Dilemma of A Dead-end Job by Annabelle Reitman

Dilemma of A Dead-end Job
By Annabelle Reitman

"Figuring out how you can change anything that's not getting you where you want to be is a good way to get where you are going"  Laura Vanderkam, Grindhopping

How do you determine when a job isn't going anywhere?  And once you realize you're in a dead-end job, what should you do about it? 

You know you are in a dead-end job when you have been:

• Passed over for a promotion or advancement more than once
• Excluded from important meetings and events
• Feeling you are in a rut, bored, frustrated, and/or discouraged
• Lacking assignments with project/team leadership responsibilities
• In a plateau job with no challenges, risks, or creativity

Revitalizing A Dead-end Job

There are several steps you can take to get your career back on track. First, take a long hard look at yourself.  Why are you unhappy?  Is it something you can remedy
yourself e.g., further training or up-dating your skills, transferring to another department?  You may decide that you need further input or information about the situation.  Ask co-workers you trust and respect to comment on your professional behavior and work.  If you have a good working relationship with your supervisor or another manager, discuss your concerns with them and solicit suggestions. 
Seek out a mentor.

When you have completed analyzing, decide how to best improve your chances to turn a stagnating job into one with a future.  Based on your assessment of your job and feedback from peers and superiors, review the following options and check those you feel are the best for revitalizing your job and can advance your career:

List of Options to Move Ahead

• Create a professional brand focusing on your strengths and accomplishments
• Increase visibility - volunteer for projects and special programs
• Ask for extra responsibilities to hone skills and demonstrate capabilities
• Take the initiative and suggest projects or activities that can enhance your position
• Learn about your organization's long-range plans and ask how you can help to achieve them
• Let your manager know about your career objectives and apply as in-house candidate for a more senior level position
• At your performance appraisal, discuss how you can better situate yourself for advancement
• Become involved in outside activities establishing an image as a take-charge person
• If possible, move laterally with the organization to gain specific experiences

Situation Remains the Same
However, what if you have done everything you can do to bring movement to your job, but to no avail?  You may need to consider leaving as your next best move and be hired by an employer who will appreciate the qualifications you bring to a job.

Resource: Laura Vanderkamp: Grindhopping, McGraw Hill:New York, 2007.

Annabelle Reitman Ed.D.
Career Management Strategist, Author
Email: anreitman@verizon.net