Our jobs occupy a big chunk of our lives. That’s why it’s no surprise it is called occupation.
To quote Apple founder Steve Jobs, “The only way to do a great work is to love what you do.” Sure, it is easier said than done, because at some point, loving what we are doing can be a difficult task. What you thought would be a pleasant mutually beneficial relationship with paper work, co-employees and your boss, can become a dreaded cloud in the horizon along your supposedly pleasant walk in your career path. Most of the time we get confused, scared even.
But how far do we see ourselves traveling down this road that leads us to the infinite black hole? Here are a few signs that you need a detour and are all set in hop-in for a new job:
You’re not passionate about work any longer
If you can flip a tennis ball, an egg and an apple up in the air while delivering comical one-liners, but your job only allows you to sell tickets, it’s highly possible that you will get bored. Eventually it will lead to apathy that shows up in your work. People around you can tell and they don’t want a job done by this kind of employee.
There can also be situations that you do great in a job that you do not truly enjoy, so you end dreading it.
“Doing the same job for 50 years, unless you love it, is going to prove to be challenging,” says Career Doctor, Dr John Taccori. “Changing careers is healthy and keeps you engaged in the workforce longer. However a career change should be made with a well-informed mind.” Satisfaction and fulfillment ensue if what we do has a purpose at least, if not passion.
You don’t feel your worth is valued
A pat on the back of the boss works wonders. It feeds the basic human necessity of sense of worth and belongingness. A simple, “good job” means you are part of the overall success of the company. However, when you did a job well and have spent blood, sweat and tears just to ensure the quality of your work but never getting any credit or recognition can be a dangerous thing to both parties. It can sap out your interest to your and decreases your chances of survival in your job.
You want to reach a higher level
While some people can be content on staying in the same position for a long period of time, others want to grow in order to progress in their careers. For some workplace, they provide little or no room for growth, thus leaving employees stunted. If this is the case, it’s time to pack your bags and breath fresh air that nourishes career growth.
But be wary. People can make bold career decisions, even unexpected ones. But we have to make sure that every move is a calculated one to minimize risk and avoid the notorious move: One step forward, two steps backward.
You’re always too stressed, even after work
As the popular saying goes, “All work, no play makes John a dull boy.” If your work seems to be occupying your waking hours, following you or let’s say, haunting you at home until the wee hours of the night, then you are sacrificing that much-needed “me” time. This leaves you stressed, thus, making you counterproductive at work. This might happen for occasional urgent reasons, but if it happens almost everyday, just stop and breathe and draft that resignation letter.
You’re depressed
Do you find yourself perennially tired? Do you always drag yourself out of the bed and sometimes think of excuses for skipping work for a day, if not forever? Well, normally that happens especially after long weekends and during cold weather. But if it happens on a regular basis, it is because you don’t like your work. Chances are, your work does not love you back either. This can be manifested in a decreased emotional well being that can further affect our overall well being.
Our jobs offer us a mix of interesting factors such as joy, pain, sadness, sacrifice, kindness, and support. If we, with the participation of our bosses, co-employees and clients manage to strike a good balance of these; then we can yield a satisfying job.
If not, then go ahead and leave. The imbalance of these factors sums up that you are ready for a job change. Do it as a favor to yourself to experience life and a job that you deserve. It wouldn’t be easy but most of the time, the strength to do it is all we need. Make that decision where you won’t end up sully later on. After you’ve found that new job, start with yourself first. Start by being a better version of yourself. Put the distressing situations you have had on your previous job into good use by learning from them. If all else fails, repeat, not the mistakes, but the process. This will eventually lead you to find the one that you deserve.
