Job satisfaction is an essential component of a happy and prosperous career.
However, it’s often the case where most employees feel unmotivated and restless within their current roles. This can be the result of a variety of factors like a lack of career advancement opportunities, menial and repetitive tasks, a lack of purposeful work and, more commonly, a toxic work environment.
We spoke to career coach and job search specialist Adele Leah, who shared her thoughts on job satisfaction and happiness, and how you can determine what the root cause may be behind your job dissatisfaction.
Leah begins by saying that job satisfaction is achieved when you feel that you’re developing and growing within your role. However, if this is not the case, then it’s vital that you reflect on your progress. By devoting some time to recognise the impact you’ve had on an organisation, you can cultivate a sense of greater satisfaction, she notes.
She also encourages to shift your focus away from the negative aspects of your job and instead place it on the positives. What do you like about your role? This change of mindset can help alleviate the dread you feel going into work every day.
That said, if you find that the negatives outweigh the positives, then you must consider your reasons for choosing to stay in this role. It could also prompt you to look ahead; what does your next role look like? The silver lining in this scenario, Leah observes, is that being in a job that is wrong for you will help you recognise what is right for you too and encourage you to take more strategic steps from there.
When it comes to improving your day-to-day work life, thinking about how you contribute to your company’s objectives could help you feel happier. Meanwhile, looking back at your achievements and your professional growth can also motivate you and bring things into perspective.
And if you’re having doubts about your career path, then you must ask yourself if you feel energised by what you do. Are you inspired? Does your industry spark excitement in you?
If the answer is ‘no’, then it could be a sign that you need to reconsider your professional choices. Growth is another indicator here – wanting to develop further and sharpen your expertise within your chosen sector signals that you’re passionate about what you do.
Feelings like boredom, dread, tiredness and discouragement are again strong indicators that you need to make a career change, be it by moving on to a new company or a new industry altogether.
If you can leave your current role before finding a new one, Leah says that this might be the best option. That’s because remaining in a negative environment while looking for new and better opportunities could stifle your job search. If, however, you need to secure a new job before handing in your notice, Leah suggests that you take some time off to get your CV up to scratch.
But before you make any rushed decisions, Leah cautions to first understand what it is about your current role that triggers these negative emotions. This could make you approach your current job differently, as well as help you understand what you seek from your next one.
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Are you satisfied with your job? How do you think employers could improve workplace happiness? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!