That being said, how do you know when it’s time to start looking for a new job? How do you know when you got all you can out of a job?

1. Work is seeping into your personal life.Everyone at one point or another has had to pull a late night at the office or come in on the weekend. But if your 9-to-5-er is turning into more of a 65-hour/week stint, that’s a problem. Or if your standard happy hour fodder recapping your day is turning into a full on gripe session where you specify in explicit detail how you would maim an annoying co-worker, that’s a problem.

2. There is no support from the top.Most people enter a new job with an enthusiastic attitude and willingness to bring change to their environment. And understandably one has to wait a hot second before their dues are paid and they can feasibly introduce a new way to improve outdated and inefficient processes or enroll in a graduate program part time. But if you have earned some leverage in your job and should be getting some positive response from upper management, and you’re not, perhaps you’ve found yourself in a spot that just won’t get better. One key indicator: take a look at your older colleagues. If some of the crew who’s been there for a while are experiencing issues they had five years ago–that’s a problem.

3. You’re not being challenged.There comes a time in every job where you’ve mastered most every task. At this point it’s time to start asking for different projects or get your boss to invest in some new training programs for you. But if your team is unwilling to diversify your duties, that’s a problem.

4. You’re mobility–upward or lateral–is being stifled.A lot of employers make promises they can’t deliver on. Did you really think you’d have the time to cash in on the company incentive trip to Bora Bora in January? Ohhhkay. But most companies can at least follow-through on helping those that work for them when it comes time for a change. Hiring from within as a lot of benefits–you know the organization, there are no travel costs with the interview, you’re already stocked on paper clips–but if attempts to move up (or over) are met with major obstacles or ambiguity from the higher-ups, that’s a problem.

5. You’re having negative physical reactions.I’ve never been the type to have anxiety or stress-related issues. Sure certain tasks or situations have made me nervous, and we all deal with some form of stress daily, but I’ve never experienced something so major that it affected me for more than a couple of minutes. I’m a big buck-up kind of girl: you are faced with a situation–you find a way to deal with it. However, there are times when this stress or situations can become so big that they affect every aspect of your day, including your physical self. There are certain red flags that you should watch out for if you think your job is starting to physically affect your well-being. If you’re losing sleep at night worrying about that budget review in the morning or getting a headache the very minute you walk through your office door, that’s a problem.

Now these issues alone are not reasons enough to quit your job obviously. Just because your boss is cranky or you spend a couple late nights catching up on reports doesn’t necessarily mean that your job sucks. But if these concerns are starting to affect your mood, thoughts, actions and very being–perhaps it’s time to consider a change. There are definitely ways Millenials can survive today’s job market without being stuck in a career they hate.

Let’s take a look at this example.

I applied to a communication job in July. The company was looking to hire a few people in various positions to work on a two-year project. After applying, I was not persistent. I wouldn’t say that I completely forgot about the job, but it was the summer, my family was in town — I had other priorities so to say.

My initial timing was good, applying when a company was looking to start  a large project, but maybe afterwards, my timing was off. Maybe if it hadn’t been summer, and if I was more concentrated on finding a job, I would have been more persistent.

Fast forward to three weeks ago.

I received an e-mail from said company inviting me to an interview for an assistant position. I interviewed and was offered the job.

Since working for two weeks now, I’ve been wondering, is it really about persistence or timing or is it sometimes just pure luck that we are offered opportunities?

I’m not really sure.

It could be that you just need to try everything; grab at the chances you get. Or, sometimes, stepping back and letting the situation resolve itself is the answer.

The Canada-based organization, Impact Entrepreneurship Group, is one of the largest nonprofit student-run organizations. Its mission is to encourage youth by providing them with the resources they need to achieve their dreams.

Founder, Kunal Gupta, started Impact in his first year at the University of Waterloo. Since the organization’s start in 2004, it has grown in size and in the amount of youth it has reached — over 50,000 individuals.

With their upcoming 2009 programs, is the opportunity to attend their conferences, meet other youth and gain more knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship.

The first programs are both being held on November 20-21, 2009 — Impact National Conference and the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Congress. The Impact National Conference brings 500 of the best high school, university and college students together to share ideas and connect with prominent industry leaders. The Global Youth Entrepreneurship Congress unities 25 of the top international student entrepreneurs and leaders to build awareness among millions of international youth.

