4 ways to bide time before quitting

In recent columns, I’ve been writing about the dilemma of feeling trapped in a bad work situation. The letters I’ve been receiving reveal an unfortunate truth: It’s not always feasible to move on from the job, at least in a reasonable window of time, and it may not be possible to substantially improve the position while staying put.

Yuk. That leaves the strategy of coping, which people do in all manner of ways, both healthy and unhealthy.

If you’ve had your fill of compensating for a bad situation with exercise and meditation or, on the other end of the range, ranting and over-eating, I have one more set of actions you can take. These fall into the category of making good use of your time while stuck in a situation you can’t control.

Here are four activities to focus on while waiting for the best time to leave a bad job situation.

No. 1: Clean house in your current job. OK, so you’re stuck. If you’re going to be here awhile, might as well make the best of things. There’s no time like the present to ensure earlier promises your boss made are on the way to being fulfilled, or to start asking for things that will improve your situation.

At the very least, check the basics: Is your title the right one for the work you’re doing? Are you at the right level in the organization chart for your responsibilities? When was the last time you received a raise? These conversations may not be pleasant, but the sooner you handle them, the better.

No. 2: Join a trade or professional association. While you’re cleaning things up in your job, might as well check on the company’s willingness to pay for your membership in an association related to your work or your industry. If the answer is no, you should still consider joining, especially if the fee is modest, or if the organization has strong member benefits, such as an active job board.

Having a work-related affiliation outside of your job can be very empowering. Not only can you learn about other organizations and meet people who might help you change jobs, but you might also have the opportunity to take special classes or earn certificates that can help you in the next position. This may take some internet research, but be assured: Whether you’re an office worker, a barista, an accountant or a telemarketer – there are professional groups for just about every occupation.

No. 3: Get ready for the next job opportunity. Resume written? LinkedIn profile posted? Personal email set up? Voicemail message recorded? These are the four basic steps of job search readiness; if you haven’t got them done, now’s the time to finish up the list. Otherwise, what are you going to do if your big break comes unexpectedly?

Don’t be that person who has to cobble together a bad resume from an online template overnight. Just get ready so you can take advantage when opportunity comes knocking.

No. 4: Organize the rest of your life. If you’re laying “someday” plans for the next stage of your life, chances are there’s a move or relocation in the mix somewhere. If so, why not start preparing now? The activity might give you an emotional boost, and it will definitely give you a head start. Things you can do might range from cleaning out your home to researching and visiting new locations, to identifying possible employers in the areas you might move.

How about the little details we all let go when we shouldn’t? If you’ve been putting off buying life insurance or combining multiple IRA accounts, or some other fussy life task, might as well take an afternoon off work to check something off your list.

More items? Selling or donating the old car that doesn’t run, getting your will written, having that funny mole on your elbow looked at, visiting great Aunt Sally in the memory care unit…heck, even cleaning out the refrigerator counts on this list.

The point is to take control of what you can, and to regain a good feeling about yourself in some aspect of your life. Because the unfortunate truth is that bad work situations tend to take over our lives, sapping us of the energy or will to manage our affairs.

If this all seems like just too much, don’t overlook the possibility that you’re experiencing some level of depression. Talking with a mental health professional might be one of those things you should stop putting off. When you have to stick it out in a bad job, you need all the extra help you can get.