1DMF - I'm not even sure how to respond. I certainly am not assuming you have necessarily have a contract or that you are doing the job you were employed to do. In fact, I think my post alludes to a situation exactly opposite of that. That is why I suggest doing work that is not part of your job description, create value, and use that to "adjust your agreement."
Also, I did not make an assumption that you are in a locale awash with jobs. Although, I will suggest that any reasonable sized city in the U.S. at least certainly has opportunity.
Let's, however, assume that the economy is in complete shambles (it isn't but lets assume). The truth still applies. If you go to work for someone, you have agreed to the pay and the situation. If you want it to be different, don't stay there.
I'm not indicating it is easy - or that it is fast - or anything - just that you have to make moves if you want things to change.
I've been an employee at a very large corporation where they had the rigid HR - pay based on time/tenure grid, etc. I decided, while I was there, that I would make moves outside that grid. I worked with managment, created a deal that involved raises that were adequate, and performed.
Later, when I wanted to earn more, I left and found the opportunity that allowed me to work on the type of projects I wanted and paid me what I wanted.
Don't assume that I sit around and opportunity just falls into my lap. I actively create a plan of action and than work to make that plan come to fruition. Sometimes it works perfectly, other times it does not. When it does, great, I make the next plan. When it doesn't I try to analyze what didn't work.
Sometimes it is a bad plan, other times it is bad luck, other times it is just the way it is. Either way, I adjust or change the plan and then start working it again.
You are responsible for creating and fostering opportunities, being prepared for those opportunities that come your way, and dealing with the inevitable hard knocks that we create or that we are unfortunate enough to come into contact with.
The only assumption I make is that everyone is responsible for their Economy of One. You, on the other hand, assume that over 20 years I've never had a difficult job or career situation. The truth is that everyone does. Everyone will experience a difficult career sitation. Now that we know that none of us are special for going through a difficult career situation, now what?
A woman my wife knows and her husband have the tendancy to complain - about everything. The day I met him he had been slightly inconvenienced about something (we will call it life), he was in a huff. She said to me, "well you met my husband but not in the best circumstances. But I can understand why he is angry, he thought he was going to have a day to do nothing."
I said, "Tell him to get over it."
She asked me, "Don't you get upset about things."
I told her that I didn't. Certainly for no longer than 5 minutes. I explained that it is inefficient.
I actually believe that a poor attitude toward situations and people is one step below murder. If I get to wake up with another day - another opportunity - it is a slap in the face of God for me to squander it and to infect others with a bad attitude.
Is it something you can fix? Is it something you want to or should be fixed? If the answer to either of these questions is no, you had better learn to live with whatever it is. But, if the answer to either question is yes, make a plan and change it.
I am not speaking about catastrophic events - loss of life, child, etc. But car accidents (without injury), the plumbing going out, having to restart a career, meeting and working with difficult people, etc. Those are the normal things that make up life.
It always comes down to the same question.. Now what?
Bad job/bad employer? Now what?
Your car breaks down? Now what?
Believe me, I am not talking about an empty "Positive Mental Attitude" or "Believe It and You Will Acheive It" platitude. Postive Mental Attitude or Belief - without a directed, focused, plan of action, is useless. If you cannot see out of your current situation and can't make the plan you need to, seek help. Find a mentor (one who doesn't allow excuses and doesn't commiserate) who will push you. One who, when faced with you rationalizing or complaining focuses you back on those things in your control.
Now what?
Or, simply stay where you are, a victim of a bad employer, the economy, the president, Enron, the stock market, the congress, your spouse, your health, (add your villain du jour here), etc. There are a ton of them, you can choose your excuses from a veritable smorgasborg - and you will have plenty of company.
But don't assume that I - or anyone else who is achieving things at some level - haven't and do not deal with adversity. Adversity is the norm. Like the bumper sticker says, "stuff happens."
Now what?
Matthew Moran (career blog and podcast below)
Career Advice with Attitude for the IT Pro
). Unless you have been in a situation like that you really can't understand. Being the first step into the IT industry at the time is can also affect your mental state quite a bit. Leaving that place was one of the best thing I have ever done and sometimes the best option. Looking at it positively, it did make me very mentally strong allowing me to copy with the consultancy role I have today.