Sarah Katyal, President of Impact Entrepreneurship Group, says, “Impact believes that entrepreneurship represents a key factor of a countries economic growth. It’s truly a unique form of leadership and personal development that an academic education may not provide. I encourage you to get involved, learn more about Global Entrepreneurship Week and become inspired at the Impact events this November.”

Other Impact programs include Impact Ventures, Impact Connect and the MicroCredit Competition.

Robert Tuchman, not too long ago guest posted on Life Before Noon. In that post, he discusses the importance of Web sites, which, among other topics, he elaborates on in his recently-released book, Young Guns: The Fearless Entrepreneur’s Guide to Chasing Your Dreams and Breaking Out on Your Own.

In the 16 chapters that make up Young Guns, Tuchman delivers advice, ideas and encouragement from the decision to start your own company all the way through to its realization.

Tuchman’s down-to-earth writing style makes this read feel as if you’re talking to a good friend, rather than the CEO of a major corporation. What makes it even more personal is Tuchman’s use of examples from his own experience in starting his company as well as testimonials from other entrepreneurs.

Here are the points that stuck with me the most:

• As young people we have some pretty good advantages in starting our own company. Those advantages are our energy, persistence and commitment. Through those three attributes we have the capability to start and run a successful business.
• Focus on the why, not the how. A lot of entrepreneurs spend too much time worrying about the how of their business, how to get clients, how to make a profit, etc. Instead, you should concentrate on really figuring out the why behind your company. Why do you want to start this business? Why is this important to you? Why are you doing what you’re doing? It’s important to note that these why questions will all have different answers for every individual. In answering these questions, you will find the motivation that will get you through the hard times you will come across.
• Business is really about relationships. The relationships you establish with your staff, clients and customers will all determine how successful your company will or will not be. And, all of these relationships must be maintained, especially those with your clients and customers. A good relationship with your clients and customers results in a good reputation for your company.

Tuchman’s book is ideal for anyone considering starting their own business or adjusting their direction. Young Guns is the place to start along the journey towards changing your life.

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Robert Tuchman is the founder of TSE Sports and Entertainment, a company he started out of his one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan at the age of 25. TSE has gone on to appear on Inc. 500’s list of America’s Fastest Growing Privately Owned Companies. Tuchman now serves as President of Premier Corporate Events, a division of Premiere Global Sports. His Web sites include: Young Business Executives, 100 Sporting Events, rent-a-car-now and Premiere Sports.

-Aida

At 21 I thought I had found my niche. I moved by myself to a city where I knew no one. I settled into a crack den apartment that I loved. I made my own money. I paid my own bills. I made new, amazing friends. I traveled within my budget. Life was simple but fun. I was content. I was happy.

Flash-forward a year later and I’m still in the exact same place. Except I’m not content, and I’m not happy. So what’s changed?

A year ago I was looking forward to a little monotony. The past few years of my life, like most Millennials, were full of changes and choices. When high school came to an end the big decision was where to go college. Then you get there and you’re faced with all of these new people and situations that shape you in the most formative period in your life. Every day there is a new experiene that presents itself. Every day there is a new choice to make. Every day you change. Then comes graduation and what you think is THE biggest choice in life is staring you in the face–what’s next?

The only logical options I could determine for myself at this point were grad school or finding a job. So I went out and secured a 9 to 5er. Admittedly I scoffed a little at my friends who didn’t do the same. There were those who planned to take a year off to travel and find themselves. Those who committed to long-term volunteer positions to try and make a difference. Those who tried to find a job and couldn’t, forcing themselves to have to move back in with their parents and work part-time gigs. I sympathized with them because they couldn’t afford that weekend trip to DC. They didn’t know how they were going to pay their bills. They weren’t secure.

But what I couldn’t see, is that despite the uncertainty and insecurity they were living in they trumped me in one significant area–they were free.

Now I’m not saying reflecting on this has caused me to want to quit my job tomorrow, pack up a pink RV and gypsy it up across the country, but I do kind of envy that some have the option to do that and I don’t. I can probably predict everything that will happen throughout the course of my day tomorrow. I know that time I have to wake up, what I’m wearing, what coffee shop I’ll swing by, what I have to do at work, what I have planned after work, and I know at some point in the evening I’ll head home and go to bed, only to wake up and do it all over again the next day.

