If you feel stuck in a job you hate, you're not alone. Comedian Drew Carey once offered this line to commiserate: "Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar."

Of course, not everybody finds their work to be insufferable, but if you are one who does, you already know it is a dark, lonely place to be in. This is especially true in 2010, when complaining about your job will likely garner an unsympathetic lecture about how grateful you should be to get a regular paycheque.

Economic pressures only compound the stress levels felt by people spinning their wheels in a bad, dead-end or unfulfilling job.

They may not know how to get out of their situation. They may be paralyzed by fear because of the risk to their finances or their status if a new job doesn't pan out. So, as a result, they stay trapped in a job they hate and force themselves to put in only a bare minimum of effort -- until their poor performance and attitude ultimately gets them fired.

If you're in unhappy at work, here are some short-term solutions to help you get through the day as well as planning tips to help you change your long-term situation:

Focus on what you want -- Instead of how much you want to escape. You've already established that your current job is what you don't want; now pour some real effort into recognizing what it is that you do want. Tune into your career goals, your interests and your on-the-job strengths and imagine the kind of setting you want to work in. A career counsellor can also help determine what options are better suited to you.

Think of your job as developing skills, not doing time -- Fortunately, hating your job doesn't mean you can't still be learning something new. Use this time wisely as a period of self-improvement: take training courses, pick up new computer programs or read books to improve your skills and knowledge while boosting your worth in the job market.

Start saving up for your transitional period -- Begin saving money today to help see you through the next phase of your career, just in case the starting salary at the new job is a little less than your current position. It's only temporary. Because you'll be happier and productive in a new job, you are more likely to progress further and be promoted faster.

Look for cross-training opportunities -- If your dissatisfaction at work is because of boredom, consider asking for more responsibilities. If there is no extra work available, ask for the training or skills you need to help out in other departments. Cross-training for more than one position skyrockets the value of your personal stock, while acquiring new skills will give you an even greater advantage in scoring your next job.

Find ways to treat yourself -- If every workday is usually mired in misery, create little rewards and simple incentives that will help brighten your mood and see you through. Take a walk. Divert 10 minutes for "me time." Buy a cup of premium coffee. Lift your spirits with fresh flowers. Or splurge on a larger item, such as a new iPod that can fill your headphones with the music that really inspires and motivates you.

Keep your contacts current and your bridges intact -- It's impossible to overstress the importance of keeping positive relationships at work as well as in your network. Yes, this means maintaining close contact with connections that can assist in your job search, but it also includes your current colleagues. Don't let griping, whining or poor on-the-job performance be their lasting impression of you, because you just might need a glowing reference from them in the future.

Finally -- Remember that this, too, shall pass. While you may feel trapped in a job you hate right now, take comfort knowing that you won't be in it forever. You are in charge of your career and you can begin the search for something better as soon as today. Keep a positive outlook; because once you leave and move on to a new post (and you will), you'll have a hard time remembering the job that once caused you so much stress and worry.

-- With reporting by Barbara Chabai

John McFerran, PhD, F. CHRP, is founder and president of People First HR Services Ltd. For more information, visit www.peoplefirsthr.com.

RESEARCH:

http://www.careerknowhow.com/guidance/hateyourjob.htm

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/Careers/07/14/coping/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25351333/

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 6, 2010 I2