Are you in a miserable job? Your escapade plan is here

Do you feel like being stuck in a golden cage or just a cage? Many of us are working only to earn the livelihood, in their high-paying jobs, such employees are stuck in the golden-cage while others dissatisfied with their salary are stuck in the cage. You knowingly or unknowingly might be trapped in the cage, working for the salary day and looking forward to holidays.

We insist you to read Jim’s story here…

Jim a qualified post-graduate with over five years of experience was working in a financial firm as Relationship Manager. High incentives, commissions, luxurious official trips and parties were part of his routine.

Boss’ not-so-favourite Jim woke-up with same thought every morning “How many days to weekend/ holiday?” Commute to the office, listening to favourite music made him feel better. Jim managed his responsibilities well but was day-dreaming most of the time. He felt lost, disconnected and dissatisfied; his strengths remained unutilized. Audacious Jim went upto his Manager to discuss the issues and in a bid to bring a solution, however, it was an unsuccessful attempt.

Jim’s brief story that made us recall our start-to-end of the day and made us realized who is in the cage and who is working passionately. If you relate yourself to Jim, read on to find out what Jim did next –

Step 1 – Source of unhappiness

Jim tried to determine what was making him unhappy, his boss, work-place/ environment or his career path overall. If it was the three first options, switching company is the solution and thus, get-set-go for updating your Resume, uploading and applying to the best opportunities. Start with LinkedIn, make contacts, and create a network and so on.

However, Jim’s fuss was his career path. In that case, usual job search will do-no-good to him.

Step 2 – Savings = Live-Saver

Jim’s apathy was mounting, so was his quest to get rid the incumbent job as well as career. However, being used to a pricey lifestyle, Jim decided to trim his expenses by more than 50%. He decided to move to a cheaper apartment, less or no shopping and due focus on “What’s Next?”

Alike Jim, if you are thinking of switching your career path, first take a look at your bank balance and liabilities/ responsibilities. It is said that, when you leave existing work profile without a new job in hand, keep minimum four-month salary in your savings account.

This important tip will help you survive during “no-job-search” period.

Step 3 – What’s Next?

Having realized his source of unhappiness, Jim started taking time-off in evenings or weekends to determine his “what’s next?” This wasn’t an easy task; after all, he was making a tricky and risky decision. Jim, therefore, decided to make this quest more comprehensive and scientific. He began with writing down his passion, researching on that or even newer career options in the similar arena, and took few personality tests. Jim found his passion in travelling; his next task was to ensure sufficient/ satisfactory salary. Switching career from A to B, without any experience, makes you a fresher. Jim knew he will have to start from zero with minimal or no salary.

Step 4 – Build-up your courage

Do you have the courage to escape that golden-cage? Even Jim had great difficulty in calling it “quit” As the usual process, Jim’s boss and the Human Resource Manager tried to examine the situation and offered him the so-called “carrot” i.e., higher package/ incentives and so on. Anyone like Jim will be baffled, whether to follow passion or continue with the same firm with more-than-even lucrative package

A question popped in confused Jim’s mind “What if I die tomorrow?” On my death bed, do I have any memories, happiness, the satisfaction of living a love/fun-filled life?

The answer was negative.

Thus, Jim turned-down the offers and decided to walk away.

Step 5 – new Life new Goals

Jim, after serving his notice period, was a free-man with dreams of travelling the world, exploring the life on the other side of the planet. He started with small goals in his bigger picture. The first goal was to find a job that will fulfill his passion whilst earning him some amount.

Five years from that day, Jim is now successfully leading his own travelling and tourism company. He has traveled many places, yet his to-do and visit list is lengthy.

If you feel Jim, take the hint, dream big but set small goals, follow the steps and remember –

“Love what you do and do what you love. Don’t listen to anyone else who tells you not to do it. You do what you want, what you love. Imagination should be the centre of your life.” Ray Bradbury

Author:

Renuka Dabhade