Students: Is it Time to Move on?

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and that snooze button has never looked more appealing.

Alright, so maybe you don't have the best job in the world, but hey! You're still a student, right? Your job isn't supposed to pay a 6-figure sum and give you a corner office with a golden name plate.

This doesn't mean you have to be unhappy in your work.

First of all, figure out what it is that you want to achieve from your job. If you are looking for something related to a possible future career, do your research! Find companies in your area and see if they have any openings as an office or mail room assistant. Sure, it's no corner office, but your foot is in the door, creating networks that could very well make all the difference in the future.

Maybe you aren't sure of what sort of career you want to pursue. Maybe you just want a few hours of work a week, somewhere where you can make new friends, and earn enough cash to fund a lunch that consists of more than PB&J. This is the perfect time to check out that mall down the road. Retail and restaurant jobs are great for meeting new people, and for allowing students to have flexible work schedules. Next shopping trip pay attention to the employees helping you find that perfect pair of jeans. Do they look happy? Are they talking with one another? Ask someone who the manager of the store is. Is the manager helping the other employees? Are the employees freely interacting with the manager? Or do they look terrified to be in his/her presence? Management is essentially in control of making your job an absolute dream, or complete nightmare.

Finally, make a list of likes and dislikes. What do you like in your current job, or what do you think you would like in your job? What is it about your job that makes you want to keep hitting that snooze button until sundown? Keep these dislikes in mind while searching for a new job. Make sure you avoid interviewing at places similar to what you are trying to escape from.

The job you have now may not be for you, but (believe it or not) great jobs do exist! If you are completely unhappy in your workplace, or in need of some extra experience, or even extra cash, don't be afraid to look around for new jobs that may interest you more. Networking is key in scoring the job of your dreams. Ask around, do your research, and start actually looking forward to going to work!