Expert Answers: Seeking a way out of a dead-end job

Nearly a third of British workers are unhappy in their jobs, costing employers millions

Research commissioned by learndirect Careers Advice, reveals that 31 per cent of UK employees want to leave their job. It estimates they cost businesses 40m a day because they spend their working hours day-dreaming or trying to find a way out of their job.

When asked to rate the factors that made them unhappy at work, a third said being in a dead-end job through a lack of career progression and challenges. Poor salaries and lack of perks affects a quarter of workers, and 23 per cent said they spent too much time behind a desk.

Being dissatisfied with work has a knock-on effect in everyday life, making two in five people irritable.

A total of 21 per cent said they can't sleep, six per cent say it affects their sex life and 10 per cent often comfort spend to compensate for the lack of job satisfaction.

More than a third (38 per cent) waste 25 minutes each day doing things other than work. On average, activities include chatting to friends, day-dreaming, surfing the net and looking for another job.

Psychologist and behavioural expert Donna Dawson said: "We all have a moan now and again about our jobs, but when the dissatisfaction starts to negatively impact on our lives it's time to take action.

"The most important thing is to focus specifically on what we want to change – writing these things down helps us to decide whether these things can be changed within our present job, or whether we need to move on.

"Getting advice and support from friends and family or a professional organisation is essential to help keep your frame of mind positive, and to achieve your goals."

To get a more satisfying job, new qualifications are cited as the route to success, closely followed by being your own boss or retraining for a new career.

Paul Charlson

GP from Brough

You cannot continue forever in your present position, it will eventually end in problems.

To be bored constantly for years will sap your life blood and eventually you will underperform at work which could be disastrous.

It is easier to get more work when you are working and in a position of strength. My advice would be to look actively for another job. Concentrate your energies on this and eventually you will find something else. It may be that new work might be less well paid but more fulfilling. As you channel your energies into this and opportunities begin to present themselves your motivation will return.

What you need to do is decide what you want for a career in the long term. If you have a passion for something, then you are likely to be successful at it and you will eventually earn a good living as a result. Do not accept second best.

Make a plan this week and start the process of finding a new job. Buff up your CV and be focussed. You will succeed.

Elaine Douglas

A chartered psychologist who specialises in family and child relationships

I do think that it would be foolish to hand in your notice before you start looking for another job.

However, it sounds as though what you do isn't very stimulating. I'm not sure why you equate giving up your job to having the motivation to move on. In my experience, being in a job and looking for another one puts you in a stronger position because if it doesn't happen as quickly as you would like, you have the security to pay the bills.

Perhaps a better move would be to start thinking more about what it is that you want to do. Think about why you took on this job in the first place.

Write down your qualifications (GCSEs, A-levels etc), what you think you are good at in the workplace, the skills you have developed over the years and what you would enjoy. Talk to other people to get a feel for what's out there.

Would you need to do some training? If so, is it feasible to do this at college in the evenings? There are many vocational BTec courses around that could interest and stimulate you.

Cary Cooper

Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University

It is great that you have a clear view of what you want and don't want to do!

You want some stimulating job and career, so I would suggest staying in your job and then getting some help from an occupational psychologist about the possible opportunties for you – they can help by doing an aptitude assessment of your interests and competencies, which should point you in the right direction for a more stimulating job suitable to your personality and skill base.

This might lead you directly to a job or through education to a different career.

Take this step by step, don't leave your job, you need the financial backing while you are exploring options...once you know where you are going and putting your proverbial "toe in the water" in job hunting you will know the right time to leave.

Dr Carol Burniston

Consultant Clinical Child Psychologist

In the present economic climate, I would not advise giving up a secure job for "motivation".

You are less likely to find another job easily than in previous years and could affect your long-term financial security. If you are unfulfilled in your job, take professional advice and look at options.

It can help to list your priorities in looking for a new job; are you looking for greater intellectual challenge or performance related pay; is working as part of a team important or do you like to compete with others? If you listed the pros and cons of your position, it could help you to identify what you enjoy and what is lacking and clarify what you are searching for in a new job.

Some people are happy with a job, but sometimes people need a career. Have you considered further training?

Give yourself space to think creatively about your future. Many things are possible with the right guidance, enthusiasm and hard work.