What to do if you’re unhappy at your job

October 29, 8:25 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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Because I’m never able to attend the #u30pro Twitter chat every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, I’m weighing in early on tonight’s topic: what to do if you’re unhappy at your job.

I know many young professionals in this situation, most of whom took positions they knew they weren’t going to like because they needed money. Regardless of why you don’t like your job, there are several basic options:

1. Quit. Yes, even in this economy, if you aren’t happy with your job you can always quit. There are other jobs available—you just have to find them. Of course, it might be best if you secure another position before leaving your current one, but you have to make the decision on your own how bad your current situation is.

2. Ask to be reassigned. Perhaps there’s another department or office location you can be transferred to that will offer you greater job satisfaction.

3. Talk to your supervisor. Many, many people are unhappy at their jobs right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a frank, professional discussion with your boss about how you can make your position more enjoyable. This might involve asking for more responsibilities in an area you’d like to grow.

4. Identify what you like most about your job and figure out ways to emphasize that part during the day. There has to be something you like about your job. Maybe you get along well with a co-worker and decide to each lunch together several days a week. Nearly every job can be made more bearable by not taking for granted the pieces you already find enjoyable.

5. Develop a stress-reducing program outside of work. If nothing above is an option for you, you need to come up with an outlet—outside of work—to de-stress so you don’t drive yourself made. Join a gym. Take up a new hobby. Host a weekly movie night with friends. Whatever you know works to reduce the stress caused by your job, come up with a plan to make it a permanent staple of your life (at least until you do decide to move on!).

For more career advice, visit my new blog at HeatherHuhman.com.