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You are doing what you love, or at least what you have always wanted to do, you have a decent salary and adequate bosses. And yet every morning you struggle to get yourself out of the house to go to work. What is the reason, reflects the journalist and writer Fabien Broucare.
It is quite possible to become happy in your professional life. You can even fall in love with a seemingly hopelessly unloved job. It is only necessary to find and eliminate one of the possible sources of dissatisfaction. To do this, complete the phrase “I don’t like my job because…”
«…I’m underestimated»
According to the results of a sociological survey conducted in France in April 2015, 7 out of 10 employees believe that they are underestimated. At the same time, it is not only about praise from the authorities or an award for a successful project. Sometimes the approval of colleagues, the appreciation of customers and support from subordinates are more important. When you don’t get feedback on your ideas, suggestions, or actions, you seem to be wasting your efforts.
“Do not be stingy with praise to colleagues and subordinates,” advises Laura Becker, management teacher and professional performance coach. — Recognition of other people’s merits should become a good habit. Of course, you should not praise anyone in vain — so your words will depreciate. And feel free to explain to your boss that you expect praise from him for certain actions. Let him learn to notice and celebrate your merits.
«…there is an unhealthy environment in the team»
The style of communication with colleagues, manager and clients affects your psychological state. Interpersonal relationships in the professional sphere are usually underestimated. Very often, we communicate with colleagues only by phone or e-mail and only on business matters.
Friendly relations in the team will help to avoid many work conflicts, deceit and betrayal
Try to make friends with someone on the staff with whom you have common interests and habits. Try to learn more about the people you work with. This does not mean that you need to pour out your soul in public and talk about personal experiences.
«It’s important to find the right distance you’re willing to get close to your co-workers,» explain psychologists Sylvie Bernard-Curie and Christophe Deval, authors of Simplify Your Relationships. — Friendly relations in the team will help to avoid many work conflicts, deceit and betrayal. Trusting relationships can be built even with superiors. This way you will be more likely to be heard. The main thing is not to cross the line. Nobody likes familiarity and sycophancy.”
«…my work makes no sense»
According to psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, those people who are not aware of their contribution to the success of a common cause are the least happy. It is logical that you do not want to do anything if you do not see the benefit in the work. There are two ways out of this situation: change jobs or still find meaning.
Let’s say you work as a call center operator. If you think that your only job is to process as many calls as possible, it’s mentally debilitating. If you realize that you are helping people solve a problem or deal with a difficult situation, it cheers you up.
“Mark for yourself the moments when your work helps real people. Also think about how solving a particular problem enhances your professional experience. Finally, think about the income and financial assistance that you provide to other family members,” advises Tal Ben-Shahar.
«…I feel insecure»
Fears, doubts, internal barriers — a variety of experiences prevent you from feeling comfortable in the workplace. You are afraid to make a mistake. It seems to you that you do not understand how to perform this or that task. Feel free to express your thoughts. Consider yourself stupider than your colleagues.
Perhaps you think you are not suitable for this position? Doubt your professionalism? Then you need to start working on your self-esteem. To begin with, imagine how many people occupy positions for which their competence is not enough. You also need to change the way you think.
“From now on, your main mission is to sweep aside all doubts, fears and negative experiences,” says psychologist Beatrice Laurent, author of the book I Stop Thinking Too Much. “Realize that all these thoughts only hinder your development and prevent you from becoming the professional you want to be.”
«…I’m too tired»
Too many emails to answer. Too many meetings, meetings, negotiations. You often do not have time to finish things during working hours and sit up at the computer until two in the morning. Excessive workload is a direct path to emotional burnout. Every second employee experiences constant stress due to the amount of work.
“Don’t try to do as much as you can in a limited amount of time. Look at your possibilities realistically and temper your ambitions. Slow down, says psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar. “No” is a very simple and short word. Why is it so difficult for us to pronounce it? Learn to refuse processing, performing other people’s tasks.
Don’t settle for doing a huge amount of work in an unrealistically short amount of time. Set your priorities. What is more important for your personal happiness? Turn in a project early or spend a weekend with your family? Earn more money or meet friends in the evening? Find the courage to listen to yourself and follow your true desires.”
Only in this way will you enjoy your work.