Many job seekers took “emergency” jobs as the recession began; but some are still stuck in those jobs, one or even two years later. Below are a few tips on how you can break out from your emergency job and move onto more lucrative positions in your field:

1. Pick a deadline and stick with it.  An emergency job is just that, temporary until you can find something more suited to your skills and career goals.  But if you’ve been in your emergency position for a year or more, now is the time to pick an exit date and stick with it.
2. Get a plan and make implementing it your second job.  If you plan on making the transition out of your emergency job you will need a feasible plan and the commitment to make it work. This means that you may need to spend a few hours after work sending out resumes, attending networking events and doing other things to get interviews for a better position.
3. Start small.  It’s still difficult finding work in this economy.  This is why it may be wise to begin taking small side jobs or even volunteer positions that will give you additional experience in the field of your choice. For example, if you’re a recent law school graduate and you’ve been doing paralegal work for the past year, you may want to consider volunteering your legal skills to a nonprofit in exchange for recommendation letter if you do good job.
4. Get a team.  Employing the help of a legal recruiter could do wonders for getting you out of the emergency job rut.  Recruiters can connect you to positions before they hit the general job market and may even provide suggestions on how you can better promote yourself despite your emergency job status.