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I'm scared I'll be stuck in my dead-end job forever, how can I plan my escape?

23 Answers
Last Updated: 04/13/2020 at 2:30am
1 Tip to Feel Better
Canada
Moderated by

Lianne Kirby, MA in Counselling Psychology

Counselor

I believe everyone should have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. I use a trauma informed, person centred approach in counselling.

Top Rated Answers
thantophobiaxo
July 13th, 2015 1:33am
Jut talk to your boss, or quit. You only live once, so don't live stressing everything. Risk taking is the key to life.
HappyCon
November 11th, 2014 5:27pm
If you want to move jobs, I recommend staying at your current job while searching for a job you really want. If you need skills in a field you want to do, then either plan to study a course at college or apply for some evening classes while working at your current job.
StrawberryIcicle
April 19th, 2016 4:21am
Start by answering this question "if all jobs were equal pay, what would you be? " Now research how you can train for that (if needed) and what else to may need to achieve this... good luck on your next adventure.
Pri009
September 6th, 2016 7:19pm
Job applications! Improve your skills and keep applying for jobs that you're interested in. Don't limit yourself to a particular field of work or geographical area. Think of options you never considered before because you lacked a few skills required for them. Figure out ways to gain those skills. Put yourself out there, you never know, your dream job might be waiting for you!
Anonymous
December 23rd, 2014 12:57am
maybe consider education or find another job that could lead to a better opportunity. Although it's scary, a lot of people join a military force to open doors and opportunities for their future.
Vilechylde
December 29th, 2014 7:44pm
Look into yourself and understand the difference between what you can do and what you love doing. John Maxwell once said that if you do something long enough, eventually someone will pay you for it. When you find what you love, figure out why you love it. Really hone in on the root of your passion and then start learning about careers which feed this passion. You might have to work the dead-end job awhile to pay for schooling, but once you get what you really want in life... heh... all those hours are worth it.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 12:07pm
Start with small goals that help you branch out to other jobs, have something in mind that you want to achieve and do it.
HeyItsMeLiz
November 8th, 2014 1:38pm
You can start taking classes for what you really want to do, at a local community college. And I recommend learning everything you can at your current job; you never know when you will need those skills again.
Specious
May 22nd, 2015 9:36pm
Figure out what you'd really like to do with yourself. You have a passion and a gift to give to the world. Many ways of exploring those options could be through taking night classes to up skill or volunteering in your spare time. There are lots of resources available at your disposal to progress in the ways you want to. All you have to do is work out what is best for you!
tomsky
December 18th, 2014 5:42pm
Plan ahead, start applying for new jobs now and don't quit with nothing to go on to. You could also do evening classes to qualify in something else you want to do.
Anonymous
November 1st, 2014 3:31pm
You should try to actively look for other jobs while with the job that you have. I think if you look for jobs you will be interested in or happy you would feel happier and not feel scared.
Henryjosept11
September 15th, 2014 5:32pm
Tranquilo, siempre puedes ir a desfogarte o liberarte un poco, quizás salir a caminar y poder romper un poco la rutina, siempre puedes darte un pequeño relajo y descanso.
thethirteenthour
September 7th, 2015 12:42am
Nothing is permanent—you can do it! However, create a plan for yourself, and set goals. Even the tiny ones help! Start setting yourself up for the job market: do some browsing, have a friend look over your resume, leave a few days aside to make room for interviews. When you've got a position lined up, talk to or send a appreciative-toned resignation email to your current boss at least 2 weeks in advance before your last day. Good luck!
Uniqueg
October 23rd, 2014 9:24pm
Try to figure out if there are other jobs or opportunities available, or if your interested you can go back to school!
Anonymous
October 22nd, 2014 3:59pm
You simply can't, but you can figure out new things to do and be the best at it, so go on and dont escape, but dont quite either, just leave.
amiableAmy
June 12th, 2015 7:48am
Step 1: Figure out what it is you would like be doing instead. Is it just moving to a different company? Is it a different field? Is it going back to school? What are you looking for as a long-term career? Step 2: Apply & interview for whatever position you'd prefer. When you get an offer that suits you you will be in a good position to leave your current position.
Anonymous - Expert in Work Stress
August 28th, 2017 3:16am
The first step is always the hardest one. Put yourself out there and look around for a better opportunity and chance for growth. When you find something that you are looking for take it.
colorfulFlute99
February 1st, 2016 6:02pm
Look into training programs and try weekend or night courses to grow your skill set. Your company may even offer funding, ask your HR department if you're not sure. Knowledge is power!
PoliteOcean
September 21st, 2015 5:35pm
Start looking for other jobs or careers that interest you and make the necessary changes. Such as making a list at the jobs you want to apply for. Go and apply. Be prepared. Have a resume ready, make sure you clear your calendar for possible interviews. It might take a little work and preparation and maybe even some time, but you got to get started somewhere.
Cathy92
July 13th, 2015 11:06pm
Make a long-term plan of where you want to end up, and steps to get there over the next 1, 5 and 10 years. Always keep your CV up to date, and draw on the positive things (new skills learned, difficult situations handled) that you've gathered from even the most challenging or boring jobs. It's okay to start applying for other positions while you're still in your current job, as long as you give the proper amount of notice when you find something new and don't breach your employment contract! Above all, remember what you're really passionate about, and focus on that as your professional end goal. Don't settle for working somewhere that doesn't inspire you!
CleverCoffee11
July 9th, 2018 4:07pm
Begin by practicing some visualization. Visualize yourself working somewhere you feel passionate about. You need to actually feel the emotions in your visualization. This is very important. Find a picture or symbol that seems to represent this feeling or reminds you of new place of work. Put it on your desk or cork board where it can be seen. These two steps begin to plant seeds in your subconscious. It may seem like a silly exercise but it works, although usually takes some time. Next keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities, especially when talking to other people. Most good jobs come from someone you know so make sure to spend time improving your relationships. So to recap: 1) Visualize 2) Create a vision board with 1-2 images 3) Network, strengthen relationships 4) Pay attention to conversations 5) Take action when an opportunity presents itself I hope this helps.
Anonymous
October 9th, 2018 5:43pm
You need to have a plan. It wouldnt be nice to quit your job and have no backup plan nor money to support yourself. Its good that you have an ephiphany and realization that will benefit your growith in the long term. Not everybody experiences that. The First thing you need to do acknowledge that what you need not be be stuck in a dead-end job is a CAREER. A career is a passion based bath to doing what you love. You need to sit yourself down and think clear on what excites you, what fuels you and makes you happy. Once you found it make a list of jobs those passion can actually be applied to. Once you get that down, you can start building your online presence and sending it out to great potential companies while you are still on your current job. From there on you just have to wait. You can also build up your skillset like do volunteer or internship related to your desired field to boost your experience background. All the best!
EternalSpring823
April 13th, 2020 2:30am
Firstly, NEVER look for a new job while unemployed. Consider this job to be simply a stepping stone to your next job. You current job has given you experiences that you can take with you. Slowly adjust and always keep looking for something that suits you better. You just need to be patient. Work on your resume, and be kind to yourself. Keep in mind that everything won't change overnight, and you will only have to suffer through the current job until you find better. You can do this. Have faith in yourself and never stop chasing your horizons. Good luck!