Working for income to support your family is essential for most single moms, but what if you feel frustrated, discouraged, anxious, or stuck in your current job? What are some ways you can transition out of a bad job?
I have had my share of bad bosses and hard jobs. Who hasn’t? Regardless, I tried to live by two guidelines that helped me find redemption from a painful or less-than-satisfying employment experience: 1) There is a good lesson in every bad job, and 2) When leaving a bad job, leave well.
Finding the Good
At a minimum, difficult jobs were opportunities to build my character, but often, I learned a new skill or something else of benefit. Try to be hopeful as you wait on God, knowing that, “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5 ESV)
Don’t Jump Ship Too Quickly
One of my sons did contract work for an organization that clearly treated him unfairly. There were lots of reasons to walk away from the commitment he had made. When asked for my advice, I encouraged him to complete the remaining months of the contract even though he was not being paid what he was promised. He did, and during the three painful months, the biggest breakthroughs in his career began to happen. Coincidence? I don’t believe in them. God blessed his humility and perseverance.
Don’t Burn Bridges
Life is built upon relationships. So, avoid burning bridges unless absolutely necessary. A permanent ‘burn’ can occur once something is said or done.
- Consider consequences and your reputation.
- Treat others as you would want to be treated.
- Respond with emotional intelligence so you have no regrets.
- Do not react in anger. Do not gossip. God can change people in miraculous ways.
- It is a small world. People know other people, and they may play a role in your future.
- Act as God’s ambassador to bring Him glory. Outdo others in showing honor.
- Be patient, and trust God through the process.
Good relationships build more relationships. Referrals and references expand your influence. Healthy relationships impact your emotional and physical wellbeing. They are life-giving.
Unfortunately, not all relationships are beneficial. Discernment is key in knowing when to move on. If a situation is unethical, do not compromise. If dangerous, get help. Remember to hold your tongue to avoid false accusations, slander, or gossip. “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.” (Proverbs 22:11 ESV)
Transform Your Job or Look Elsewhere
Analyze why you dislike your job. Perhaps you are working outside of your gifts and talents. Crown has a career assessment that will help you understand your unique design. Are you bored or frustrated with your responsibility? Ask for a new challenge or a transfer to an area you desire. Are you working with difficult people? Seek to be a peacemaker to transform the work environment. If this does not help, make a plan to find a new job.
I believe that the best time to look for a job is when you are employed. Most jobs today are found through personal referrals which is why relationships are so valuable.
Summarize your search in a few sentences so others can do more than just wish you well. For example: “I am looking for a job in advertising sales with an online company. I need a base salary plus commissions. I’m willing to relocate but prefer to work from home.”
In some rare cases, you may be able to discuss your desire to find a new job with your current boss or team. Avoid this, however, if you work in a hostile environment or in a company that is not built upon trust and mutual respect.
Pray
While waiting, “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV) He knows exactly what you need. Trust Him to open doors and move mountains to get you there. Let us know how we can help you. Crown.org
Chuck Bentley is CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, the largest Christian financial ministry in the world, founded by the late Larry Burkett. He is the host of a daily radio broadcast, My MoneyLife, featured on more than 1,000 Christian Music and Talk stations in the U.S., and author of his most recent book, Money Problems, Marriage Solutions. Be sure to follow Crown on Facebook and check out the website at www.crown.org.
The Life of a Single Mom® is a national, faith-based, nonprofit that exists to see that no single mom walks alone. To date, the organization has worked with thousands of churches to start a single mom’s support group in cities throughout the U.S. and beyond, as well as having served more than one million single mothers with a variety of programs. Offering a large array of books, curriculum, training materials, online instructional videos, podcasts, newsletters, life skills education, and more, TLSM is one of the largest single mom organizations in the U.S. The robust selection of single mom programs focus on empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, financially, and parentally through Single Mom University®, Single Moms Across America, the National TLSM Single Moms Conference, boot camps, and a variety of other programs. For more information, visit thelifeofasinglemom.com.
