Q. What advice do you have for those that don't like their job or are questioning their position?

A. When feeling overwhelmed and/or underappreciated, the cycle of blame and anxiety is constant with short periods of relief.

If Sundays are a nightmare in anticipation of Monday morning, there’s a problem. If your personal relationships are suffering, it’s a problem.

If your health is suffering, it’s a problem.

Is the story about you or your job? Are you a job hopper or conversely, do you suffer through work or a workplace that is untenable?

Some people can compartmentalize, separating their personal and professional lives. Given the advances in technology, that approach is increasingly more difficult to achieve.

Most people know what they don’t want, yet are relatively unclear in describing what they DO want.

I suggest that clients write out a description of their perfect job.

• Go into as much detail as possible.
• How does this align with where you are now?
• Sometimes a solution is as simple as moving work space, joining another team or department, training for a new position or adding more responsibilities to your current position.
• Sometimes it becomes clear that engineering or law or teaching is not a fit for you.
• If your choice is to remain with the same organization:
• What is one step you can take to move closer towards your “perfect” job?
• Are there resources in-house?
• Is there opportunity for advancement?
• If it’s a communication/relationship issue, is open conversation to resolve issues encouraged?

If your choice is to leave:

• Is this career path a mismatch for you?
• Try some quick on-line career assessments.
• What piques your interest?
• Who’s doing the kind of work that you find interesting?
• Onetonline.org is a US Department of Labor site, excellent resource and preliminary step to begin researching careers, educational requirements, future prospects and general salary range.
• Explore further on LinkedIn. Update your profile, invite connections, and research companies and positions of possible interest.
• Seek expert advice of a professional career coach

Because we spend more waking hours in a workplace, it’s prudent to identify what’s missing or what’s present and causing distress. Too much time is wasted putting a band-aid on issues or ignoring them until there’s a crisis. While it may feel that there’s no imperative to focus on addressing problems because you are trapped by economics, family issues or other constraints, it’s usually fear that hold us back.

Marinating in non-action is a decision by default and time evaporates. It’s OK to be curious, to step out of line and advocate for yourself.

Maureen B. Weisner, M.Ed., PCC., CPCC, co-founder and Managing Partner of boutique career-consulting firm KICKSTART Your Transition, specializes in working with individuals in or approaching transition, typically involving career change, divorce, education and other work/life events. She is a certified professional coach, seminar leader, speaker, and author. Maureen has been recognized as a Top 10 Executive Coach by Women’s Business Boston. Maureen’s extensive business knowledge integrates a broad depth of experience drawn from corporate sales, training, education and small business ownership, which she brings to her client base. She can be reached at 978.409.1106 or maureen@kickstartyourtransition.com