What would happen if you don’t like your job and you are too far into it?

People often find themselves feeling "trapped" in life, when, in reality, they just need to learn how to step back and analyze the situation.

When you say "too far into it," do you mean someone who has invested a lot in education and no longer wants to do that job? Or maybe someone who has been with a company too long and doesn't want to leave the company, or are making good money and can't afford to go elsewhere, or ????

You first need to ask yourself whether it is the job or the company that is the problem. Let's say it is the job. Now you need to ask, "why?" Is it boring? Are you no longer feeling challenged? Do you not like your co-workers? There are lots of variables, and, perhaps multiple reasons. It's nice if you can stay with the same company. Look around at other positions. Someone in sales can transfer to collections, or marketing. You are not stuck in one position.

You can stay with the same job at another company.

You can change jobs and companies. It all comes down to being able to show how your skills and experience relate to the position you are applying for. It's called "transferable skills."

If you are financially trapped, you make a plan. Start paying off the bills. Get rid of all those credit cards. Start living on less money, so you can prepare yourself for a paycut. Sometimes you have to make less for a while at a job that has a lot of potential.

If you want to give more particulars, I will be happy to try to be more specific. Basically, the key is being able to look around and see the opportunity, rather than just seeing a bunch of closed doors. If you keep knocking on those doors, sometimes they open.

Kim

My advice is to not get discouraged by a job that you do not enjoy. I studied Biology in college and began a career in the medical field before realizing that I wanted to be an accountant. It is common for people to make a career change so don't feel like you are stuck in something if you don't enjoy it.

Hi Naileah, great question and something that can and does happen in reality. Though the good news is that you are never too far to re-track, course correct or take another path.

I can speak to it from personal experience having had almost 8 different careers/ jobs before I joined IT, specifically Cisco - I worked as teacher, web designer, TV actress & model, event planner, nurse and banker before I found a career in IT with Cisco - where i get to perfectly blend my personal strengths, values, education, experience, expertise, values and future goals and am thoroughly enjoying every day of work, for the last 11+ years.

Thanks to the plethora of learning resources, social platforms and career opportunities available - one can always make the change, shift and step out of comfort zone to do something different or new.

The main thing is to realize and acknowledge the stage when that change is needed and you can do that if you are purposeful and pro-active about taking time (at least once a year) to step back and reflect on what you are enjoying about your job, are you making an impact, are you growing and does it align to your future goals and also seek feedback from those around you - if you do that consistently enough and also listen to your instinct - you will always be ahead of the curve to plan your career jungle gym adventure :)

Check out this article - https://www.thejobnetwork.com/7-reasons-why-its-never-too-late-to-change-your-career/.

From your question I get a sense you are already so self reflective and am confident that you will do great in your career choices. All the best!

Hello Naileah, throughout their lifetime, many people take on a myriad of jobs, even across different sectors. By trying different things, we can uncover our potential, learn new skills and make our own, unique path in the professional world. Growing up, I studied music in a conservatory. Then I majored in English Language and Literature, and for many years after that, I worked as a reporter, event manager, and promoter for cultural organisations. I also went on and did two masters - one in music, one in creative writing - because I wanted to. I've been working for Cisco for eight years now; first as a Service Account Manager, and now in Customer Success. Working for Cisco has switched on the part of my brain dealing with logical thinking and maths, something I never thought I could take. But I am also using the languages, writing, and organisational skills developed through all of my past experiences. My advice is that, as long as you are passionate and committed to give every opportunity you take on the best of yourself, you can always gain something from it. Of course, if you take a job and later realise it's not right for you, it's perfectly fine to acknowledge it and move on. All jobs have challenges, though. Think of them as opportunities to grow! Wishing you the best of lucks.

I don't really think that you can ever be "too far into it". In fact, I think there are always opportunities to turn your career to a different direction. There are many examples about how people have gone to school for one major, worked for a while in that area, and then changed their course! I would recommend saving up your money in order to give yourself flexibility in making the decision to switch your job. This will allow you to take some time off in between if you need, or can help pay for additional schooling if you find that is necessary.

Also, while at your current job, start reaching out to different individuals in different fields. Ask your friends and family to connect you with people who do the job that you're interested and set up "informational interviews". These sorts of meet ups could be over coffee or lunch, and you can ask the individual questions about his or her job. This will allow you to both make connections and get your questions answered!