About three years ago I left a job I hated! At the time I thought it was the best decision of my life. On my last day, I left the office early and strolled through the mall and treated myself to a nice dinner. Yes, all of that! I felt so relieved! I felt the weight of the world lifted off of my shoulders.
Have you ever had a colleague or supervisor that was “out to get you?” That is the same person that lives and breathes just to make your work day a living hell! I know you know the co-worker that makes you smile just because they took the day off? For me, I just could not take another day of her rudeness and sarcasm so I decided to quit. I wanted so badly, for her to realize how much she needed me. However, that was not the case at all. Quickly afterwards, I realized (not that I needed her) I needed my job!
Being unemployed for approximately 6 months later, I had A LOT of time to think. The right thing to do would have been to teach her a lesson…by working harder. It would have hurt more to kill her with kindness than to give her the satisfaction of my two-week notice. On top of that I found out that her hatred for me may have been in my mind, her lack of social skills had absolutely nothing to do with me.
Needless to say, now I take my career more seriously. Out of fear of another unemployment binge, I can appreciate my job a whole lot more. Now, I refuse to let colleagues in the office upset me. It’s not always easy, but my co-workers won’t pay my monthly bills! The point of this post is not to discourage you from following your dreams, but more so to inspire you not to let the small things hold you back from what you deserve. With that being said, I ironically ended up returning to the same company in a different department and I love it!
Of course I never want to return to the unemployment line again but this experience has taught me to hone in on my talents. Thinking about the time I wasted by giving up on my career has ignited a fire within me. I have been in my new position for a little over a year and I want more! I have heard I should wait approximately two years to decrease the numbers of gaps on my résumé, but is there really anything wrong with knowing what I want and going for it? What’s the worse that could happen? I apply and get declined? If this happens just pick yourself up and try again! If rejected, I suggest asking why you were not selected and do your best to learn new skills or refresh the old ones, at least now your superiors are taking note of you and your progress. I would also suggest taking on more responsibility. No matter what, do not let a rejection discourage you! Here in my office, I have seen a number of people become the “office potato” and just take up space. After constructive criticism, some people begin to feel as if they were overlooked and start to resent their colleagues, stop showing up for work, or stop meeting deadlines. Believe me, the top executives notice this behavior too and you can kiss your chances goodbye.
There is nothing wrong with moving up with a company or taking chances in a new career. Just know that patience and hard work is what will get you to the next level. Make sure you are actually working for the position you want and not just slacking until someone notices you. If your time with the company is what you are worried about…don’t. Go for the gold and watch everything fall into place!
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