Gone are the days where a college degree set you up for a steady middle class job. A new study by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity found that nearly one out of two Americans with college degrees are working at jobs for which they’re overqualified. Does this news hit a bit too close to home?

In the face of student loan debt and the plain and simple need for employment, sometimes it comes down to having something over nothing. This is where college graduates find themselves lowering their originally high expectations and taking a job that simply pays the bills. While it may be necessary to make ends meet, working a less-than-awesome job can cause you a variety of burdens.

If you’re currently stuck in a position you’re overqualified for, it’s time to start planning your exit strategy. Here are five tips for getting out of your current not-so-awesome employment situation and moving onto something more fulfilling:

1. Take time to assess the situation. Successfully exiting a job–regardless of the situation–should always include assessment. Spend time evaluating your needs and career goals, your take-away from your current job and company, and how you plan to proceed in your search for new employment. This sort of assessment helps combat two completely opposite situations: sporadically quitting your current job out of frustration or staying in it for far too long.

2. Prepare your game plan. After you’ve gotten your thoughts together, it’s time to develop a plan. Sometimes pushing yourself to begin the search for a new position is the most challenging part of actually moving on. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to your exit plan, it should certainly consist of a few important elements: a timeline, job search goals, and an updated resume and professional social platforms. Knowing what you want and how you plan to achieve it is essential for finding yourself in a better employment situation.

3. Search smarter. Since you will likely be searching for a new job while you’re currently employed, it’s important to make your job hunt as efficient and effective as possible. This is where the “game plan” you’ve created will really come into play.

Carefully manage how, when, and where you are searching. Be sure to focus on searching within your niche and for opportunities you’re actually qualified for–don’t sell yourself short this time around. Another way to search smarter is by developing and implementing a diverse network of contacts. Focus on building professional relationships with influential people within your industry, as well as maintaining relationships with the networking connections you already have. Remember, face-to-face communication is best, so be sure to actually go to networking events and not hide behind your computer.

4. Find a mentor. Having a job search mentor is a great way to get yourself on track to meeting your career goals. Consider utilizing your connections to find someone within your network who will mentor you while you’re job hunting. The professional relationship you develop will provide you with an unmatched level of guidance. Consider seeking out an industry expert, or someone who has had a diverse amount of experiences throughout their employment.

5. Exit professionally. The last–and potentially most important–step of your exit strategy is making a professional departure from your current position. This means having an actual conversation with your manager and giving a timely resignation. To ensure there is no bridge burned, tie up all loose ends before leaving and ask to help train your replacement.
Even in the current job climate, it’s important to remember that seeking out a new position and exiting your current employment situation is always an option.