Coping with a Dead End Job

Kay felt neglected. Everyone came to her for answers at work. She was the most popular person there. However, she was simply worn out. She was over qualified for her job; she was a secretary with a bachelor’s in business. Kay explained to her managers how she could further help them in their business. They politely ignored her because of her position: ‘Why should I take advice from a corporate secretary.’ Every day Kay was tortured by her dead end job.

Introduction

With the economic downturns in America and the fast pace of life, I find it difficult to be satisfied with someone else entrusted with my career aspirations and ultimate future. What about you? I’ve heard the complaints: “My boss doesn’t value me as a person.” Should there be any surprise when outstanding workers leave a bad situation?

Modern day work can be an uninspiring endeavor if a person doesn’t know the system or make the right connections. Yet, many people never take the action to do something different. Some folks become unhappy in their lives because they work in awful conditions. Clearly, I see a sense of hopelessness encompassing the world. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to get out of this vicious cycle of hopelessness. This article examines the issues of a dead-end job and how to overcome it before burnout.

The Real Story

The hectic environment of career life is having a dramatic impact on employees. The reality is that most workers are emotionally drained. According to a CareerBuilder.com survey, one-half of workers reported that they feel a great deal of stress on the job. In fact, this hectic environment is destroying family life. Forty-four percent of working moms admitted being preoccupied with work while at home; thirty-six of working dads reported they bring work home at least once a week. I have seen too many people work in jobs they hate because of the financial gain.

Unfortunately, some people even believe that chasing these financial goals will produce happiness. It doesn’t! However, several trends suggest that some individuals may be shifting their perspective. According to a Yankelovich Monitor study in 1997, only 25% of adults said “a lot of money” signified success and accomplishment. If these trends of a hectic work life do not change, society will be headed for a tragic ending.

The Burnout Syndrome

Dealing with burnout has become America’s newest pastime. Burnout is defined as a mental condition that involves long-term exhaustion and diminished interest in a work task or occupation. There are four recognized stages of burnout which include (a) physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion; (b) shame and doubt; (c) cynicism and callousness; and (d) failure, helplessness, and crisis. All of the burnout stages produce a gradual progression from work and other responsibilities as a result of personal stress, exhaustion, and emotional strain.

Christian Maslach and Michael Leiter, authors of The Truth about Burn-out, describe burnout as the disconnection between what people are and what they have to do. Therefore, burnout involves the erosion of values, dignity, and the human spirit. In fact, many people are succeeding in the corporate environment while failing miserably at their personal relationships. Other workers are often underutilized and wasted in organizations.

Consequently, they are never able to showcase their abilities and skills. Therefore, they are caught in a corporate prison where there is no escape. These workers exist in hopelessness and on a fast track toward being burnt out. This reality has not gone unnoticed. According to CareerBuilder.com, 37% of working dads said that they would consider taking a new job for less pay if it would improve the quality of life. Therefore, the following strategies should be considered to avoid burnout:

Understand your personal needs as it relates to body, mind, and spirit.
Establish a purpose for living and a reason for getting up in the morning.
Develop a personal support network. Surround yourself with positive people and individuals who share your vision.
Set aside time for meditation, bible study, and devotion to strengthening your spirituality.
Volunteer to participate in a social cause or activity where you can showcase your abilities.
Develop a regular exercise routine and eat right for your health.
Become a life learner by taking a class at work or at home.
Keep a positive attitude even in the midst of a stressful life.

The Path Forward

Over 60,000 Americans workers lose their jobs since June 2008. The housing market is crumbling, and employee wages have flat-lined. This article highlighted that today’s employees face sever challenges, but they can prevent burnout by implementing personal strategies. Many employers would argue that an individual should be happy if they have a job. In most cases, the US workforce has complied with this corporate logic.

Nevertheless, Maslach and Leiter maintain that most workers are stressed out, insecure, and misunderstood. Some of today’s workers are actually working in occupations they hate in order to survive. However, I would declare that they should not have to lose heart. British essayist Thomas Carlyle once stated, “The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder--waif, a nothing, a no man. Have a purpose in life, and, having it, throw such strength of mind and muscle into your work as God has given you.” Individuals need to take an active part in developing strategies that promote a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Thus, they can transform themselves from being victims in a dead-end job to champions of their own destiny.

Explore the issues related to a dead-end job and how to overcome it before burnout.

Daryl D. Green, an international management strategist, writes on contemporary issues impacting businesses, society, and across the globe. With over 18 years of management experience, Mr. Green’s expertise has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and Associated Press. For more information, you can go to http://stores.lulu.com/darygre or http://www.darylgreen.org.

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