When You Want to Quit, but Can't

“There are some situations in which quitting the toxic job simply isn’t feasible (at least not immediately) or would be detrimental to career development or long-term professional goals. This might be the case if you’re working in a field where jobs are few and far between, in which case quitting would require some degree of long-term planning in order to remain active in a particular profession and continue to earn an income. It might also be the case in limited-time situations, such as internships or apprenticeships, where completion is critical to obtain professional licensure or certification. In such situations, quitting is likely to thwart professional growth and significantly delay the achievement of career goals, making it quite costly, both professionally and financially, to leave.

If you are in a similar situation, here are some strategies to get through the challenges of a difficult work environment:

1. Ask your supervisor if there are opportunities to work remotely, even if it’s just part of a day or part of the week. Being away from the challenging environment may go a long way in increasing your productivity and is likely to make the time pass more quickly.
2. Establish boundaries when you’re away from work. If possible, turn off your phone and work email notifications when you're not on duty; physically leave your work environment when you have a break or time off; and don't volunteer for extra shifts.
3. Create a positive affirmations notebook. Use it to write something positive about yourself every day before leaving for work, and when you’re struggling, remind yourself what you wrote. Then, before bedtime, use your notebook to write down something you accomplished or that you’re proud of from that day, even if it’s just that you got through one more day.
4. Make a to-do list and let it guide you. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s hard to focus and get things accomplished. Creating a to-do list will get the swirling thoughts out of your head and onto paper, and as you work through the list, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, which should reduce feeling overwhelmed.
5. Refuel yourself in as many ways and as often as possible. Eat right. Hydrate. Exercise. Wear favorite outfits. Do something that brings a smile to your face. Create time for yourself and don’t let anyone steal it from you.

If you’re going through difficult period, creating as many positive experiences as you can for yourself can counteract the negativity you’re experiencing at work. Not all of these suggestions will be the right fit for you, but incorporating as many as possible that do work into your daily routine might be the fuel you need to get through it and ultimately move on to a healthier place.”

Read the whole article at Psychology Today

#Stress #Job #Work #Refuel #Createboundaries

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