CAREERS NOW 01-23-08

What To Do When Your Job Satisfaction Goes South

DEAR JOYCE: A job I once enjoyed involves working with many people but after 18 years, I have soured on it. After paying the bills and putting money away for the future, I don't think my budget will cover paying a career counselor or career coach. My sister thinks I'm just bored and burned-out in a fast changing world. But I live in a state with high unemployment so my options are limited. Your thoughts? - U.T.

Your problem would be much easier to deal with in years characterized by a thriving job market that is more accepting of those who change careers rather than merely changing jobs. Unfortunately, 2008 isn't shaping up to be one of those years. So here are several alternative solutions to think over.

DITCH EMOTIONAL DRY ROT. If you suspect your satisfaction-fade stems from too much interaction with people who've disappointed you and that you've covered the same ground with them too many times, use the cause to find the cure.

Make a list of 10 people who've infuriated you in your work; analyze what makes them tick. Your analysis doesn't have to be scientific - just catalog your personal reaction to traits and behaviors you hope not to experience again. They're problems for you.

Then read several of the dozens of conflict resolution books on the market, such as "Disagreements, Disputes, and All-Out War: 3 Simple Steps for Dealing with Any Kind of Conflict" by Gini Graham Scott (AMACOM Books). You're building a knowledge base to outsmart toxic people. The payoff: Your personal-growth project allows you to create your own job excitement as an authority on overcoming conflicts by objectively seeing them as nothing more than problems to be solved.

REACHING OUT. Sign up for a workshop or support group - on site or online - to illuminate the precise causes of your disaffection. Launch your search by asking for referrals at community colleges and libraries to job satisfaction renewal programs (or groups). And, of course, fire up Web search engines for the same target. The act of unloading your troubles to others in your shoes can be helpful.

DEEPER HELP. I can't know the depth of your emotional weariness; if it's clinically severe, review your budget - you can't afford not to seek professional counseling help. Pay by the hour; sign no contracts. Get the latest on choosing counselors in "What Color Is Your Parachute: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers 2008" by Richard Nelson Bolles (Ten Speed Press).

THE REAL PROBLEM. If other people at your place are griping or leaving in droves, your workplace problems may not be on your shoulders and a careful, under-the-radar job search is your best answer. Although letting go of a bad job to look for a new job is risky in a high- unemployment environment, remember that people do find jobs because workers continually retire, die or depart for other reasons. Don't consider yourself stuck in a job you hate. But be smart about your moves and try to leverage your experience with a new opportunity in another industry or locale, rather than starting from scratch in a new occupation.

Caveat: Before you try to locate a new job with decent pay and health insurance, be honest with yourself about the impact of possible related problems, such as alcoholism, marital conflict or physical illness.

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES. In the meantime, until you know which way to turn, perk up other aspects of your life with hobbies, entertainment and anything that brightens your existence.

ANOTHER RESOURCE. If my brief suggestions aren't enough to resolve your problem, another new book deals with many collateral issues: "Escape the Mid-Career Doldrums: What to Do Next When You're Bored, Burned Out, Retired, or Fired" by transition coaches Marcia L. Worthing and Charles A. Buck (Wiley).

DEAR JOYCE: I'm a new mom and would like to cut back to three days a week on my job. Considering all the alarming news about the economy, is this a dumb move?- J.C.

Your employer may be very receptive if you present your reduced schedule as a savings to the company. Or maybe you could work at home two days a week; I just bought a new tool, a superb Webcam priced at under $100. A Webcam could assuage a manager's natural concern that you're really on the job and not at the beach.

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