Start with some self-reflection. Notice you are at a crossroad, classically characterized as a stuck place filled with anxiety and uncertainly. Acknowledge that these feelings are normal, given your circumstances. This point of internal refection can help calm you down so you can think straight.

Next, ask yourself if you have been taking an accountable perspective about your rotten job or if you are blaming others for your situation. If you are filled with resentment because of other people’s behavior or attitude, you are blocking your own progress. You need to embrace what I call radical accountability. This means you focus exclusively on things you can control.

If other people fail to follow-through, stereotype you unfairly, or even actively attack you, put that into the imaginary “stuff I cannot control” bucket. Place the bucket on a window sill or in a closet. Energy focused on being a victim will immobilize you and limit your creative problem solving.

Recently I met a thirty-year-old single mother who had just completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Terri (not her real name) spent three years completing an online degree positioning herself for upward mobility. Terri is a Medical technician in the oncology unit of a stable, well respected healthcare system. She’s approaching ten years in a job that does not require a degree and pays poorly. 

She is not being considered for promotions because the organization does not want to lose her in her current role. They are ignoring her potential. She feels dis-respected and invisible. When I explained the dynamics of the crossroad to Terri, she was amazed how well it described how she was feeling. It was a first step out of job hell and into strategy.

We talked about the parts of her situation that makes her feel like a victim and the areas where she is taking an accountable perspective. She was willing to ignore things out of her control and focus on what she could do. This broke open a flood of creative awareness about her potential and desires. After completing a self-assessment and a detailed action plan, she declared that she could not remember feeling so inspired and excited.

Granted, it might take Terri a while to get her well deserved promotion but now she is on her way. Her self-confidence is improved and she has the energy to explore her options.

Regaining your moxie and embracing radical accountability will liberate you from a job you hate.