4 Signs of Job Dissatisfaction
Most of us have bills to pay, and we like routine. When a job provides security and a sense of identity, it can be challenging to hate the work. There can be valid reasons why a job is not a good fit. Consider the following signs to see if it may be time to consider a job change.
1. Boredom
After working at the same job for a while, most people master the responsibilities. Being a subject matter expert can be an ego boost, but that great feeling is brief and will not sustain job satisfaction. If a job is tedious, boredom can be a great motivator to learn something new or make a job change.
According to the Pew Research Center study, 30% of Americans view their job as just a way to get by and not as a meaningful or fulfilling career.
A job change can be intimidating, but it is usually a better experience than the monotony of tedious work or Monday morning blues.
2. Not Giving a %uck
If a job is not engaging or there is a feeling of being undervalued, an attitude shift into not caring can creep in. Lack of motivation during the workday, taking more breaks than working, or inefficiency are all signs that it may be time for a job change.
Work does not need to be all-consuming, and taking a relaxed approach can be positive. However, putting more effort into not working or not getting fired is a sign there is a problem. Consider what is preventing responsibilities from being completed.
3. Physical Distress
Stress can be a great motivator providing a short boost of energy. However, daily stress can transpire into physical issues appearing as continual body aches, trouble sleeping, digestive challenges, or worse. While it can seem easy to ignore job dissatisfaction, over time physical pain will show there is an issue. When faced with physical problems, consider if the job is worth losing your health.
4. Growth
Fast Company and Deloitte studies show that 61% of American employees feel like they hide part of their work identity due to unaligned values.
When a job shows no future options, it may be time for a change. Maybe the organization has serious financial challenges, or continuous reorganizations, a lack of diversity, or disrespectful leadership behaviors, or unaligned company goals with your values. If the work future looks bleak and isn’t appealing, then consider a job change.
According to a Forbes December 2020 article about finding a new job in 2021, remote work opportunities globally are expected to increase by 77% between 2019 and 2022. In-demand jobs, like front line health care providers, will have an expected 52% growth in 2021.
Evaluate what you want for your career. Are you happy, are you learning, are there growth options? If the answers are no, exploring options and consider changes may help.
