Taking Back Your Power: Navigating Job Depression & Taking Control of Your Career

Six Steps to Career Empowerment

Let’s be real… Finding yourself in a job that drains your energy, stifles your growth, and fails to appreciate your value can be deeply disheartening. It’s a situation many professionals face, yet it often can leave you feeling isolated and helpless. Navigating the complexities of career struggles can be tough and we are here to help you reclaim your power as you chart a course towards a more fulfilling professional life.

People change jobs, and it is okay. Deciding to change jobs, while it can be overwhelming, does not indicate a personal failure. Shift your mindset and focus on your value and your goals, rather than sabotaging yourself by viewing change as a reflection of your abilities.

Embrace the journey ahead with optimism and confidence. Each new opportunity is a chance to grow, learn, and advance towards a more fulfilling career. Remember, your worth is not determined by any single job, but by the skills, passion, and dedication you bring to your work. Take this step as an empowering move towards a brighter future where you can truly thrive.

Recognizing When It’s Time to Leave

• Lack of Professional Development:

  If you're taking initiative and performing well but are consistently told there are no opportunities for growth, it's a clear sign that your career advancement is being stunted.

• Toxic Work Environment:

  Regular feelings of being gaslit and experiencing negative impacts on your mental health indicate a toxic workplace. This can severely undermine your mental health, well-being, and job satisfaction.

• Shifts in Responsibilities:

  When changes in management or leadership alter your role significantly, diverting from what you were hired to do, it can lead to frustration and a sense of misalignment with your career goals.

• Lack of Support and Fulfillment:

  If your boss doesn't support or appreciate your value, or if the work isn't fulfilling, it may be time to consider moving on.

6 Steps to Take Control of Your Career

1. Manifest Your Next Steps:

• Make the decision. There is mental and emotional power in deciding it is time to leave.

• Clarify your career goals and the reasons behind them. Start actively working towards them by researching, networking, and clearly stating your aspirations.

• Share your goals with trusted individuals outside your organization. Discussing what you're looking for can attract unexpected opportunities and help you advance your career.

• Focus on closing skill gaps and identifying professional development opportunities that fit your budget and can enhance your skills. If you don’t have a budget, blogs and podcasts can be great free resources.

2. Seek the Support of Others:

• If you have a mentor outside of your current organization, this is a wonderful time to reach out and get advice.

• Consider hiring a career coach who can help you regain your mojo and focus your efforts to achieve your goals.

• Ramp up networking. If you are a member of a professional organization, get reconnected and attend events. Look for local and online opportunities to build your network and ask for advice.

3. Set Your Non-Negotiables:

• Know your why. What do you want in your next job? Growth, more flexibility, a bigger salary, remote work?

• Identify what you absolutely need in your next role to feel satisfied and valued. Understanding these will help you make more informed career decisions.

4. Make the Most of Your Current Situation:

• Make a list of the positive aspects of your current organization and focus on these.

• Take advantage of your current benefits (e.g., PTO, volunteer time, workplace perks) and continue building beneficial relationships and connections.

• Avoid negative talk and focus on creating a positive mental space. Engaging in office negativity can further drag you down.

5. Reconnect with Your Value:

• Just because someone doesn’t value your skills doesn’t mean you aren’t valuable. Surround yourself with supportive people and get pep talks from mentors and co-workers who value your contributions.

• Compile a list of 25 things you are great at, both in work and personal life, to boost your confidence and clarify your strengths. Revisit this list when you need a reminder and continue to add to it regularly.

• Remember, people only have power over you if you give it to them. Hold your head high, understand your worth, and stay committed to your professional journey.

6. Maintain Professionalism:

• Strengthen your personal brand and amplify your professional profile. Make sure you are prepared and ready to engage when opportunities come your way.

• Continue to deliver your best work product and maintain positive interactions with co-workers. We can’t control how others behave, but we can control how we react to it.

• If you can’t change it, let it go. There is power in deciding to leave. Once you know you are going, don’t focus on the negative things you have no control over.

• Prepare for questions about why you want to change careers with responses that are positive and reflective of what you bring to the table, rather than focusing on the job you want to leave behind.

• Avoid burning bridges, even in toxic environments. Focus on preserving your professional reputation and handle exit situations with grace.

Conclusion: Own Your Career Destiny

Leaving a job that doesn't serve you isn't a failure; it's a courageous step towards reclaiming your professional life. By focusing on what you can control and taking proactive steps to improve your situation, you can navigate job depression and build a career that aligns with your values and aspirations. At Amped Up Marketing, we're here to support you every step of the way.