Living with a Dead End Job

In Greek Mythology, Sisyphus was a wise mortal who angered the Gods of Olympus. The angry Gods ultimately condemned Sisyphus to rolling a great rock up a steep hill. Upon reaching the hilltop, the great rock rolled back down the hill. Sisyphus did this day and night forever. Sisyphus became mythology's greatest example of futile effort. If your job makes you feel like Sisyphus, and your job/life seems like a futile, joyless effort, then it is time you unshackle yourself from that great rock. If your job has you feeling like Sisyphus, you are not alone.

Inc. Magazine published an article in 2007 called "U.S. Workers Hate their Jobs More than Ever." They cited 50% of 5000 households polled reported that they hated their jobs. When you factor in:

• Job stress
• Reduced hours/pay
• Benefit cuts
• Severance/Layoff/Termination
• Decreased revenue/profitability
• Increased cost cutting
• Leadership apathy
• Unethical business practices
• Fewer lenders
• Higher line of credit requirements

It's apparent why so many of us hate our jobs. However, you can't leave your job without courting disaster. With jobs in short supply, you cannot leave your dead-end job for something more engaging, when jobs are being cut locally and globally. According to the NYTimes.com (April 2009), the jobless rate topped 8.5%, which means the U.S. economy has lost 5 million jobs, to a lengthening recession. The walls get a little bit closer for you. What will you do? I have an answer: Engage your gift.

Yes, if you cannot engage your job, then engage your gift. Your gift is that special thing you do that not only improves your life, but the lives of those around you. It will grant you respite from your "Sisyphus Experience" and give you something that satisfies the soul. It will put the spring back into your step by doing something positive in a world filled with so many negatives. If you haven't found your gift (shackle key), you can visit http://www.thegifttable.com/ and learn more about your gift, which will be far more than your temporary escape from your dead-end job. It will help you live with and move beyond your dead-end job! It is the new life and career that won't leave you feeling trapped, hopelessness, and in despair at day's end.

Even though you must continue rolling Sisyphus' rock up the hill, each day, and engage your job's futility of effort, promise me that you will spend some quality time exploring:

1. What is your gift?
2. How can you use your gift at work or home, to give yourself greater satisfaction from life?
3. Where could your gift take you post-recession?
4. Can your gifts unlock greater value and opportunity in your current job?

If you need some help, I've written a book called the "Gift Table: Getting Your Giftedness in Gear" (http://www.thegifttable.com/). It has helped many and will help you, too. Finally, your dead-end job is not the end of life. It is a road sign that tells you there are other directions you must travel for fulfillment, excitement, and peace. The vehicle of choice is your gift. Get in, familiarize yourself with the controls, and take life in a new direction. A direction that will replace or help you live better with your dead-end job.