1. Get in with a plan

Know that it’s just a job. The role you hold, your daily tasks, the department you’re in, none of those things define you. Don’t get too attached to the routine, environment or people there either, because at the end, a 9-to-5 job (unless it’s your dream career) is only there to pay the bills. Whether it’s a temporary job or one you’re getting comfortable in, just remember it’s not worth your mental health. Have or make a plan so you know you’re on track.

Whether you want to stay a couple of months, or a year, or two years for one reason or another, you must have a plan in order to have a direction or compass to your true goals. Otherwise, time will just fly by and you’ll still be directionless.

2. Make the most of it

Learn everything you can while you’re there, develop what skills you can, use the time spent there mindfully and intentionally. Take advantage of any courses, certifications or opportunities you’re given. Learn from your colleagues or managers. In essence, remembering my motto: “how can I come out of this as a winner?”. By making the most out of the experience you’re given, making it your own, and taking ownership over it.

3. Move up or move on

When the time comes, whether it’s 6 months or 12 months or more – advance in the company. Here’s where point #1 with having a plan kicks in. If by the deadline you set for yourself to advance comes around and…

• if the opportunity still doesn’t arise . . .
• you wait a few more months and there are no changes . . .
• you’re offered sugarcoated promises to hook you in and keep you on the job . . .
• you’re offered excuses left and right and only told to be a little more patient . . .
• you’re only given opportunities which are a change but do not advance your career (“evolving sideways” or moving to a different team but similar role and level) – in other words, if they see you as an object in their scheme, a pawn to move around in their chess play in the interest of their business goals alone with no regard to your needs, values, goals . . .

Then it’s a clear sign to move ON, darling! Look for better opportunities elsewhere, where your time is actually valued and you’re taken seriously.

Move on. That’s it. No dead-end 9 to 5 job is worth wasting your time, energy as well as mental health over. The moment you’re no longer appreciated in your current position or anything else that is not in your best interest, you’ve gotta go.

Babe, it’s all about you.

You’ve gotta look out for yourself. You’ve gotta do what’s best for you and be completely confident and shameless about it, because there is nothing to feel bad about. You’re a badass. Do what will make you happy.

Find a better place that can and will appreciate all the amazing skills, mindset and experience that you have. Or better yet, start investing in building your own business where you can be your own boss and can have a first-hand contribution to society in creating better environments, better jobs and (better) integrity!

Sometimes the best way to improve something isn’t to chip away at a corrupted system (because it’s too broken to fix)… but to build one anew.