What does happiness at work mean for you? Is happiness rooted in an excellent work-life balance? Is happiness associated with high paying commissions? Is happiness conveyed through a supportive community? Is it a role that paves the way for career growth?
Happiness in the workplace varies from one person to another. Whatever defines joy in a career for you, it is most likely that you have clicked on this article because you are not fully confident that your current position at work meets your definition of a joyful career.
Seeking to make a change of career is generally a frightening thing to do. The fear of what would happen if your career switch does not work out well can be stress-inducing. However, sometimes not making a career switch becomes even more frightening because of the consequences it will have on your overall quality of life. If you are wrestling between the choice of staying or leaving your job, here are 7 signs that it may be time for you to pack your bags and leave.
7 signs you are feeling unhappy at work
Your tasks at work no longer spark any joy
Are you losing genuine interest in the tasks you have been assigned to? Or do you continuously dread the hours you spend at work and are dulled by every upcoming task that comes your way? Perhaps at one point in time, you found meaning in your work, but the result of losing passion for your everyday tasks makes even the most interesting aspects of your job seem mundane. This could lead to potential burnout.
The only thing that excites you at work is the time to get off work
It is normal for people to have a sigh of relief that a hectic workday has come to an end. But if you find yourself frequently counting down the hours until you are able to clock out, this can be a clear sign that it is time to break the cycle of a monotonous work routine.
You feel physically trapped at work
If your cubicle or the four walls of the office makes you feel trapped, this could indicate an internal longing for change. Perhaps the lack of professional development and growth in your career path makes the physical space of your workplace unenjoyable.
You are struggling with motivation
A good indication that you need a change of career is when your levels of motivation are crumbling into particularly harmful territory. For example, if you are seldom late for work and are starting to turn up late to meetings or delivering tasks past their given deadline, it might be time to move on as you are not only holding yourself back but you could be potentially holding your company back from achieving success.
You no longer set any goals
Goal setting is an essential part of personal and professional development. If you no longer feel challenged to strive for more, this may further emphasise feelings of being trapped at work. A fulfilling career comes with various challenges and goals that are rooted in excitement and purpose.
There is a lack of meaningful relationships at work
We are all social beings that thrive on meaningful relationships. We do not function at our best when we are isolated because we are made to form purposeful interactions and bonds with the people that surround us. If you feel disconnected from your employer or co-workers, it could be a sign that you are not in the right work culture.
Your mental and physical health is affected
If you often find yourself mentally dismayed and exhausted, it can lead to negative physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, bad eating habits, lack of sleep, frequent dizziness and low energy. Your mental and physical health is interconnected, if your job is having a negative impact on your overall well-being, you will be doing yourself and your loved ones a favour by moving on.
If you can resonate with most or all of these signs, we strongly encourage you to reconsider your current career state. Do not be disheartened or threatened by the search for a new career, it is never too late to immerse yourself in a new path that will bring you joy.
If you are keen to find a new career, the door to our team at EΛOL is always open for you. We have a strong focus on job satisfaction through an excellent work-life balance that will enable you to spend more time on your personal well-being as well as with your loved ones. To find out more, get in touch with us now.