Chuck the dead end job!
ONE FINE morning, my friend and neighbour Meeta came over. She started crying because her husband Pradeep had quit his job and did not have another one. He had not even applied at any other place— how would the household run was her worry?
I had been watching him drag his feet every morning, heading out to work. The others would be running or walking at a brisk pace. I suspected there was something wrong but then I did not have the courage to ask him. Now, when he spoke to my husband, the truth has come out.
He was sick and tired of his job. It was killing his mind and creativity. The daily grind and drudgery was too much for his sensitive soul. So, he had quit, well aware that he had not explored any other options. He was also aware that they would have to be careful with their spending as they had no serious savings.
When there is nothing new...
It is a fact that after a few months or maybe a year or two, any job tends to become routine. You know how the system works, you know all about the various functions you have to perform, you are aware of all the nuances of your job. Suddenly the tedium sets in as nothing very exciting or unusual is happening.
Deal with it; be happy
Now, there are two ways to look at it— either you can be happy and tell yourself that you need to be positive and look at the glass that is `half full' rather than the other way. At least you have a job and the salary is passable! Then the little things can make you happy and contented; you can be equally excited about your baby cutting its first tooth!
Think of something new
If you are restless and feel the need to do something more creative, then by all means do it. Maybe you need to infuse something new and exciting in the work place. If you are creative and have discovered a new way to do a small part of the job, by all means go ahead and take the plunge. Tell the boss about it and check his reaction on the new idea.
Find a job that suits your creativity
If you feel that your job is not drawing out your potential, then find another one. But before you do that, explore your own potential thoroughly so that you know what you are looking for. And don't give up the present job without another interview at least, especially if you have a family to support.
After his MBA, an MNC picked up Prashant for marketing computers. He was based in Mumbai for a year and then the company sent him to Lucknow to streamline the marketing cell there. He worked for six months and then quit the company.
He was very unhappy with the working environs in Lucknow; and the lack of professionalism. He went back to work in Mumbai for various firms till he found himself a niche----in retail banking. He is now well known as a very professionally sound banker and is being head hunted by many an MNC bank.
In all these years, he was out of a job for hardly three months, which was ruinous for his self -esteem. Ever since that error of judgement, he has never repeated the mistake.
On the other hand, Meghna gave up her high profile job in a market research organisation in Mumbai after just one year. She could not cope with the fast pace of life in Mumbai. She moved to Bangalore, and within eight months, set up her own shop. Two years down the line, she is happy with her life and her work wherein she interacts with people, travels a lot and is allowing her creative streak full freedom.
So, if your job is killing you in slow degrees, then, get out before you are dead! But remember, if you have a liability you have to look after, then think before you take the plunge! If you have been sensible with your money and have saved up enough, then maybe you need to take the break.
Even otherwise, if there is nothing wrong with your work environment and the sense of ennui is within you, then take a week off to freshen up, rejuvenate and then return! Maybe you just need to walk along the seashore, eat some different kind of food, drink some kaju feni or beer and just sleep and sleep! Make the most of it so that after the week, you begin to yearn for work!
SHYAMOLA KHANNA
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