To those in dead-end jobs: Do you realize your future is too valuable to waste where there is no future?

Are you putting applications in for government jobs with great benefits?
Are you submitting applications to companies which promote from within?
Are you looking for a job that you would actually enjoy?

Susan: I see so many people who absolutely hate their jobs; are unhappy and underpaid; feel unfulfilled and used. I wonder why they don't try to find something that will make them happy, rather than stress them out.

I think this is a good question and I am glad for the people who like to work at the local restaurant I eat at and the shop keeper where I shop at but I did not enjoy those jobs I kept tiring to better my self and I finally did I think it is important to follow your dreams I am finally happy in my job after 27 years of working to make some one else rich but I still have a dream to learn how to fly someday but I can't yet but I have not given up my dream yet I would like to fly a plane for a ministry someday that is my dream I have dreams all the time of flying a plane but I at least am happy in the job I have now after 27 years of just working and never getting ahead

people who are not happy tho just need to believe in them selves enough to keep tiring to get where they want to be
talking to people who have already done that get pointers and take classes to learn what you need to make the job change

I think the issue is no one really know what they want from life . Im 24 years old and work in a boring dead end job and still dont have a clue about what i want to do , as long as i have a nice home and nice car before i get to 35-40 then ill be happy x

Why do you care?
Just wondering. Someone has to do those jobs. There is no shame in it.

I have battled this issue for 5 years since entering the work force upon graduation... It was a rough time to come into it, and I thought more education in the business field would help, and I followed that avenue... Also not a great idea because it just makes you more expensive....
In my honest opinion, you get there by
1) Competence
2) Networking (ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT... you can be the best and brightest, but if you talk to no one... you are invisible)
3) Patience and higher stress tolerance... if you cannot deal with office politics, stressful situations (especially those situations as an entry level employee- and they only either change or get worse as you move up), and also be able to just sit tight in your place at the bottom of the totem pole until the time is "right" to move up a level... you will stay at the bottom until you get sick of it and eventually leave. There aren't many "fast tracks" these days.

After my experiences and frustrations, I recognized that I was competent, and could network sufficiently , however, I lacked the patience and stress tolerance necessary to get the better jobs. I wanted to be more active in decision making, and especially be more involved in decisions that affected me daily right away. This was where I realized that I was not a fit for business, and most likely never would be. I went back to grad school and changed my major to something that was more tailored towards these needs and quit working in an office.
The point of my ramble? These are the three things I think are necessary to be successful and not get stuck in dead end jobs with not future. They are also essentials for any office job, regardless as to whether you are in a good job or not. I mention this because you mention you want govt jobs "with great benefits" and companies "that hire from within"... you have to start as a grunt at the bottom, have consistent work history, good network contacts, and solid experience to work your way into those jobs and companies... otherwise it's entry level city.... Once you're at the level you want to be, who's to say it will be any better? Carefully mull things over so you can decide on a path that coincides with your needs.

Having been almost to the top in my field and finding I couldn't handle the stress and pressure I quit.
I took a simple job as a labourer at a railway workshop and dead-end no.
We had different challenges daily, whether it was spray painting a new box waggon, or cutting great chunks off the frame of a flat-deck that has had a prang.

You may see what you will.

I see all "work" as required.
If you went on holiday and nobody cleaned the toilet, how would you feel if all of those people were now in university learning to become doctors.

What about going to a fast food outlet, who would serve you.

Who is going to serve you in the shop.

What about the overworked doctor, who dreams of working in the open air, tilling the soil.

What about the office worker who has "made it" sitting in front of his computer, his body now sterile from what comes off the room full of hi-tech computer equipment.
Has he made it.

It is actually about attitude, some can be happy cleaning motel rooms, while they dream the book that they are writing.
Some people picking fruit are paying for their education to become the teacher they have always wanted.
You may see the woman holding down two jobs, because she is supporting her handicapped husband, who is writing a book, which outlines "What the city needs to put in place so wheelchair bound people can get to all those places you enjoy on your two legs."

Change your attitude, it is better for you than changing your clothes.
To presume something of another is an error

Great question,
thanks and blessings to you for your thoughtfulness.

we are all little cogs in a big wheel .....thats wonky