Getting a job you like (if not love) is easy
Doesn't it feel good to complain?
Maybe its our ego. Maybe its human nature...or maybe its just millennial entitlement that has a loud voice these days. It's just so easy to complain! We can find ways to grumble about the Bears being garbage (again), or the unseasonably hot summer, or the company we work for. And usually, it feels good to complain. It feels especially good when you have someone to empathize with you - thus reinforcing your stance and stroking that ego.
But unlike controlling the personnel of the Chicago Bears, you CAN control the company you work for. It's really pretty simple, yet humans so often meekly prefer the path of least resistance and, you guessed it, complain about their lot in the world of work.
It's sooooo easy to make that change.
First, walk into the bathroom, stare at that mirror and make sure you are committed to it. You'll have to overcome that desire to habitually complain to others about your job. But if you can look at yourself and accomplish that, you are halfway there.
And if you have any ideas why you don't like your company, then surely you must know of some companies that you DO like, right? Companies that offer yoga stipends, or donate to charity, or remote working? Hell, maybe you desire office working? Whatever those things are, you aggregate a list of 25 companies that you admire. It takes some time, but its the way to do it.
Now the other hard part. This is where you have to find 4 hours to sit down and focus and get in front of a CEO.
But how do I do that? The CEO doesn't know me from Jane, you say.
Well, stop looking at that mirror and instead, now put yourself in a CEO's shoes. Picture yourself running a business, responsible for many employee's livelihoods. You have pressure to grow that business from the board, or public markets, or even yourself. But you know that the most important asset in your entire organization are the people who CHOOSE to work with you each day.
Now, recruiting is HARD. Your competitors are also looking for talented folks; you are dealing with quiet quitting and the lure of a freelancing career has turned over many of your employees. And this keeps you up at night. So, when you receive a funny, personal, concise email from someone who wants to work with you, you are elated. Who gives a bibble if you don't have a job for them at the time? You can create one, or find a right entry point for them, as it's clear that this enterprising job seeker is eager to help advance your mission.
OK. Back to you, the job seeker. You've figured out what types of places you want to work. You've even identified 25 specific organizations where you'd like to work. Now you sit down and craft ~350 word emails to the CEO of that company explaining why you want to go through thick and thin with them. You are sincere, genuine, and passionate. You fire them off, you get some responses, some no-thanks, and all of a sudden someone in HR calls you to setup an interview.
It's hard work, but as soon as you get that interview, you realize just how to do it so long as you can step out of your comfort zone and look in the mirror on Day 1.