That mysterious title really cloaks the last part of this little run of posts about what to do if you hate/dislike/are bored by your job.

In this post, I’m going to explain a truly weird phonmenon that seems, much of the time, to help people who decide to stay in their job, get the promotion or job conditions they want. I can’t make any promises for your specific situaiton, but have noticed that the following idea works far better than it should, from a logical perspective.

(And no, it doesn’t involve taking on work that’s equivalent to the role you want to reach, dressing for the role etc-though both of those ideas can work well in the right context).

In fact, what I’m about to suggest might seem counter-intuitive, but it really seems to work.

In a nutshell, the idea is this. Construct a second, part-time income in addition to your ordinary job.

Now, if you’re reading this because you’re already exhausted from your job and/or attempting to make enough from one income, this may sound almost insulting. And obviously, that’s the last thing on my mind. But please hear me out before you make up your mind.

I’m not of course, talking about a second main job, or anything which would require you to break any promises in a contract with your employer. But if you have had thoughts about investigating things like Ebay, selling crafts you (or a family member) may make in your spare time, selling downloads or starting up any other kind of “low-key” business (with appropriate professional advice!) , it may not always pay to wait until after any promotion is gained.

And if you’re coming at this idea from an “I hate my job,” perspective, here are some reasons why this peculiar dynamic sometimes exists:

1. If you know you have other fish to fry after work, you’ll actually be more efficient in your main job, thereby helping your employer.

2. If you’ve never run any kind of business before, doing so (even in a tiny, tiny, “get-your-feet-wet” kind of way) will give you a different perspective on why your company may organise certain aspects of its business and procedures the way it does. Which again, ironically, helps you to help them more effectively.

3. If you know deep down that all your economic eggs are not in one basket with your employer, you’re likely to feel and project confidence, rather than desperation. Which is very useful when you’re being considered for promotion.

Obviously, this solution may not be for everyone. But if you can see the sense in it for you, and can implement it in a way that still keeps the rest of your situation balanced, keep it in mind building a second income as a viable, if novel, idea.

Hope this helps.

More soon-and on a different topic.

Clare