September is commonly a month to reflect on how you want to finish the year. Perhaps looking for a new job is in your plans, but sometimes the timing just isn’t right to make that switch. Should that be the case for you, here are tips to make your current situation the best it can be:

Think about your options. Dislike your job but love the company? Is there opportunity for another role in that same organization?

Don’t burn bridges with your present employer. Continue to do your work well. Set performance goals and remain focused. You will benefit from a good reference when you decide to leave your current role.

Develop your skills. Take courses, read professional development books. Turn this into a self-improvement opportunity. Are there courses you should take to better qualify you for that next career step?

Create a positive work environment. Buy yourself a “joke of the day” calendar for your desk, put a bright picture on your screensaver.

Take care of yourself. Book calendar time to exercise so you are blowing off steam. Create an uplifting morning ritual — do yoga, walk the dog, stop off for a latté. This will help your frustration levels and keep you better able to cope.

This too shall pass. It might seem like this will last forever but it won’t. You’re in charge of your destiny and will get there.

Dream — what do you want to do? Then take action. Don’t sit in a job until it has caused irreparable damage. Leave on a positive note.

The world needs dreamers

and the world needs doers.

But above all, the world

needs dreamers who do.

— Sarah Ban Breathnach

Cathy Goddard is principal of Lighthouse Visionary Strategies (www.lighthousevisionary.com), which offers business consulting, workshop and meeting facilitation and speaking services. She can be reached at cathy@lighthousevisionary.com or (604) 905-8660.