Deborah May, pragmatic idealist, change agent and champion of women and leadership writes:

Are you staying in a job that’s bad for your health and well-being because you’ve convinced yourself you have no other option?

Last week three women told me their job caused them stress, anxiety and, in one case, physical illness.

When I asked why she stayed, one woman told me “security reasons” were her primary drivers. She has “only another 10 years” before she retires and doesn’t want to “lose her super”. We discussed what that meant, the trade off between now and a tenuous future and by the end of our conversation, she’d agreed to meet with a financial advisor to help her develop an investment plan to meet her need for financial security.

Another told me she didn’t like working in the public service, it really wasn’t a good fit, but wanted to live in Canberra and there were “no other options”.

Yes, Canberra is a public service town and the public service provides meaningful and interesting work for many – but there are alternatives!

There are non-Government agencies, small businesses, universities, multi-national companies and many consulting firms that all recruit from and for the Canberra market – and many seem to be currently recruiting. These organisations value people with the networks, knowledge and experience gained from working in a Government agency and it is likely to provide you with a competitive advantage.

If you’re in a job because you feel you have no choice, think again!