Trapped in a Dead End Job? Try This Emotionally Intelligent Strategy

How's your work life?

A few weeks ago, I published an article with the title: "Thinking of Leaving Your Job? Here's the Emotionally Intelligent Way to Do It." It told the story of Ty, a young, smart, and dynamic young man who's thinking of leaving his position as a manager for one of the major tech companies in San Francisco to concentrate full-time on his startup. (If you're curious what advice I gave him, click the link above.)

If you read my column, you know I write a lot about using emotional intelligence (EI), the ability to recognize and understand emotions, to help guide decision making. EI (also referred to as EQ, Emotional Intelligence Quotient) can help prevent emotions from getting in the way of rational thinking--especially helpful regarding a decision like this, which will greatly affect the course of your life.

After a couple of weeks (and reposting on LinkedIn), the piece caught fire. It's currently been read over 100,000 times, and a huge number of readers reached out--albeit with different situations.

"Ty's in a great spot," wrote one reader. "But what if I hate my job?" 

Looking for Advice

One reader asked for advice for a different set of circumstances. Here's a portion of his message:

I could relate myself to the article, because I'm currently in an agitated state due to issues in my current job.... I'd like your help on how to apply [your advice] in my situation, since I don't see any hope for improvement, and hence have started looking out for a change (although it's been only 10 months for me in this position--and it's my first job, too).

Would love to know your point of view on how to move forward.

John

And here's how I responded:

Hi John,

Thanks for reaching out. Sorry to hear about your situation.... It's a common one in the world of work. I've experienced similar circumstances at certain points in my career.

Keeping in mind I have limited knowledge of your situation, I'd recommend considering the following:

1. Work with your direct manager.

Try to think about five things you like about your job. Then, list a few things you hate about your job.

 Next:

a. Narrow that second list down to the two things you most wish you could change.

b. Brainstorm a potential solution that won't take moving mountains to implement. 

Now it's time to request a one-on-one meeting with your manager. (This is better than an impromptu meeting, because it lets him or her know you've got something important on your mind.) Begin by talking about those things you really like--and thank your manager for any part he or she plays in them. 

The goal of this part of the conversation--and what makes it emotionally intelligent--is to show your manager that you appreciate his or her efforts. Often times, managers and team leads aren't aware of the pressures their employees are under. Or if they are, they too are under so much pressure that they aren't motivated to help.

Showing them you appreciate their role encourages them to care more about yours.

Now communicate those one or two (no more than two) things that really bother you at work, and present the solution you brainstormed. Show your manager the potential benefits, and why you think it will work. (This makes things even easier on him or her. You've already solved the problem; the manager just has to approve it.)

Finally, ask for a trial period to test it out.

You can also ask your manager if he or she sees any other potential solutions. By doing this, you show that you're willing to work with him or her. You're not just looking for an easy way out--but you do want to solve the problem...together. 

Taking time to recognize your manager's efforts, and showing that you want to contribute to solving problems (instead of complaining about them) may motivate him or her to try harder to help you.

2. Make a short, time-bound goal.

After all of this, make a short-term goal of remaining at your job for a while (e.g., three months) without looking for another job.

The reason is to give your initial strategy a fair shot. If you're focused on leaving, your efforts will be torn in two different directions.

If you still feel the same after three months, start looking for another job--and look hard.

Go back to your list, and try to find a job that will satisfy the likes and take away some of the dislikes. Talk to friends and others to see what work is like in their companies, remembering that other situations won't be perfect, either.

In the meantime, continue to learn what you can from your current employer, with a view to using that in your future job.

Hope that's helpful. You sound like a very smart guy and I'm sure your future is bright. All the best, and hope things work out.

Keep me posted,
Justin

Proactive, Not Reactive

The truth is, everyone's circumstances are different. If you have a family, you may need to hold on to your job and whatever security it provides in order to provide for your dependents. Or other circumstances may prevent you from pursuing other opportunities for the moment.

But we often allow our emotions to get the best of us. In so doing, we become paralyzed.

Proactively working to bring those emotions under control allows us to develop a strategy for improving our situation.

Remember: A dead-end is simply a challenge to find another route. So look for the detour, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

What about you? Have you overcome a "dead-end" situation in your career? Tell us about it--I look forward to reading your comments.

A version of this post originally appeared on Inc.com.

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As an author and one of LinkedIn's Top Voices, I share my thoughts on business and management best practices weekly. My first book, The Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence (working title), is scheduled for release late this summer, 2016.

If you're interested in free updates regarding the book's progress or would like to follow my column, subscribe to my free monthly newsletter by clicking here or contact me via email using jbariso[at]insight-global.de. (You can also reach out here on LinkedIn or via Twitter: @JustinJBariso.) 

I also write for Inc. and TIME. Some other articles you might enjoy:

• These 3 Questions Will Instantly Improve Your Emotional Intelligence
• Emotional Intelligence 101: Why a Millennial's Letter to Yelp's CEO Got Her Fired
• Emotional Intelligence Can Be Used for Good or Evil (and That's Exactly Why You Need It)
• Emotional Intelligence 101: Learn to Control Your Emotions By Learning to Control This First