I Hate My Job, But I'm Scared to Leave.
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	Submitted Tuesday, April 07, 2009
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In today's economy, if you have a job then you're doing everything in your power to keep that job no matter how much you hate it.

Considering that Generation Xers has never been through a serious recession and are known as "professional job hopper" or "slackers" below are some tips on how to handle stress and fear about the future.

Get Focused

Appreciate that you are gainfully employed. Daily we are hearing about thousands being laid off. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic, as of March 2009, the national unemployment rate was 8.5 percent.

"It's okay to be scared. Many people are," said Roberta Chinsky Matuson, President of Human Resource Solutions. "But you cannot let fear drive your decisions nor can you let it ruin your life. There are things you can do to take control of your situation."

Do your job. Knowing that you are doing what you are supposed to do, will calm your fears of the possibility of being laid off. "Volunteer to do the jobs that no one else wants. Be known as the "go to" person. This will make you more valuable, whether or not you stay with the firm long-term," Matuson said.

Learn more. "This is the perfect time to work on your graduate degree," Matuson said. If your employer is cutting back on your work hours then take advantage of evening classes.

Update your resume. Spend thirty minutes to an hour with someone you trust (and has the knowledge) to help you who update. Another set of eyes can be what is needed to create a flawless, standout resume.

Stay Focused

Watch your mouth. Starting right now, stop bad mouthing your supervisor. If you must vent, call your mom after work and voice your displeasure with your job or go see your priest daily and make a confession. But stop bad mouthing your supervisor (and her BFF) to other co workers because gossipers like to gossip and before you know it, what you said will be repeated, but with a spin on it.

Change your schedule. Sometimes arriving at work an hour earlier at work or changing your schedule can relieve you of some of your dissatisfaction. Maybe an extra hour of sleep will change your mood.

Use your proper chain of command. If you're having problems, but overall enjoy working at the company, ask to move to another department. It never hurts to ask. "Don't be known as the person who is never satisfied with what they have. This is not the time to go into your boss and ask for a raise nor is it appropriate to ask for a larger office," Matuson said. "However, it is certainly appropriate for you to ask your boss what you can do to reduce his or her workload."

Don't Lose Focus

Network by sending an email or call a former co worker. Those on the outside may have the insight on whose hiring or who soon will be. The more people know that you are looking the more doors will be opened.

Take a break. Before, you used to work through your fifteen minute break; not anymore. Before you snap, go for a walk. Jog up and down the staircase. Do a few lapses around the building. Drive to a nearby park and declare your aggravation while walking.

Take some time off. Sometimes a three day weekend is the only thing that is needed. When I was close to quitting, I would take a Friday off and relax the entire weekend. During this "me" time, I would think and pray - things through.

"Remember, at some point this will pass. The economy will improve and you will have opportunities to find the job of your dreams," Matuson said.

	Jacquelyne M. Williams is a freelance writer, and has edited spiritual and inspirational books for local writers in Memphis, Tenn.

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