I work with so many talented and competent professionals who are searching for an exciting new career, or a less adventurous decent job. Even those who are simply trying to manage their current jobs often feel overwhelmed by the demands of the workplace. Patience, a positive attitude, imagination, initiative and some old fashion finger crossing only go so far before the sturdiest and most optimistic personality frays a little at the edges.

It’s a tough job market. A job search can be the most dispiriting of pursuits when you have done all the right things with nothing to show for your efforts. A string of disappointments at work can lead to stress and depression. You can’t reform the current state of the economy or mend the fabric of the job market. What you can do is keep yourself energized and discover creative ways to breathe new life into your professional and personal development while you wait for the right door to unlatch.

Change the current situation

Make the best out of your present employment cosmos by taking on a new project. Don’t hold out hope for the day that your supervisor will finally acknowledge your talents and contributions. Suggest a special project or an initiative in which you would like to take the lead and convince your boss of how this initiative will add value to the organization. This could transform into a significant achievement, bolstering your resume and skill set.   

Do you have a supervisor or a colleague who is just plain difficult? Try the judo approach. Compliment your boss or teammate when he or she has actually accomplished something productive or presented a useful idea, and don’t let it show that it’s killing you inside.

Networking

Networking is still one of the best strategies for staying on the cutting edge of your field, connecting with colleagues and finding hidden opportunities. Some networking events actually present an element of fun, mixing social and work conversation. A professional program that presents a speaker who is recognized as a leader in your industry can result in an exchange of innovative ideas that you may incorporate in your work.

Training or additional education

Take advantage of any in-house opportunities for further training in your field, or consider taking courses to earn a professional certification or improve your skills. Abington Library offers computer skills workshops, and Arcadia University offers several professional certificate programs.

Volunteer

Support your community or a join up with a nonprofit whose mission you admire. Jenkintown Community Alliance (www.jenkintown.net) is actively recruiting volunteers to help with several family and entertainment events planned for the spring.  

The experience of volunteering is motivating, provides a sense of achievement, and presents a unique opportunity to develop a new skill. You will meet new people and enrich your community at the same time.

Hobbies and interests

Release yourself from the stress of work, and let your spirit soar. Consider cultivating a longstanding interest or a new hobby and sign up to take a class. If you are interested in expressing your artistic talents, Abington Art Center (abingtonartcenter.org) offers a variety of painting and art classes in many media.  Temple University at Ambler (www.temple.edu/ambler) offers a variety of noncredit classes each season.  

Exercise and fun

Take good care of yourself. A healthy lifestyle can go a long way in fighting depression and keeping you motivated.