Five Signs That Indicate Career Stagnation:
Dreading Mondays. Sunday’s not even halfway over, and you’re already feeling sick and depressed just thinking about going to work.
Extreme boredom. You’re so comfortable-or so bored-sometimes it’s hard to tell-you do most of your job on total “automatic” (work zombie!).
Wage stop.-There’s no way you can make more money.
The 30/70 rule. At least 30% or more of your job involves tasks you totally hate to do, or having to work with people that you honestly wouldn’t be on the same sidewalk with under normal circumstances (never a good thing).
Wannabe/something different.-You long to be something completely different, do something completely different, and just get the hell out of there ASAP to simply look at something completely different.
Workers With Disabilities
According to Margaret Li, executive director of Minnesota Business Leadership Network, “About 70 percent of adults with physical or mental disabilities (like autism) are unemployed.”
“They want to work, but they can’t find employers who will hire them. Taxpayers have an interest, too. Because the more people with disabilities who are hired and can support themselves, the less we pay in Social Security disability income and other public programs.”
The demographic experts and labor economists say that as the baby boomers age and continue to retire in their 60s, the economy will eventually face labor shortages (it will be smart business to hire those with disabilities).
Career Time-Out (for a Loved One)
It’s one of the noblest of gestures, but the decision can wreck havoc with your personal finances and career. Here’s what to do:
- If at all possible, try to set aside a “cushion” before leaving. If you must leave right away, rework your finances; have money set up for essential expenses first (from personal experience, I did exactly this and am doing more online work).
- Did you know that you may be entitled to unemployment compensation if you have to quit to care for a very sick or disabled relative? Find out at www.servicelocator.org.
- See if you’re able to reapply for your job-or apply for another one within the company if you’re able to.
Sources: “Change Careers-and Succeed”-Condensed from Woman’s Day by Jeanie Wilson-Reader’s Digest, 1994, “Beyond disabilities are workers who are dedicated”-Star Tribune (Minneapolis)-The (Sunday) Vindicator, September 28, 2014 and “Lean Out, Don’t Lose Out”-by Farnoosh Torabi-Money magazine, October, 2014
