Have you heard about “The Great Resignation” which was fashionable a couple of years ago? The Gallup “State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report showed that over half of employees are actively or passively looking for work. Many of us have had challenges at various times in our careers. Sometimes those challenges have been self-imposed and other times they’re brought about by the company or your manager.
Here are the top ten barriers that have impacted my happiness at work and strategies to overcome them:
1. High Stress Levels: Chronic stress can lead to burnout and many health-related problems. To manage stress, integrate relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies. I have learned that if I can control my focus, I can better control my stress. High Stress Levels often occur when you feel out of control. Effective delegation and setting realistic goals can also help manage workload pressures.
2. Poor Work-Life Balance: Has your workload caused you to neglect your family or personal well-being? Sometimes we have large projects that can severely impact our mental and physical health. You can combat this by establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time. I’ve found that it isn’t always the workload, but perhaps my priorities. Is it time to re-prioritize your day? Perhaps it’s making better use of time management techniques or discussing flexible working arrangements with your employer. Working from home can save you the commuting time you are wasting.
3. Feeling Unappreciated: There are times when we work for an employer who doesn’t give us any input on how we are performing and that can quickly diminish our job satisfaction. Sometimes your boss is excellent at providing criticism but rarely provides praise. If this is the case, be upfront with your manager about your need for feedback- both the areas you are doing well and those in which you are not meeting standards. You may also seek out environments where your contributions are valued and acknowledged, even if it is volunteering for a charity.
4. Not Earning What You Are Worth: Earning less than you expect or have earned in the past can lead to resentment. Sometimes it occurs from a re-organization or layoff when you need to accept a position below your previous job. Research the standard industry salaries for your role and location to see how other companies compensate employees in your position. If you are underpaid, prepare a case to negotiate your salary or consider looking for a higher-paying job elsewhere.
5. Toxic Workplace Environment: A negative work environment can take a toll on your happiness and mental health. If improving the situation is not feasible, it might be time to move on. Prioritize finding companies with positive cultures that actively promote employee well-being. What companies would you love to work for and who can you network with to find your ideal job there?
6. Limited Opportunities for Growth: A stagnant career path can demoralize anyone. I was in a management position when it became clear that my department was going to be eliminated in the future due to a change of company direction. I took a position at another company before that occurred. Have you plateaued and reached as high as you can in your career? Are you performing a job that is easy but unfulfilling because it doesn’t lead you to new challenges? It might be time to grow and pursue relevant courses or certifications and express your career aspirations to your superiors, seeking their support for growth opportunities. Or, time to re-evaluate your company and/or career. Identify skills and talents you enjoy doing and think about where else you can use those skills to continue growing in your career. It may be time for a change of job, occupation, or time to start your own business.
7. Misalignment with Personal Values: Working in a role or company that conflicts with your core values can feel compromising. Identify your key values and seek out companies or roles that share those values, enhancing personal and professional alignment.
8. Lack of Passion: When work does not inspire or excite us, we become complacent, and it leads to discontent. To overcome this, reflect on what activities make you lose track of time or what issues you are deeply passionate about. How can you do more of those activities in your current role? Or perhaps it’s time to explore careers that align more closely with these interests.
9. Feeling Underutilized: Not using your skills or talents can lead to job dissatisfaction. Seek opportunities, either within or outside your current employer, where you can leverage your strengths and talents more effectively. Volunteer for projects or tasks that align with your skills.
10. Fear of Change: Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary and keep you stuck in an unhappy job. Many of the other barriers above may inspire you to change your position but to do anything new, you must overcome this barrier. Here are some tips – start with small changes to gradually build your confidence, explore new learning programs or research fields you are interested in. Reach out to someone you know who has made the change you are considering. It’s always easier to follow someone else’s path. You may also consider counseling or career coaching to explore your fears in a supportive environment, and to strategize your next steps. The best way to overcome the fear of change is simply to take action.
Defeating these barriers often requires introspection and action. Remember, career happiness is a journey, not a destination, and it may involve multiple adjustments along the way. Seeking support from mentors, networks, or professionals can provide valuable guidance through this process.
There is nothing worse than staying at a job that has you stressed out on Sunday night because you hate Mondays. You are simply trading the days of your life for dollars. That is not the way to live. Take it from someone who wished he changed careers sooner in his life.
I help individuals who feel stuck in their careers to consider their options and pursue the position they have always wanted. Email or call me if you would like a free 30-minute consultation. You can schedule a call with me at (614) 338-5232 or contact me at info@stevekarski.com.
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