Preparing for Change:
Line Up a New Job

By the time you are fired or resign, you may incur the wrath of a bully. He may even bad-mouth you to any prospective new employers, although with a devious subtly and style that keeps him from getting in trouble.

So what can you do to avoid jeopardizing your career?

Line up a new job before you stand up to a bully, and before anyone knows you are dissatisfied. Tell the new employer to treat the situation as confidential.

Even better, get the help of an employment agency or recruiter. You will be dealing with a professional who will tend to understand your current dilemma. A recruiter can arrange confidential interviews and advise you on how to deal with the sensitive situation at work.

Alternatively, if you can work through your network of friends in your line of work, you may be able to establish a good relationship with a prospective employer. Then you could ask him to give you some time to wrap up your existing job. Most people will respect that request, because it shows you are conscientious. That could give you a few months to fight a bully at your current employer.

The most important thing is to begin a perpetual job hunt, and begin it now. Establish a job search plan, then spend a couple of hours each week in polishing your resume, using job search sites on the Internet, networking via telephone or lunches, talking to recruiters, and meeting potential employers.

Remember that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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