Job reboot

Some days it feels like you are in a rut… but when it is most days, then it’s time to look at your career path plan and see whether you need to reboot. Rebooting does not necessarily require a new employer, it’s an opportunity to review your plan and create options and follow opportunities. Of course there are times when you need a complete change and there are many other articles that can assist you on your journey. However for many of us, it just a rut, not a complete job change.

Even if you do decide to change employer, you may find yourself in the rut longer than intended due to external factors, such as a downturn in the market and stronger competition. So it’s important to reboot your current job.

A Job rut is actually a brilliant opportunity. It’s the neon sign that says IT’S TIME TO REFLECT ON YOUR CAREER PATH AND TAKE ACTION… it’s the flu for your job. You probably missed the warning signs along the way and now it’s staring at you. But just like the flu, your job can improve and you are likely to come out with stronger resilience.

So what are the remedies to addressing a rut?

• Identify what the problem really is. Why have you classified this as a rut? Make sure you know what the cause is and whether you can control it. Too many people classify a failed outcome at work (such as promotion) as a rut.

• Make a plan. It does not need to be a word processed masterpiece with all the subcomponents worked out, but there should be some milestones that are attainable and timed. Know what your goals are this year and for the next three years.

• Network within your organisation – if you are part of a larger organisation, get to know the other areas. Yes, this includes the administration or technical areas too. You never know when they will be useful contacts. Be genuine in this approach.

• Boost your internal profile in other ways – offer to run the next corporate social event, coordinate answers from the last staff survey. By boosting your profile by taking on other corporate roles, you are more likely to be noticed and importantly thought of when new opportunities arise.

• Beef up your skills by volunteering. There are many organisations out there in need of volunteers. Choose an area where you want to improve. Become the treasurer or marketing person, take on a committee role, organise an event. Considering the career is in a rut, you are likely to have some pent-up passion lurking. Volunteering is a great way to increase skills during economic downturns. Plus it looks good on the resume.

• Focus on your home life. Remember- you work to live, so if the work is taking a backseat, concentrate on your home life. Pick up the new hobby, decorate a room, become the artist you have always wanted.

• Do your research on the industry – what is the new thinking. Media articles and industry journals are a great way to source up the latest – you never know what thought bubbles may explode in your mind when you connect the dots on new thinking.

• Hit the gym. Exercise and endorphins – you will be happy even though you are in a rut. Loosing some weight, hitting a personal best are absolute energy elevators. Your body will smile, even if the job is uninspiring.

• Apply for jobs. The experience in writing applications, going for interviews and updating a resume is well worth it. Even if you don’t take on the roles, it can be a sure sign of whether you are still ‘in the game’. Plus, sometimes the sobering reality of getting rejections may make you work harder at your current role.

• Finally – talk. Seek the informal feedback, practice your pitch. There are many people who need to practice their listening skills – so use the opportunity to do the talking.

It can be really hard to find the motivation and the spark to get you through a rut, particularly when the rut lasts months. But if you only response is to complain – then you are missing out on what should be a fantastic time to reflect, shape and hopefully cash in.