Itching to Jump Ship? First, Remain Calm

The Script

Office morale is not great right now. People are overworked, held back, and afraid the next axe is going to fall on them. So a lot of folks are thinking about making a move - if not now, then as soon as they sense a real shift in the economy.

If you're one of them, you don't want to get fired because of a bad attitude or slipping performance, especially if you haven't lined up a new job.

You've got to put up with the demands of your boss and the idiosyncrasies of your co-workers until you know exactly what your next move is. So, how do you keep your cool?

Once you've made the decision to leave, let go of your negative thoughts. Remember it's only a matter of time before you're working somewhere else. Imagine your future career, but be sure not to disengage completely: Keep your performance high and don't expose your exit strategy.

Okay, this one's a cliché, but it really works. When you feel frustrated, take a quick walk, grab a cup of coffee with the funniest guy in the office, or take a mental health day.

Don't respond immediately to increased work demands from your boss. If he makes new demands, take some time, think of ways to meet them that won't increase your workload, then get his buy in.

Next, focus on your job. If someone's annoying you, work in an unoccupied conference room or ask if you can telecommute a few days each week. If people wonder why you seem so distant, just tell them you have to focus in order to get everything done. 

Balance always tops the list of remedies for facing down workplace stress. Now, you can actually practice the concept. Go home as close to 5 as you can and do things you like to do so you can take your mind off the office.

Remember: Sooner or later, you'll be working hard at your new job - and probably won't be able to leave early.

Posted at 06:07AM Nov 04, 2009 in DiceTV  |  Comments[15]