What to Do When Your New Job Isnt Your Dream Job

What to Do When Your New Job Isnt Your Dream JobWhat to Do When Your New Job Isnt Your Dream JobWhat to Do When Your New Job Isnt Your Dream JobIf your new job isnt the love of your life, make the most of it during your search for a better one.You made it After endless hours of filling out job applications, rehearsing your interview responses, and sending post-interview follow-up thank you notes, you finally received that coveted job offer.Its not your dream job, but it will cover the rent. Although youre happy to have the promise of a paycheck when so many are still struggling with unemployment, you cant shake the feeling that there must be something better out there.Youre not alone.These days, everyone from career coaches to celebrities encourages professionals of all ages to pursue your passion and find a job you love. While this sounds like solid advice for a happy career, the harsh reality is that most people work their entire lives without reaching this lofty goal.And even if y oure lucky enough to find your dream job you know, the one where you have a rewarding role at a great company that offers a solid paycheck and all the best perks youll quickly realize that no job is ever perfect.Dont get me wrong. Im one of those career advice experts who believe you should enjoy your work. Life is too short to stay in a job that makes you miserable.But theres a difference between finding a job you love and finding a job you like a lot.If you accepted a job thats less than ideal, never fear. Im here to help you make the most of your new job while you continue your pursuit of a better career.Start your new job on the right foot.It doesnt matter if its a job you love or simply a means to a paycheck. Its never too early to start building your personal brand in the workplace. You already know that its important to make a good impression on the very first day of your new job, but take this a step further by creating a list of things you can do during your first week, m onth, and 90 days on the job that will set you up for success.Related 8 Tips for Success on Your First Day at a New JobMake the most of your situation.Spare yourself a lot of unnecessary disappointment by resetting your expectations for your new job. So, its not the job of your dreams. That doesnt mean this job will be a waste of your time.Often, its necessary to take a step sideways or even backward in your career in order to gain the skills and experience necessary to move forward. Think of your new job as a stepping stone toward your long-term goal.This is especially true if you are changing careers or a recent college grad starting your first entry-level job. When youre trying to break into a new industry, youre looking for any foot in the door, even if that means taking on an unpaid internship or an entry-level job outside of your field of study, such as a customer service representative.Your first job after college will require grunt work. If your entry-level job is making you question your career path, take a look at the work the person two levels above you is doing for the company. If that persons role interests you, then you know youre on the right track.Set realistic expectations for what your new position has to offer and look for the silver lining.Related How to Make the Most Out of a Job You Dont LoveFind outlets for your interests.Its important to find ways to use the skills you enjoy most and wish to pursue in your long-term career, especially if they fall outside your current job description. For instance, if you have a passion for writing, share this information with your manager. There may be opportunities to contribute to the company blog or lend your writing skills to another department in the organization when its running short on resources. Ive seen plenty of colleagues change careers because they were willing to volunteer their skills and time to help another team on a project.Also, look for opportunities to practice your craft outside o f your new job. Using the example above, you may decide to take a creative writing class, pick up some freelance work through a site like Upwork, join a Meetup group to get together with other like-minded individuals, or use a site like Catchafire to find a skill-based volunteer opportunity that allows you to leverage your writing skills for a good cause. All these activities will help boost your resume for your target job in the future.Network like its your job.Studies find that youre 10 times more likely to land a job when your application is accompanied by an employee referral. However, you cant get those coveted references without networking. Make it your mission to become an active networker.Develop a valuable network of professional connections by getting involved in your alma maters alumni events, joining relevant LinkedIn groups online, and finding face-to-face networking opportunities through relevant professional associations, trade shows, and conferences.You dont have to leave the office in order to network. Get to know the colleagues in your department and take advantage of company-wide events to meet those outside of your group. Networking with your current colleagues is especially helpful if you want to pursue a different role within the saatkorn company or plan to continue working in the same industry.Build the skills you need.You may find that your new job isnt providing you with the opportunity to build certain skills that are important for your professional advancement. If thats the case, take matters into your own hands and seek out opportunities to fill your skill gaps. For example, you can sign up for an online course through sites like Coursera, Lynda.com, edX, or Skillshare or pick up one of these highly-recommended career development books to help you improve a soft skill. You may also learn about relevant seminars, webinars, and other professional development opportunities through the professional associations you join and the conferen ces or networking events you attend.Keep looking.While some would argue you want to avoid being labeled as job hopper by employers, most career experts agree that employed professionals should always be looking for new job opportunities. Keep up your job-search activities by regularly updating your resume, monitoring your online presence, fleshing out your LinkedIn profile, starting a brag book to record your professional wins, making networking a priority, and applying to positions youre interested in and qualified to pursue. Dont let your new job get the best of you.It can be challenging to stay motivated at work when youre doing a job you dont love, but dont let your current situation bring you down. Try adopting these tried-and-true habits to make you happier in the office.Know when its time to move on.While I strongly encourage my clients to land a new job before they call it quits with their current employer, there are times when its not worth the wait. If your job is making y ou sick and you absolutely dread going into work every day, its time to make a change. Related 11 Signs That Its Time for a New JobIf youre a recent college graduate and youre anxious to quit your entry-level job and find a new opportunity, take a step back and read this article first. It will help you decide if its truly the right time to quit your job or if its in your best interest to stick it out a little longer.Keep your eye on your long-term job goals and make the most of your current situation. Youve got thisClick on the following link for more career advice.Ready to find your dream job? Hire aTopResume professional resume writer todayRecommended ReadingShould You End Things With Your Job?Discover Your Dream Job in 3 Simple StepsHow to Define Your Career Goals