So I have a friend who, like me, moved from home to seek a better life and opportunities. He started his own, home-based business, and was doing alright for a while until the bills started piling up. He got a shitty job that basically slaved him out and only paid minimum wage, so he quit. Now he's considering moving back home because the money is running out. He figures he can go back home, try his business there, work part-time, and save up to eventually move out again. The problem is that he really doesn't want to go back home. He loves it here. And also he doesn't want to work a shitty job but feels that's his only option without a degree.
Being that I've worked many jobs, and many of them shitty jobs, I gave him some words of wisdom. I first asked him, "Would you rather work a shitty job here or back home"? He didn't really have to think hard about that one. It was clear he'd rather be here, so he chose to find a job here. Now to tackle a "shitty" job versus a "decent" job. Since he has no choice but to get a job, he would rather get something that wasn't so bad. The problem is clear, and one that I've dealt with my whole professional life. We are entrepreneurs with dreams and goals of owning our own businesses. No matter what job we work, it will always be just another job. So I told him, any job you get is just a job; something to pay the bills and possibly help you save up.
How can you make a job you hate work for you?
It's simple. First you have to understand that this job is just to help you financially. The job does not own you and you did not sign a contract in blood to work there forever. You are using this job as a stepping stone to help you meet your goals. Next, if you're gonna work somewhere you "hate" or have no interest in, make sure it's something that you only focus on during your shift. In other words, make sure it's a job where you don't take the work home. If your shift is from 9-5, at 5pm you are free! Lastly, my friend figured he could only get a shitty job because he has no degree. If you get stuck on the degree part, then yes your options will be slim. Many employers are willing to overlook your educational background if you have a good amount of work experience and marketable skills. I advised my friend to make a list of all his skills and experience, whether paid or voluntary. Next I told him he may have to make a few different resumes depending on the types of jobs he's going for. I pointed him to a post I wrote back in 2012 on how to find a job in a "jobless" market. There are a ton of free resources for people looking for work; he could easily get assistance with his resume.
I told him to start by applying for jobs in areas he has an interest in. It doesn't hurt to apply and you'll never know if you don't try. If you're gonna get a job you don't really want, might as well make it something that can be interesting and fun, right? What I do is temp. I love temp jobs because even if you hate it, it'll end eventually. I suggested he also try applying for temporary employment. My final suggestion was to try gigs. With gigs you can easily earn a quick buck and set your own schedule. I directed him to my post on Craigslist gigs, and OF COURSE suggested he purchase my e-book when it comes out ;)
Bottom line is THERE ARE OPTIONS! If you feel stuck in a job you hate, make a plan to get out of it or make it work for you. Don't be afraid to TRY and don't ever give up! And lastly, if you really need help ASK! Ask your friends, family, or even Google! A problem is never one-dimensional and so the solution won't be either.
Good luck my friends!
By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps. Check it out!
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