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If you can relate to the latter, perhaps it’s time to either change your job or change your mindset.
Many thought leaders are of the opinion that when you change your perspective about something, your experience thereof changes and, yes, most of the time, it really does take a mind shift to realise that where we’d like to be in our lives may be a step through where we currently are.
Organisational behaviour expert, Amy Wrzesniewski, says that we don’t often realise just how much room we actually have in our careers to make the changes we need to turn the job we have into the job we want –without actually quitting.
Here are 5 sign that you are severely lacking job satisfaction:
• You are a clock watcher. Everyone becomes a little bored of work from time to time, but if you’re spending your 9 to 5 waiting for the day to end, then you seriously need to redefine what you’re spending your time on.
Aim for and make suggestions to your employers and colleagues about the kinds of job tasks and job responsibilities you much rather enjoy doing or simply try to integrate your interests into your job.
• You just do your work and then you get out. Being a loner at work can create a long, dreary and alienating experience at work. If you don’t seem to be getting along with anyone in the office then you need to be honest about what may be stopping you from forming bonds and getting to know someone else.
Working well together with others is a key in achieving productivity – and a key to your long-term happiness.
• No desire to share what you actually do with others. If you’re hiding behind euphemistic statements like: “I am in property management,’ instead of “I run a Psy-trance dance club” you miss the opportunity to network with others who might really be interested in your niche field of work.
Whether you’re manufacturing porn or Vaseline, you need to find meaning and pride in the work you’re doing – or take the time and effort to make the change and find a job you can naturally feel passionate about.
• You’re not being challenged. When your abilities are not being tried, tested and pushed further, then frankly, you must be bored out of your mind. The greatest dissatisfaction you can experience is feeling that you’re not being challenged and not learning anymore.
Try redesigning your job to better fit your motives, strengths and passions. Decide what it is you wish to change (tasks, relationships or purpose) then implement these changes based on how positively it affects your working environment.
• Feeling undervalued and unsuccessful. This is one feeling that cannot and should not be ignored. If you’re no longer feeling joy in your work victories and, especially, when you no longer believe in what you’re doing then you seriously need to consider seeking another position.
Overall, remember that you’re not alone. Most of us find ourselves in the wrong job at some point in our careers and managing director at Koya Leadership Partnership, Molly Brennan, agrees. So, be the change you wish you see.
