How to stay productive at a job I dislike, while trying to job hunt?

13 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 2:27PM UTC

   Can you take a week off and completely unplug?
   Sometimes that can help you reset your experience a bit. This may be counterproductive in a situation where all the work is just left for you to tackle when you get back, so it's not an answer for everyone.

   Other things you can do are treat yourself if you meet a self-imposed work goal (which could be as simple as getting to work on time every day for a week or meeting a production standard 3 days in a row); taking a few short walks outside or at least around the building during the day; participating in some initiatives at your workplace that aren't directly part of your job (e.g., company-level special projects, outreach for your department, leadership training) which will also help you meet a wider variety of people and become familiar with other roles even within your company that you might enjoy more; or cultivate some interests outside of work so you have something to look forward to at the end of the day.

2. John HerndonJanuary 23,2024 at 2:29PM UTC

   Take a leave of absence due to burn out. Don’t go to HR before you speak to an attorney to understand your obligations and specific state rights. Might be a good idea to see a physician for the physical and mental assessment.

3. Rhyme PenttilaJanuary 23,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

   You don't have to give your best effort. Just give enough to get the job done until you leave.

4. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 2:44PM UTC

   If you "burned out" three times in one year then you need to quit. End of story. Take the additional time to figure out if you can't handle normal job stress, if this job is unusually stressful, or whatever else is going on.

5. Desiree BassJanuary 23,2024 at 2:45PM UTC

   I feel you on a personal level, just remember the right job is out there and it will be yours when the time is right! Keep your head up while you wait.

6. Dr. Patty GrossJanuary 23,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

   I've done this, and it's not fun. All I can say is work it one day at a time. I spent two years selling cars when sales (especially of things I have no interest in or cannot afford) were nowhere on my list of preferred careers. I just had to psych myself up each day to go to work because if I didn't go in, I didn't get paid.

7. Alicia RoachJanuary 23,2024 at 3:30PM UTC

   Burn out is real. I would first think about what is really cause you to feel this way. Are you in a field that you are passionate about? Is it not the right company for your work style? Perhaps it is the manager or supervisor who does not challenge you enough or challenges you too much. First understanding what is driving you to be disinterested is key. If you don't you will likely find yourself apply for another job and getting the same results. In the mean time find other things that can bring you great joy and where you an add value within the company. For example, join an employee resource group steering committee, take all the available training classes the company offers to skill yourself up. Get involved in volunteering with your organization and work on developing your network around the company. This will keep you focused on your continued growth while still doing a job that my not be that interesting. I hope this helps.

8. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 4:42PM UTC

   Thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can also say from experience that some jobs, companies, or times in the economy really take from you --and there are others that give. Burn out is real and can have impact on your physical and mental health- well beyond functioning at work. Take it one day at a time, one task at a time.

   I agree with all the advice previously stated.

   I will add - sometimes there are circumstances that keep us in that job: We have to pay the bills, we haven't found anything else, etc. If you have the space, ask yourself deep down what is best for you (quitting vs. sticking it out for a short term while you sort out a new option). You deserve better. Make the choice that fits you. If you're unsure, seek out a trusted friend/family/mentor/counselor who can help you through this.

   Now is the time to leverage all supports :

   --trusted friends, family, neighbors, hobby community, --let them know what you need- you need a job using X skills (list every one as you may enter a non-engineering job) and X salary range. Also, if you have to quit --and if it impacts housing, see if anyone could help with housing.

   --physical and mental health providers in case you need their support. (seek initial advice before you quit esp. if your insurance is tied to your job).

   --employment lawyer- for any questions about what's available to you

   --Are you part of a team or Industry community? They can either help you with jobs / ideas or connect you with mentors where you can get valuable field knowledge.

   --Perhaps someone on your current team can also be a go-to (though be careful with this one---you don't have to say anything personal, perhaps they just brighten your day).

   --Are there industry recruiters you could leverage?

   --Advocate for yourself. If work starts piling on. Say 'no' or "I don't have the bandwidth.'

   --If it helps, and if you stay for a short time--can you pick different projects or be on a team with folks you like? That could be [somewhat] energizing or at least not take from you. Can you compartmentalize /quiet quit / start disconnecting / listen to your favorite music and plug away? (If the answer is 'yes,' then it'll help you stick it out for a bit. If the answer is 'no' , that's leading you out).

   On to something better.

9. AnonymousJanuary 23,2024 at 11:20PM UTC

   Oy! I've been in your shoes before. The best thing you can do is keep looking but in the meantime, carve out time to get clear on what you want to do next.

   Maximize your individual training budget at your current gig, too! Are there any trainings, workshops, skill-building certs you can take that your current company will pay for?

   I'd also take the time to pull aside any work samples that you're proud of or might be helpful as you look for you new job (if that's relevant to you to have a portfolio).

   Still show up and do your best as professional references will be important to you when you do leave! You want to make sure you leave on a good note and leave a positive impression on folks.

   As for your job search, I'd tap into your network. Spend sometime working on your LinkedIn profile each day to get your name and face out there. If you went college or vocational learning, reconnect with your career advisor team to see if they can connect you with any alumni or companies that are looking to hire early career talent. I also would google search upcoming virtual job fairs too.

   I see ads all the time from companies on LinkedIn looking for talent like yourself! The best part is you can search for the recruiters of these companies and start making connections with them to learn more about their hiring process.

   I also recommend what others have said about taking some personal time off! Don't underestimate that time to rest, or job search.

   Good luck to you!! You've got this and you will overcome this soon. Stay focused!

10. Jonna Ferguson, ACCJanuary 24,2024 at 2:35PM UTC

    While you may not have figured out what you'd LOVE to do yet (that takes some time), it's good that you may have figured out what you don't want to do. OR, based on the comments in your edit, maybe you just aren't in the right environment.

    Self care is incredibly important. Sleep and nutrition are core to feeling your best. So is scheduling time with your doctor. I've known people who learn after having bloodwork done that they have a vitamin deficiency which is easily fixed, but could be leading to low energy and feeling disengaged. Also, especially at this time of year, seasonal "blues" are a reality for some. Surround yourself with bright light early in the day and add stretching or exercise into your routine as often as possible. Take deep breaths and keep moving! :)

    Next, even though you feel like you didn't receive the right level of training initially, consider whether what you're currently doing is stimulating enough. Do you need to learn something new in order to grow? Do you need exposure to new leaders, peers and projects within the business that would increase your visibility and open you up to new opportunities? Before looking externally for your next role, expand your network and you may find a different position at your current company that expands your knowledge and experience.

    Lastly, while you mentioned a little about the environment, I don't believe you mentioned having had a conversation with your current leader. If you haven't talked with them about how you're feeling yet, schedule time with them and focus on what you want MORE of in your current and next role (don't focus on peers or drama from the past). Build a career growth plan for yourself that you can share with your leader and execute on together that will help you reach your personal and professional goals. It helps to think about what you value, what you want in your future, build a plan to get there, then take first steps to put the plan in motion!

    If you'd like to chat more about "how" to do any of these things, DM me and I'd be glad to help.

11. AnonymousJanuary 24,2024 at 4:41PM UTC

    what is your ideal job?

12. KileyJanuary 24,2024 at 8:13PM UTC

    Rejection is Redirection! Stay hopeful and keep pushing forward. The right opportunity for you is just around the corner.

13. AnonymousJanuary 25,2024 at 6:01PM UTC

    OMG! Your reaction is DISGUSTING! This is a SAFE SPACE for all members. Not a space for you to spew aggressive comments. Clearly, you are in serious pain and have major confidence issues. Seek HELP urgently! I pray you get well soon.