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Hate your job but love your company?

(MoneyWatch) Recently, someone asked me what to do if you love your company and want to stay, but don't enjoy your current position. When this happens, it can be worthwhile to work through your issues and/or switch teams, rather than jump ship altogether. "It can be difficult to find a company and leadership team you respect and want to work for, so it is worth the extra effort to make it work," says Scott Ragusa, president, Contract Staffing at WinterWyman Contract Staffing. Here's how to start making a move to a better new job at your current company:

Start positioning yourself for a great job

If your goal is to switch departments, carefully consider which one would be your top pick -- and how to position yourself for the move. "The first step is to find something you are passionate about within your firm. It could be anything from training to community development," says Ragusa. "Then approach the person responsible for that group, and better understand how you can help." This volunteer work within your organization will expose you to people and opportunities as you build the skills essential to your transition.

Maintain a good attitude while you wait

If you've let HR know of your desire to transition, and you're positioning yourself for a better job, you may have to sit tight until one opens. But don't let subpar work -- or a corresponding attitude -- put you out of the running for a new position. "Even in a job you hate, showing a great attitude and learning more than your coworkers gets recognized," says Elaine Varelas, managing partner, Keystone Partners. "Doing well at a lousy job lets people know you'll do even better at a great job."

Be realistic about the future

If you've been doing an A+ job, building skills and trying to position yourself for another position within yours company, and you haven't had any luck over the course of several months, you have to think about the next steps. The reality is that you may either have to stay in your position or leave the company. "You do have an option to stay in a job you hate with a company you love; although it may impact your attitude and relationships with others, the stability and compensation may be a trade-off you are willing to make," says Rick DeMarco, managing director, Inward Strategic Consulting.

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