Team Meetings in a Dead-End Job
And the virulent urge to scream I quit!
The urge to say, “I’m done. I quit.”
There is nothing more catalytic to just saying you quit than when you are in a team meeting in a dead-end job.
When forced to contribute, there is something within screaming that this needs to end. Like a prisoner trapped.
So how do you get through this?
The truth is, most of the time, your brain and mind know what is right, and if it is screaming for you to get out, you need to get out.
“But it’s not that easy — I have bills and responsibilities.”
These are a lot of the responses when people talk about leaving a dead-end job, all of which are equally valid.
So all I can offer you is the three-comprehensive: four-step plan that I followed to resign from my remote dead-end job.
I hope you can apply them to your situation.
Daily planning
1. Sleep early
Perhaps the most important of it all is sleeping early.
This is the most important step because it dictates the level of irritation at the job the next morning.
To force the issue, sometimes a warm shower would help induce sleep, but sometimes putting on some rain sounds could be equally as effective.
2. Work out before work begins
This is crucial because it serves as an anchor point for the day.
Typically this activity needs to be performed outside of the house because of the stimulus it offers.
A 2019 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine discovered that engaging in morning exercise enhances attention, visual learning, and decision-making abilities
3. Have a fruit basket on the desk.
Finger food.
Due to the nature of the dead-end job, there is an inclination to self soothe … in this case, reaching for finger food
Having a fruit basket helps with keeping healthy.
4. Adjustable desk.
Research conducted by the BMC Public Health attributed not taking breaks to an increased risk for self-reported poor general health and back/neck pain.
So by adding the variation for a stand-up desk, we can limit pain/ bad health, which in turn reduces frustration when at work.
Plan on getting out
1. Write what you would like to do and find out what skills are required.
Employing this is the first step in outlining and identifying a desired job role.
Next is the research: specifically with the job postings, to view what skills are required for the job application.
2. What skills are required?
Create a mind map or bullet points of what skills are required.
Equally important is to organise it based on the months for clarity regarding each action and timeline.
3. How do you acquire the skills?
Analyse how to get the skills for the job role. And what is needed to acquire the skill.
It could be applying for government grants or financial assistance. For example, Edx Harvard University: CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science provides financial assistance for their courses among many other courses.
4. Timeline
Most importantly how long will it take? and what day is your last day at your job?
When do you quit your job based on your timeline?
Money/Time Management
1. What is your base expenditure monthly?
Identify and list all your fixed monthly expenses, including rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and loan payments.
What is left after the tally, and how can this be utilised to reach the goal?
2. Will the reduction of hours hurt or harm the plan and or quality of life
This is tough to do but essentially worth it.
Prioritise work and life balance, with the context of working just as hard to achieve the skills required for job transition.
3. Always make sure there is time for fun, family and friends.
The Three F’s
During this period, mental health is crucial as it could lead to a deviation from the plan. Therefore, be sure to always make time for social engagement and fun activities.
Also if applicable make sure you see a therapist regularly.
4. Re-adjust the plan at the end of each week
Life is not a straight line.
So it is important to re-adjust the plan every week if necessary to remain on course for the bigger goal.
Prospects
1. Develop your CV
Create a CV and LinkedIn profile if applicable.
Look at other people’s profiles in your preferred job role and look at their progression in jobs roles, to see where to apply.
2. Make a plan for life after the new job
Change is the only constant.
Understanding that change is an inevitable cycle
It is equally important to have a new plan. Maybe not a detailed plan, but have an idea of where the next step is so you don’t ever feel stuck
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Make a plan for transitioning based on a timeline and current resources.
- Understand that there might be hiccups along the way and re-adjust accordingly.
- Maintaining a healthy work-life is just as important in a dead-end job.
Thank you for reading!