We’ll explain in greater detail in a moment.
There are two main reasons why unhappy American workers continue to slave away at their misery-invoking jobs: The first is that they don’t understand why they’re unhappy – they can’t nail down the reason, so they continue thinking there’s no way to eradicate those negative feelings. The second is that they don’t know what to do about it; they may know what’s wrong, but don’t believe it can be changed or see any viable option to pursue.
Before we get into the ways in which to reflect before quitting a job you’re miserable at, let’s make a quick summary of the primary reasons for unhappiness at work:
• Pay
• Stability
• Future
• Co-Workers
• Demands/High Pressure
• Flexibility Restraints
• Nature of the Work Itself
Feeling stuck and unhappy in your job, but unsure of what to do about it? Begin considering...
1. Is it the Job Itself – or You?
Please believe us – we’re not trying to seem cruel or cold at all. It’s just that you need to begin evaluating whether you’re experiencing moments of unhappiness or if this is an ongoing problem; think about what you might be able to change (or not change), such as relationships with supervisors/co-workers, as well as the office culture, job responsibilities, schedule, business practices of the company, salary, purpose, etc. For example: Ask yourself if you can change your perspective with regard to how your role is bringing purpose and meaning…and if so, can you change your approach?
Additionally, consider what “fulfillment at work” looks like to you; assess if it’s your job itself or areas of your life which are suffering (i.e. determine patterns).
2. How to Make Positive Changes in Your Environment
In this step, you consider changing what you do and how you do it – if you’re unsure about a new job, confront the areas in your current job that make you unhappy so that you’re clearer about seeking a new position. If you’re sure you want a new job, find ways to cope with your current situation while you search for another position – in so doing, be sure to avoid ruminating on the negative and do your best work while you’re still at the job you dislike (after all, you may not have anything lined up yet, so why burn any bridges?).
3. Planning Your Next Direction and Creating Steps to Achieve That Goal
Make a list and start asking yourself:
• What are the risks of staying/leaving?
• What is my commitment to this goal?
• When will I start; do I have a timeline?
• What are the qualities that must be present in the next job so that I do not get caught up in the same pattern?
Once you understand why you are unhappy, you can begin taking meaningful action to improve your circumstances.
