The writing is on the wall. You can see it as clear as day. You are not happy in your current executive position and you have already begun organizing your exit strategy. As a member of the company’s leadership, it is imperative that you stay focused, being mindful that your discontent can become contagious if you are lax about containing it.
The interesting thing is you are not alone. About 70% of Americans report being unhappy with their jobs, according to a CBS News report. Here are some tips for using a lack of inspiration as just the motivation you need to move on to bigger and better things.
Keep things business as usual at work.
The people who work with you and report to you will be able to tell that you are unhappy. You don’t need to ruminate on your current state. You know are unhappy. Make the decision to either stay put or move on, then use your emotional energy to do one or the other. If you spend hours thinking about how unhappy you are, it can tamper with your team’s morale and hinder productivity.
Don’t make any rash moves.
We all have days when it seems we have taken just about all we are going to take. That feeling can be exponentially worse when you’re already managing the pain of being in a position that no longer engages you. But beat back the urge to kick over your lemonade stand just yet. If you are already working on your exit strategy, knowing you have a definite exit date will help you get through the next six weeks, six months or six years.
Revisit your dreams.
Spending one-third of your life and energy working a job you hate is a great way to lose sight of your own dreams. Sometimes it can seem like you’ll never get out of the situation in which you currently find yourself, but this is the perfect time to revisit your dreams.
Perhaps it’s finally time to go to culinary school or make that transition from healthcare policies into technology. It may not be the job duties or the company that you don’t like; it may be your line of work. Switching industries but staying in a similar position can really have a positive effect on your outlook.
Use that emotion to fuel your future endeavors.
They say the best revenge is a life well-lived. That may sound like a bunch of hooey, but there is truth behind the saying. The same energy that fuels disgust, hatred and anxiety can easily fuel inspiration, creativity and tenacity.
Use the energy your negative emotions have created to move your life forward by leaps and bounds. When you get fed up—truly fed up—you are more likely to do what is necessary to change and create a more enjoyable reality for yourself.