If you’ve been out of a job for a while then a return to the work force can be traumatic, particularly when you start a ‘transition’ job. These are the jobs with peculiar hours, meagre wages and low prestige.

In a job like this, your attitude is your biggest threat. It will be tougher than you imagine. In a transition job, your ambition can quickly dissipate. This transition can be traumatic. It can also be exactly what you need. Instead

of checking out mentally,

you can use this time to

correct flaws, build skills, network and forge an unshakably positive outlook.

Good habits

Look at your personal and professional lives. How do you spend your time? How do you interact with others? How do you handle adversity? Do an honest self-evaluation and pinpoint where you fall short. Then, work on your biggest flaws. Face it: There’s no downside. You can make your mistakes and fix your faults in a temporary setting.

Positive attitude

Smile when you want to scowl. Fake it if need be. Let’s be honest: The monotony can be hell. The weak ultimately quit. The strong? They rebel … by having fun. They find hope and joy in unexpected places. Don’t forget, the business world is smaller than you think. Always look to make

a good impression with

everyone; they may be in a

position to help you someday. Your peers will remember

your acts of kindness far longer than you will.

Can-do mentality

Do more than just collect a cheque. Focus on solving problems and leaving the position better than how you found it. Don’t make a stink. Instead, make a difference.

Transferable skills

Some days, it may seem like your job diminishes you. Maybe people talk down to you. Maybe you do have to swallow your pride. Still, there are still ways to enrich yourself. Take phone sales. Sure, cold calling is draining. However, it can also teach you to speak succinctly, read subtleties and be persuasive. It can help you develop real skills for later.

Self-knowledge

These are stressful times. You are learning a new job, while trying to find another one. You don’t have as much time or money. You feel like you’re wasting your time, but carry that crippling fear of being unemployed again. Use this time to sort through your baggage. Examine your life and exorcise those fears, faulty assumptions and demons that held you back. Rediscover what made you successful as you regain your confidence.

Establish a plan

Maybe your mistakes have finally caught up to you. Put a plan in place, so the job is truly transitional. Figure out what skills and personal traits you need to develop. Work on them. Use your personal time to prepare for your eventual escape. Don’t just bide your time; start your climb. — Jeff Schmitt