Declare your job independence! :: Career-Resumes® :: Former resume expert for Monster.com

Declare your job independence!

Okay, I had to try to do something themed for the 4th of July. Besides, since there’s a “Fun With a Purpose” category on the blog, I should take some of my own advice and have fun with what I’m putting out here for you, right?

That being said, here’s a step-by-step guide for asserting your job independence. (And what do I mean by “job independence”? Simply that you have the power to decide what you want, need, and desire out of your job – and if you can’t get it where you are now, that you have the power to find the job of your dreams.)

1. Declare what you want. No, you don’t have to go riding around announcing it like Paul Revere. But you do have to get it down – on a legal pad, in a journal, a whiteboard, whatever – and for a lot of people, this is harder than it seems.

2. Map the gap. If you’re unhappy in your current position, it’s because of the gap – real or perceived – between what you want and what you actually have. Get specific on what’s lacking in your work.

3. Refresh your resume. Even if you don’t end up leaving your company, it’ll help you with the next step, and with any upcoming performance reviews.

4. Right of first refusal. Just because you don’t have what you want at your current company, doesn’t mean you can’t get it there. Give your company a chance – see if they can accommodate your requests.

5. Don’t quit your day job. Unless something is terribly wrong, there’s no reason to go into your boss’ office to slam down a resignation right now. Instead, step it up a little bit – if you’re going to leave down the road, do it on a high note.

6. Network. Depending on what you want, you may need to build new contacts (or refresh old ones). Get on the stick with that.

7. Get the word out – discreetly. No sense announcing to the world that you’re in the market for a new position. These days, news travels faster than ever – and you don’t want your current job yanked out from under you.

Got it? Now get out there and enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!

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