DEAR HARRIETTE: I do not like my job and want to quit. I feel like every day there is something else that my boss is picking at me about. I never seem to measure up, no matter how hard I try. I do go in and ask for guidance when she says I have done something wrong. Honestly, I feel like she has it out for me. I can't imagine that I am so bad that nothing I do is satisfactory. I have noticed that she can be mean to my co-workers too, but they don't seem to be affected by it. This is my first job out of college, and it is not a good fit.
People tell me I should stay at a job for a year, but I can't imagine that I will be able to do that. Should I just quit right now? I'm not a quitter, though. I worked hard in school and got good grades. I don't want to be a loser. What should I do? -- BAD BOSS
DEAR BAD BOSS: Request a meeting with your boss and ask her to give you guidance on how you can do a better job. Be proactive with her. Let her know that you pride yourself on doing good work, and that you need her support to ensure that you are able to work to the specifications she has for you. Ask her to help you. This will let her know that you are serious about being successful there.
Do not quit your job. Instead, you can quietly look for another job. There are many online sources that post jobs. Look for something in your area of interest and apply broadly. Think about your best attributes so that you can talk about what is positive about you in your interviews. Do not talk about what isn't working at your current job. Instead, talk about what you are learning but pivot immediately to what you want to do with the company interviewing you.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)