What to do when you hate your job now

The tell-tale signs:

You are totally unmotivated

You dread that morning alarm call

You focus on the negatives, rather than the positives

You become de-motivating to your team and those around you

You don't take pride in your work

Your time-keeping falters - you are constantly watching the clock

You are not taking the time to network with your peers

You are paranoid of internal meetings taking place that exclude yourself

You find yourself looking at press adverts and Internet jobsites for potential jobs

1. What to do?

Firstly you should analyze your current situation. There may be an internal position that is more suitable for you which may resolve your problem. To do this, you must define your key strengths and decide what it is that would make you happy in your role. If this cannot be achieved in your current workplace, it is time to research the market.

2. How to be more positive in your current role

Unmotivated workers should focus on the positive and not the negative. In the current candidate-driven marketplace, where there are many possibilities and opportunities available for professionals, unhappy workers should take advantage of the current, favorable situation.

If you are dissatisfied with your role, now is the time to take steps to improve your career. Be constructive. Instead of letting your job bring you down, use the time to build up your skills and CV to help you secure a better role in the future.

Take on new projects, utilize all training opportunities and aim to learn new skills that will add to your resume. There is a world of opportunity out there today and therefore no reason for you to get stuck in a rut.

(Contact yangning@chinadaily.com.cn for questions and career advice)

Contributed by Carter Yang, managing director of Robert Walters Talent Consulting Ltd China

(China Daily 07/19/2011 page14)