Work is frustrating sometimes, and everyone has bad days. So if you feel like you don’t like your job occasionally, that’s completely normal. But what if it’s a bit more than just a bad day (or a bad week?) What if you’ve realised that you really don’t want to be in the job you’re in?
First: don’t panic.
People change careers all the time and for all sorts of reasons. It’s entirely doable (yes, even in the middle of the ongoing pandemic, though it might be a bit harder at the moment.) If you’re unhappy at work and thinking of changing careers, read on and we’ll talk you through some tips to help you do just that.
Work out what you don’t like about the job
To do this, think back to why you took the job in the first place. Did you think it would be something it isn’t, or did you just take it because you needed the money?
If it’s the former, then think about what you thought the job would be like and the ways in which it hasn’t aligned with your expectations. If it’s the latter, it might be time to look for work you’re more passionate about (more on that in a minute.)
What exactly is it you don’t like about your job? It is boring and repetitive? Do you struggle to get along with your boss or coworkers? Have you realised you hate being stuck behind a desk and would rather work a more physical job? The things you don’t like are key when it comes to finding something you will like.
Start browsing jobs boards and ads
Search LinkedIn, jobs boards like Indeed, and industry-specific directories like jobs.ac.uk and charityjob.co.uk. You don’t need to apply for anything yet. Just read some job descriptions, filter for your areas of interest and level of experience, and see what is out there.
Which roles interest you? What is it about them that draws you to those roles? Make a note of your thoughts and any patterns that emerge, because you’ll use them when you start applying.
Work out what drives you
What are you passionate about? What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning? Understanding what motivates and drives you can go a long way towards figuring out what type of career you might enjoy.
For example, if you love helping people, you might want to work in a caring profession or the charitable sector. If you like to be challenged, something that involves a lot of problem solving might be a good fit.
When you think about your dream job, what is it about it that excites you? Understanding the “why” behind the “what” can help you make good decisions that will make you happy in the long run.
Get some advice
Once you know what industry you want to move into, it can help to get some advice from someone in the know. There are numerous ways to do this.
If you’re at school, college, or university, there might be a careers advisor you can speak to, or a teacher or lecturer you trust. Even if you’ve graduated, many schools and universities allow alumni to access their careers service, so do look into that option.
You can also reach out to people in the industry you want to move into. Ask your friends and people in your network if they know anyone and can connect you, or look someone up on LinkedIn and send a polite message asking if they can spare half an hour to have coffee (maybe virtual coffee right now) and a chat with you.
Another option is to attend a class or course. When I decided I wanted to be a journalist, I took a masterclass with a practicing journalist and it gave me the springboard I needed to get my start in the industry. Taking a class can be expensive but it’s money well spent if you’re serious about your chosen career.
Make the most of your downtime
You might not get a new job straight away. Job hunting is tough, and it’s even harder when you want to switch industries or change careers. So you need to take care of yourself and your mental and emotional wellbeing in the meantime.
Make the most of your downtime to keep your spirits up even if you don’t like your job. Spend time with your loved ones, consume media that brings you joy, engage with your hobbies and interests, or pick up that passion project you’ve been meaning to work on.
Keeping busy and taking care of yourself will make it easier to cope with the challenges of working a job you don’t like until you can move on.
Take the time to craft great applications
When you’re in a job you don’t like, desperation to get out can leave you feeling like you have to apply for as many jobs as possible. This is a mistake, because it means you won’t be sending in the best possible applications you can – which will harm your chances.
Instead, choose a few jobs you’re really excited to apply for, and take the time to customise your CV, write a compelling cover letter, and fill in every aspect of the application form to the best of your ability.
Quality is far more important than quantity, and five stellar applications give you a better chance at getting a job than twenty lacklustre ones.
Stick with it
Career changing is really hard – I’ve done it twice and I don’t want to downplay its challenges. It takes hard work, patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to risk rejection. But you can absolutely do it if you stick with it and work hard to land your dream job.
Good luck and let us know how you get on!
