According to a recent Bloomberg article, 28 million Americans are stuck in jobs they would’ve left in ordinary economic times. As the article points out, that’s a lot of dreams deferred.
But it doesn’t have to be. If you’re one of those 28 million people, use your “stuckness” to your advantage by asking yourself what you can do right now to prepare yourself to take the leap when the economy improves. Maybe it’s taking a night class, working on your business plan, attending networking events, saving some extra money or finally writing that book.
Whatever you do, don’t let your stuckness render you helpless. Instead, let it motivate you to take action now so you’re better prepare to get unstuck when the time is right.
What are you doing to get unstuck?
Right now I work retail, something I have never wanted to do. Seeing as how I’m only 20 I guess I can’t expect a “real” job right off the back. I’m going to college to get my degree and hopefully once I have it, I can begin taking steps to do what I really want to do in life. Which I know is not retail.
Ashley,
Sometimes knowing what you DON’T want to do is as valuable as knowing what you DO want to do. I learned this lesson of being a graphic designer in the fashion industry. A summer internship showed me some aspects of the job that really didn’t sit well with me. Thankfully, I learned that early on before going down a path that was wrong for me.
Sounds like you have a bright future (not in retail) ahead of you!
Erika
Since I’m pretty happy doing what I do with the proofreading/copy editing … I just try to learn new vocabulary; I study punctuation and grammar; I read and critique; I study blogs for trends and up-and-comers (like you), and tweet, blog, and network. I would like to take a class or two but it’s summertime! Maybe in the fall. Good post! I think if a person is not happy, they should think about getting happy.
Karen,
It’s always inspiring to hear about people who ARE happy with their jobs. Good for you for putting yourself in that position!
Erika
I totally agree with this article! I am applying to medical school THIS year so I can enter the class next year. But, in the meantime, I am stuck in a God-awful, boring, cubicle, slave job. I feel so drained and am looking forward to a GLASS of wine everyday! The pay is good, but I am not happy here and my parents don’t get it. I am working hard and shedding blood and tears to get out of here. Wish me luck~~~
Hi Krystal,
It definitely makes it so much harder when your parents “don’t get it”. For some people, making good money is satisfaction enough while others desire a deeper fulfillment. I’ve always found that happiness comes when you stay true to what you want. Following a dream, like you’re doing, isn’t as easy as they make it out to be in the movies, but I believe that by following your heart you’ll find everything you’re looking for.
Good luck with your med school applications!
Erika
That is true. I am the type that I need to live off of my creative gifts, talents, creations and genuine ability. What’s the point in getting an education and living life if you are not fulfilled into doing what you are doing? It’s not worth it at all and you might as well be dead (since you feel it anyways). Money cannot buy you happiness and it’s going to make you miserable in the long run just doing jobs for money. I’m tired of the rat race, making my boss richer and living in a facade. I don’t want to be like the people at my job, they look lost. Thank you very much for your post! 🙂