When to Keep a "Bad" Job

A year and a half ago I had a client who had been out of the work force for five years, by choice. Tracy had a lot going for her: an engaging personality, a strong work ethic, drive—and more. What she didn’t have was work experience in the previous five years. Tracy knew that could pose a problem, but since her goal was to get back to work, she looked for positions inside and outside her industry.
 
One day I suggested to Tracy that she would do great in sales—at first she laughed at the suggestion and said, “I’m not a salesperson.” But we talked more and, a month and a half later, Tracy was employed in a sales role.
 
That's when things got rough. A month into her new job, she was the only one left from her training class—everyone else had quit. It wasn’t a glamorous job—but that wasn't the hard part. The company broke most of its promises and to make things worse, she had a challenging sales manager who yelled at the employees. But Tracy kept her eye on her goal (being employed) and rose to the top.
 
Six months into her year of working at her company, Tracy wanted to quit almost every day. The pressure was intense and her manager rarely praised anyone but regularly berated them. But she stayed for a full year. Now, with a great track record, she was in a position to look for an opportunity where she could not only make a good salary, but one she would actually enjoy.
 
Tracy has been in her new position for seven months now. She loves her new manager, she’s excited about her work and she’s making more money. She wanted all that at her previous company, but she didn’t get it. What got Tracy all the good things she has now is that she never gave up—she was determined. It took her 14 long months to get to where she wanted to be, but she got there.
 
Sometimes it takes more than talent and passion to succeed. It takes determination; the willingness to persist despite all the obstacles and disappointments.

Tracy's name was changed.

-Alan Allard, Leadership Coach/Life Coach
www.alanallard.com