That kind of predictability is what I wanted a year ago. Now I’m not so sure. Perhaps I am the typical job hopping, spontaneity craving Gen-Yer who wants to do it all before thirty. Or will I try that for six months and hate it too? What’s the standard answer? Is there a typical?

Do Research

Listen and learn all that you can about what is going on not only for your customers, but also for your competitors.

• Make connections with your prospects and customers, both in person and online.
• Tap into your customers’ world of Blackberries, iPods and any other realms that seem appropriate.
• Check out Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Linked In and other virtual networking sites.
• If you don’t already have one, make a profile on these sites, but be conscientious of the information you display and the person you portray. Your profile can facilitate thousands of connections and thus potential business opportunities.

By doing your research, you can identify powerful new ways to launch and promote your business and to target its message.

A Web site is an Absolute Must

After finishing your research and carefully crafting a message you need to build a Web site for your company, because you won’t be taken seriously without one. Today’s amazing capacity for communication makes extraordinary new things possible for you and your business.  If you concept is solid, your timing is right, and your commitment to your core idea is unshakeable, you can make big things happen with your website, and make them happen quickly.

Your Web site must display the concept of who you are to the external world-and it has to compel them to come inside.

• Hire a young, driven web designer to create your site. Give them a clear sense of the image and feel you want for your site.
• Your site should emphasize the fact that you can offer better services than some of your competitors and you’ll know this from having done your research.
• Keep the site updated and always look for ways to improve it. A well-done Web site can make your five-cent lemonade stand look like Country Time.
• Once your website is established, and the concept solidified, make sure that your site is ranked at the top of the search engines of Google and Yahoo. Your site should contain Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - friendly text that you can link with buying strategies that will help your site’s ranking.
• Remember those networking sites where you created a profile - now you can set up a system of link-backs to further promote your company’s Web site.

Finally, know that your future customer base will include a younger generation who finds it in their second nature to use the Internet and e-mail.  It is essential that you understand that their first instinct is to e-mail, rather than meet in person or talk on the phone.   Make an effort to reach them via the medium they are most comfortable with-as they are, in fact, your future customers.

Communication and the Internet are so sufficiently advanced that it seems to be nearly indistinguishable from magic. But do not be weary.  The transport of word, of mail, of human voice, and of shining image-in this century, as in last, our greatest accomplishments still have the sole aim of bringing individuals together in community.  The Internet is the means to bring people, communities, and corporations together now.

—————————————

Our guest blogger, Robert Tuchman, is the Founder of TSE Sports & Entertainment, a company he started out of his one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan at the age of 25. TSE has gone on to appear on Inc. 500’s list of America’s Fastest Growing Privately Owned Companies. Tuchman now serves as President of Premiere Corporate Events, a division of Premiere Global Sports. A review of Tuchman’s new book: Young Guns: The Fearless Entrepreneur’s Guide to Chasing Your Dreams and Breaking Out on Your Own, will be on Life Before Noon in late summer.

I liked what I saw. A public relations/marketing agency with a great mission, a good set of clients and, even better, they were hiring.

I applied for an assistant job. After a week I called and spoke with someone from the office and they informed me that my application was sent to the main office and to call again the following week. I called again and  was told that someone would call me.  Unfortunately, no one called and then the holidays rolled around putting the job on the back burner.

In March, I was back on Posao.ba when I saw that the agency had an advertisement, this time for the job position that I had applied for. I applied again and noted my previous application.

A week passed and I called.

I asked about my application and in return was asked a few questions about my previous experience, where I went to school, when did I graduate, etc. I was then told that I should be contacted either way (as in interview or no interview) and that in case I didn’t hear from anyone to call again and ask for a specific contact.

A week later, I called again and scheduled an interview.

What’s the point of this whole story?

Persistence is key.

If I had given up, never called or applied again, never persisted, I may have not gotten to this point.

There were definite moments when I was frustrated and wanted to say the hell with it, but I didn’t, because I figured that I still had a chance since I was never told “No.”

In the end, it’s about going after what you want because if you want something bad enough, you’ll work hard and do whatever it takes to get it.

