How to Make Your Present Job More Tolerable

Is your job search being driven by the wrong reason? Ineffective motivations for seeking new employment can drive you too hard, forcing you to accept less-than-ideal positions. And that can compromise your career and bring you years of unhappiness.

One of the most common reasons people enter job searches is because of dissatisfaction with their current position. Because of this, the simple act of trying to find more happiness in the job you have can buy you much-needed time in your job search. By doing so, you can be more choosy in what position you accept. You won't be motivated by frustration and desperation. You set up a comfortable plateau, from which you can see clearly and hold more closely to your goals.

Here are some great ways to create more satisfaction in your current job, so you can take the time to conduct a great job search.

Find more challenges
One of the biggest reasons people look for new jobs is because their current one doesn't challenge them. But what if it could? Maybe your dissatisfaction with the job would melt away, leaving you with a more rational basis for launching a job search. Ask your supervisor if there are projects you can take on that would better use your abilities. Better yet, look for areas of the company you could contribute more effectively to and suggest specific plans to your boss.

Get rid of the junk
Look at what tasks are frustrating or unsatisfying in your current job and look to see if you can delegate these positions. Or discuss the matter with your boss and see if someone can be brought in to handle these pesky chores. If he's not willing to take on a full-timer for the work, perhaps suggest getting a part-time person or a temp.

Switch positions
Is there anyplace you can transfer to within the company? This can be ideal if you're starting a job search to satisfy a craving for something new. By transferring, you get new responsibilities and in many cases an entirely new staff around you. But at the same time, you stay under the same company banner, which keeps your resume from looking jumpy.

Share, but with care
If you've got a trusting, open supervisor, consider sharing your feelings with him. But be careful on this one. Telling your boss that you're dissatisfied with your job for any reason can put you immediately on the chopping block. For instance, if layoffs are planned soon he might just put you at the top of the list for getting cut - you admitted you don't like the job anyway. That said, if you have a track record of trustworthy, honest communications with your boss, he might be willing to work with you to find solutions to your unrest. If he considers you an exceptional employee, he might do so just to keep you.