Hate your job? Don't just take the first offer that comes along. When you don't like your job, any job sounds better. Instead of jumping on the first job you're offered, plan your escape carefully or you might just end up in the same situation again.



1. Make a list of things you hate about your current job. If it's your boss, what specifically makes you the angriest? Does he pile too much work on you, refuse to give you a raise, belittle you, not back you up? If it's the job itself, make a similar list. Maybe you are tired of dealing with the public, can't stand sitting at a computer all day or can't face another winter working outside. In any case, you'll find out what you don't like and can hopefully avoid any indication of these things when you look for a new job.

2. Decide if it's the type of work you do that you hate or the stress of your job. If you are not totally burned out on what you do, but how you are required to do it is killing you, you may want to consider taking a lower stress job in the same field.

3. Think about what you would like to do and what types of work interest you. Refine this list until it includes things you will actually be qualified to do. Also include career areas that interest you even if you are not qualified right now. You may not be able to get your dream job, but you might be able to start at a lower level job and work your way up.

4. Look for jobs that offer tuition reimbursement. Taking training classes, or getting your degree if you don't have one, will help you advance in your job and also help in the job hunt if you decide to leave at some point.

5. Update your resume every time you learn a new skill or complete a new project. Write two or more versions of your resume, depending on what skill set you would like to highlight for a particular job search.

6. Search for jobs at your current level and one level up. If you know you could do your boss' job, start applying for job similar to his or hers. Make sure your resume lists your experience in taking the lead on projects.

7. Take a careful look at vacation time and benefits before you move to a new job. If you enjoy those three weeks of vacation, chances are that one week just isn't going to be enough. A new job isn't necessarily better for your financial situation if you must now pay for your health insurance premium yourself. Think long and hard about how a long commute will affect you. Some people have no problem with long drives but others find themselves tired all the time and dreading the morning's commute.

8. Avoid dead end jobs. Sure that new job might look good when you're hating your current job, but if there's no chance for advancement in the company, you'll most likely get bored fast. Look for a company that offers you a chance to move ahead.

9. Go to school if you're not qualified to do anything you want to do. Carefully consider the cost of the schooling versus the salary you can expect. Don't waste your time and money training for jobs that don't pay well.

10. Ask for extra work in an area that interests you. Having experience in another area will be a benefit when you are ready to start sending out resumes. Sure, it might be hard to ask for even more work when you can't stand your job, but if the new project will help you find a better job, it will be worth it.