Stop giving up on yourself.

Staying on a bad job is the same as quitting on yourself.

(Before I go any further, I acknowledge that everyone cannot simply quit a job. People have responsibilities and obligations – in other words, folks have to make a living. I respectfully understand this but hear me out.)

“You deserve better than this, I’m worth more than what they are paying me,” you tell yourself on a regular basis.

You know the truth; your current employer takes you for granted – you are not valued. And still, you stay. Of course, you do; you have bills to pay and a family to take care of. You can’t afford to quit. But can you really afford to stay? What is the price you are paying to stay with an organization that is not as vested in you as you are vested in them?

You have dreams and aspirations that you have put on hold for whatever reason. It may be time to revisit what you think is best for you.

Stop putting your employer before yourself. Staying in your current position with the same pay, on the same career path with the same potential for growth or the lack thereof, is you giving up on yourself.

Stop telling yourself you deserve better – do something to get better.

Don’t simply quit; not yet. Develop a plan, set a timeline, and then get to work. Go to work for you. Refresh your resume and develop a social media strategy to get you noticed by employers – start showing the world how amazing you are. It is easier to find a job when you have a job.

Better employers are looking for people like you with your skills, experience, and knowledge, and they will appreciate what you have to offer. But they can’t find you if you’re not trying to be found. Get out there.

Give yourself a chance to find the opportunity you deserve.