Dissatisfied at work?
80% of people are dissatisfied with their job. What?! Even if that’s not entirely accurate, its still probably a very high figure.
Considering you spend more time working at your job than you do anything else in your life (outside of maybe sleep,) that’s a bummer.
First things first: if you find yourself dissatisfied with your job, and you work for me at Dragon Army, PLEASE let me know! Or if you start working at Dragon Army any time in the future and find you don’t like your job, definitely let me know. I promise, we’ll talk it out and see if we can right the ship.
Ok, so if you find yourself dissatisfied with your job, start by trying to change things up. I wrote a post a while back where I encouraged people to either change the place you work, or change the place you work. The point being, see if you can make your current job work for you, or potentially find a new job at your current place of employment. And if you can’t do that, I suggest finding a new place to work that will provide you with a job that is challenging and fulfilling.
I understand everyone doesn’t have the chance to just quit their job. I do get that. And yet…I think many people end up staying at a job that’s a bummer and not aggressively trying to find something new because its easier just to say “well, its called work for a reason!” and stick with it. But then you’re less happy, you’re more likely to find yourself in a mid-life crisis, or fighting with your spouse, or kicking your dog – I made all of that up but I’m pretty sure that stats would back that up – and that’s not a great way to live.
So if you’re looking for a New Year’s Resolution, try focusing on making sure you have a job that’s fulfilling you. Make it your mission to love your job – I promise its possible.
This is a common result from
1/ under qualified leadership
2/ under qualified management
3/ too many emails, meetings, etc
4/ too much monotony
5/ too many employees vs owners
6/ poor employee hiring/ boarding
7/ poor business processes
8/ not enough autonomy
9/ too much monotony
10/ too little pay and upside
11/ too little fun inside and outside of work
12/ boring business
13/ not enough vacation, sabbaticals
14/ not enough recognition
15/ uninspiring purpose
16/ getting a paycheck is boring
17/ poor communication
18/ too much or too little business travel
19/ commuting to work
20/ overworked, burned out
21/ out of shape
22/ overweight
And the list could go on and on….
In my working life, if I ever feel dissatisfied, I usually try and take a look in the mirror first. I’ve found that sometimes you just hit ruts and that it may not be the job’s fault but my own. Sometimes things just require a shift in attitude/approach from my end – which has helped most of the time (I think that’s where I’ve tried the “change” the place you work angle you mentioned).
That said, sometimes that personal attitude adjustment doesn’t work. When that doesn’t – and I’ve done everything I know to do to make the job better – it’s time to do something else. If I’m that disengaged with my job, I know I won’t be doing myself or my employer any favors by staying put just because it’s easier than finding something new.
Thanks for sharing, DH. Be sure to pass that mentality down to your little one ;)
Absolutely great list, Dave. And you’re right, it could go on and on…
This post definitely hits home as I’m on the job hunt here in a new city and market (SF). Fulfilling niche startup, big corporate brand, agency… So much opportunity and pros and cons with each as I’ve been able to take a step back, play with some freelancing, and think long/hard about my career. There’s gotta be passion and genuine interest. I’m going the extra mile and willing to wait an extra few months to avoid the “it’s just another job and work sucks” sentiment. However, SF rent is not easy on the wallet, and falling into the Nov/Dec holiday times now… Also factoring in commute, quality of life, remote vs. company culture. Lots of factors, making each decision very difficult, but I firmly believe the wait is worth it in the long-run if I can find the best fit the first time around.
Ah, I hear you. And of course, you won’t really know if a job is going to fulfill you until you take it and see what its like, and if its a place worth navigating within.
And sometimes, you gotta pay the bills, totally get that. I’m confident you’ll figure it out ;)
[…] of this sentiment goes back to something I posted a few days back, which is that 80% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs. Which means, if five people lose their job, then four of them have the chance to find something […]
Yes! I spent 3 years trying to ‘change’ the place the I worked but not so easy when it’s made out of marble… so I had to change ‘the place’ I worked. Now much better.
Thanks, Jeff. Hope all is well with you! Just went through the “idol qualities” exercise you recently shared (mine being Donald Glover). Keep the great advice coming. :)