Hate your job?

We all come into a job with certain expectations. Those may be based on previous personal experiences, others

Has your employment hit a wall?

experiences in a similar setting, something from TV, movies, or books. Basically, anything that you come into contact with throughout your life influences your perception and expectation of the world, society, and your workplace. Alas, expectations and perceptions are seldom reality. What you perceived as a dream job can quickly turn into a nightmare, and unless you’re ready to cut bait, you might find yourself in an undesirable situation.

What would you tell me if I told you that from this point forward you have to sleep on the bare floor? Such an arrangement would make you uncomfortable, unhappy, and be a detriment to your health. Being employed in a setting you hate has the same effects. You wouldn’t sleep on the bare floor, so why do you remain in your employment? It may as well be subconscious. There are lots of people who don’t enjoy what they do, yet they do it still. Most of the time the reason is financial: it’s easier to maintain an existing job rather than find a new one. But what does being unhappy in your workplace mean for your future? The answer is more frightening than you may think.

First of all, you have to ask yourself this question: “Why am I here?” What was it about this job that enticed you to travel this path? The circumstances that made you want this job from the get-go, have most likely changed. And not for the better.

The longer you remain unhappily employed, the harder it will be to get your career back on track. Your job feels unrewarding, your superiors feel ungrateful. Without noticing, you fall into the wrong habits.  It’s hard to push yourself when you aren’t happy.

Some major effects of unhappiness include:

• Tardiness
• Procrastination on your tasks and responsibilities
• Reluctance to go the extra step on assignments
• Finding reasons to escape your workspace
• Stress that carries into your personal time
• Unprofessional behavior

Stress at work is a clear sign of unhappiness

Falling into these habits is easy, and getting back on track is not. Being unhappy in your workplace affects everything and everyone else in your life. Studies show that when you’re unhappy at work you’re more prone to experience severe physical stress symptoms such as, insomnia, headaches, low energy, and muscle tension. The emotional and physical strain on yourself will translate to emotional and physical strain on your loved ones. Your personal relationships will suffer. Your overall well-being will deteriorate. And when you finally break out and start doing a job you love, you take all these bad habits with you.

Whether you know that you hate your job, or see yourself moving in that direction, you may be better suited doing something you enjoy. You may have to take a job that pays less, but the real reward will be unquantifiable.