Few people are lucky enough to seek their dream job, that is, something they actually love doing and someone eager to pay them to do it.

That is great, but for many people the opposite is true. They find a job that someone is willing to pay them to do, so they can pay for all the things they actually love. Most of the time that is fine, but what happens when you get to the point where you really hate your job? It is not as simple as just leaving. You might end up in an atmosphere or role that is just as bad as the one you left or you may end up working even longer hours than you did before. So what steps should you go through before you call it a day?

• Step 1 – Recognize the Real Issue

The very first thing you require doing is figure out what the issue is. All too often we’re tired, frustrated and negative about our job but when we take a closer look at things we realize it is not actually the job that is the issue. It could be relationship problems, stress at home, illness etc that is really making us unhappy but we blame our job because that is where we spend the bulk of our day. Inquire yourself:

Am I putting in enough effort?

Do I’ve the right attitude?

Then if that is all good, inquire yourself:

Is it a work issue or a home problem?

Is it the work or the environment?

Once you’ve figured out if it is a home problem, a work atmosphere issue or the actual job itself consider the following options:

Change of job/role within the same organization – Can help if you need to try other job functions within the same career path with low risk

Change in your job description – Can help if your frustration is that you’re bored with the role itself and are not exploring new skills and experiences

Change in organization – Can help if the work atmosphere is toxic or unsupportive and unlikely to change

Change in career – Can help if you actually hate not just the role but the career path you’ve chosen

• Step 2 – Discuss Through The Options With Your Boss

All too often, individuals who’re unhappy at work just get angry and frustrated then find another role and leave. They do not often sit and talk through the problems with their boss giving them a chance to change things a little. You should surely talk to your boss early on, they may be capable to make some changes that make a huge difference to you. You can approach the meeting by calmly elaborating your frustrations and bring along any concepts you may have like:

Changes to your workload

Secondment possibilities

New skills you would like to establish

Inter company project teams you could be part of

• Step 3 – Review Your Short & Long term Goals

Once you’re clear about what the issue is and you’ve given your boss ample opportunity to make some important changes you may find you’re still unhappy. At this point, you require considering your short term and long term goals. It might be a while since you’ve given these a lot of thought but sitting down and re evaluating your future means being clear about what you’re aiming for.  Revise your list of both and be clear about what it is you actally want. Rank them in case of significance if that assists give you clarity.

If you decide to stay with your current company in another role or a revised version of your role that is great. Make certain you approach it with a positive attitude and concentrate on developing new skills and acquiring your short term goals. Make sure you’re clear about what your limits are and set aside some time each week outside of work merely for you.

• Step 4 – Upgrade Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile

If you’ve tried everything above and you’re still unhappy you may require moving on to another role and company. If this is the case, make definite you set a realistic timeline for departure. It takes a while to update your resume, set up or optimize your LinkedIn profile and get yourself job interview ready. Make sure you’ve permitted enough time if this is your preferred path.