Unhappy With Your Job? Are You The Problem or Is It Your Job?
Updated: Sep 18
A Closer Look at Job Dissatisfaction
We've all been there. Days when we wake up dreading the thought of going to work. We blame our boss, our company, or even our industry. But is it really them, or is it us?
An Alright survey found that 34 percent of the 2,000 U.S. employees surveyed dread starting their workday—an increase of 11-percentage points since 2020. Corporate clients have told him that their mental-health claims and costs from employee turnover are going up.
The Root of the Problem
It's easy to blame the job or the company, but before we rush to quit and start a new job, it's worth digging a little deeper. There could be many explanations as to why you are unhappy. Job dissatisfaction can stem from various reasons:
Stress and Overwork: Feeling overwhelmed and constantly pressured to perform. Is your hyper-achiever being triggered such that you are seeking promotions and pay to validate your worth?
Inefficient time management: Spending too much time on the wrong things and missing the strategic elements, preventing the advancement you desire.
Long Hours: Sacrificing personal life for professional commitments in an effort to outperform or over deliver.
Demanding Bosses: Micromanagement and unrealistic expectations.
Changing Priorities: Constant shifts in focus and goals, perhaps taking on too much in an effort to achieve results faster.
Lack of Recognition: Feeling undervalued and overlooked.
Insufficient Compensation: Feeling underpaid and unappreciated.
While these issues can certainly contribute to unhappiness, it's important to consider our own role in the situation. Are we hyper-achievers, always striving for more power, pay, or recognition, regardless of the company? Are we effectively managing our time and communicating with our boss? Are we setting boundaries? Are we taking feedback constructively or interpreting it as negativity?
If we changed jobs, would any of these things change?
A Self-Assessment
Before making a drastic career change, it's helpful to reflect on our own behaviors and attitudes. Here are some questions to consider:
Are you managing up and down effectively?
Are you managing your time effectively?
Are you properly receiving the feedback given to you?
Have you clearly communicated your career aspirations?
Are you actively seeking professional development opportunities so you know what it will take to get that raise or promotion?
Does your current work environment align with your personality and work style?
By taking a closer look at ourselves, we may uncover underlying issues that are contributing to our dissatisfaction. Perhaps we need to improve our time management skills, develop stronger communication abilities, or learn to set healthier boundaries.
The Power of Coaching
If you're struggling to identify the root cause of your unhappiness, consider working with a coach. A coach can help you:
Uncover limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns.
Develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Build confidence and resilience.
Create a personalized action plan to achieve your goals.
Ultimately, the decision to change jobs is a personal one. However, by taking the time to self-reflect and address underlying issues, we can make a more informed decision and increase our chances of finding lasting happiness and fulfillment in our careers.
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