In the end, it’s about persistence.

-Aida

Yes, you heard right. While the majority of America is stressing out over the recession crisis, we single ladies have a ton to be thankful for. Here are a few reasons I think there’s a plus side to not having a plus one.

• Living Expenses: I’ve loved the one-bedroom apartment I’ve had for the past year. It was an awesome big girl moment for me when I moved to a new city with a new job and signed the lease on my own place. It was 100 percent mine to call home, but it’s also about 100 percent more than I can afford. Lucky for me though, I don’t have a husband or family to consider. In a couple of months when my lease is up, I’ll be moving in with roommates. I’ll have a bigger, nicer place and be able to split utilities. It may not be all mine, but I think that extra several hundred dollars a month I’ll be saving more than makes up for it.
• Flexibility: A lot of people are having to get second jobs in order to make ends meet. Being single allows you to do that without having to coordinate schedules or juggle soccer practice drop-offs. You don’t have to worry about the stress you’re causing your partner or the time you’re losing away from your kids. Being single also allows you to be more flexible with the way you’re spending your money because you only have yourself to think about. Instead of being forced to manage all of these other responsibilities, we have the freedom to change things up a bit, be more creative with our investments and perhaps take a risk or two a family couldn’t.
• Security: I have complete control over my bank account, my 401k, my life. We I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T women don’t have to rely on someone else to pay for things. We don’t have some surprise debt unkowingly damaging our credit score. And we don’t have to stress about having to adjust our two-person income lifestyle if our husband loses his job. Being single also gives us the luxury of having our parents to fall back on should we lose our own job. It’s not the ideal situation of course, but it’s nice to know the option is out there if we need it.

Don’t get me wrong, the recession sucks, but I’m glad to be flying solo on this one. Money is a huge strain on relationships in any kind of economy. I’m very thankful that I don’t have that added pressure on me right now. And besides, even if I meet Mr. Right tomorrow it’ll be a few years before any nuptials are considered. By that time the powers that be will have either straightened this whole mess out or we’ll all be in suck disarray that wedding won’t even exit anymore because no wants the marriage penalty to affect their tax bracket. And if that happens, looks like I’ll be forced to give the milk away for free after all. My mom’s gonna be stoked.

I just thought I was an overzealous person who liked to plan out their day, week, okay, really their months in advance.

Behind the planning was my forgetfulness — without writing things down I forget what I want to get done — and my need to feel in control. I’ve also been looking for a job going on four months now, so without a plan, I feel lost, even bored.

But, from another perspective, my over-planning, my need for control, is maybe someone who is completely inflexible to change.

How does one learn to be flexible?

I wasn’t really sure how or where I could start being more flexible — to leave room for the unexpected. It was after I read Steve Munroe’s post on The Art of the Yescapade that I decided it could be the solution I was looking for.

The past few months haven’t been that easy. I thought it would just come simply - saying yes - but I’m so conditioned to say no, sometimes for no reason, that I had to remind myself that I was saying yes. Here are some of my yes highlights from the past few months that have helped me become a little more flexible.

Social Situations:

One of the first instances I said yes was to attend a party. It was a party in that there was music, alcohol, food and plenty of people, but I stood out at this party as one of the youngest and unattached individuals attending. Although I felt out of place for the first hour or so, it got easier as the night wore on. It was also a great chance for me to try my hand at networking, since most of those around me were established in their careers and I am definitely not — jobless remember. But, I was able to get my name out and what I was interested in. Other ‘yes’ moments: coffee and lunch dates, all of which took me away from applying to jobs and my ‘plan’, but I realized that the break and change in my day-to-day let me come back refreshed and focused on what I needed to get done.

Health and Exercise:

I joined a gym with my aunt, I’m starting pilates and aerobics classes with my brother’s girlfriend and I’m doing 10,000 steps a day with my friend. But, it’s not just that I want to get back in shape, I now have an outlet for any negative energy that I may be caring around. Negative energy from frustrations disappointments in the job search or with life in general. Those endorphins must be doing their job because I feel happier and more optimistic about the future.

And, while I’m still planning my days, I’m doing it with more room for change, a little more cushion for things to shift, me to adjust and keep getting more flexible.

-Aida