How do you feel about your job?
Does this sound familiar?
- My job is okay but I don’t feel inspired anymore and I have less energy than before
- Some nights I just “veg out” on the couch and watch anything that’s on TV because my job just drains me
- I wonder if it is time for a new job/career or do I just need to change my attitude about my job
- Should I just be grateful to have a job?
The wrong job can hinder your life
If you work full time you spend a third of your waking hours at your job. To work at a place where you don’t feel inspired, day after day can drain you physically, mentally and spiritually and you will pay for this energy drain in some way. Many times people’s health will suffer or their relationships will suffer.
The bottom line is this: You need to decide if this is a temporary situation in your life (i.e.: you are suffering from burnout), or you are getting a clear signal that you must change your job soon.
How you know when to change jobs
It is hard to know at times, especially if old, outdated attitudes about work keep replaying in your mind. Ones like:
- "Work is not meant to be fun so just get over it."
- "At least I have a job!"
- "I don’t know if I could make more money somewhere else."
So, to help you sort through this situation, let’s get you started by answering a few short questions. Really be honest with yourself and answer without censoring or making excuses.
- Do you find yourself consistently thinking at least 3 times a week,”there’s got to be a better way to earn a living?”
- Do you wake up dreading going to work or starting on that project you know it overdue?
- Do you count the days until the weekend?
- Are you consistently tired at the end of your day at least 3 times a week and find little time for other things due to exhaustion?
- Do you spend some of your time fantasizing about doing something entirely different from your current job?
If you answered yes to 2 or more of the questions it’s time to get serious with yourself and ask yourself, "What is it that I truly want to do?" Is there a longtime dream you gave up on awhile back because you traded passion for security? Take the challenge and rate your life now. Take the 10 minute inventory, Rate Your Life, now.
When not to change jobs
Some days are just more taxing than others. If you find that you still are excited about your work most of the time then you might want to read the following articles A Life in Balance & Gratitude Inventory.
You may just need time to re-charge and get perspective on your current job. Changing jobs impulsively make not serve you at this point.