality tests and job profile engines that can help you figure out what’s really a good fit for you.

Choose to be proactive

It goes without saying that in order to make major changes in your life, you have to choose to do so. Whether it’s looking at job boards, asking your friends about potential openings at their jobs or cold-calling companies you’re interested in to inquire about employment opportunities. You have to actually  do something in order for things to change. And you might as well do it with confidence; you might be dead wrong in what you think you want. But you know what? At least you know and at least you tried. Trying and failing is better than doing nothing and going nowhere.

Small steps lead to big action

That’s what I want to stress here. No, you’re probably not going to get out of your situation tomorrow and find yourself in your perfect job. But what you are going to realize is that the more of the little things you do to change your circumstance, the better  your outlook will be. Something as little as just calling a company you’d love to work for and getting someone with decision-making power on the phone is huge. It can boost your confidence and give you the push you need to keep going. I know it’ll be intimidating at first and you may feel the fear (I sure did when I first opened my own business) but it only takes a few small steps a day to make a huge difference in your life. This is your path – your journey – and it’s your time time to choose to be the CEO of your life.

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