Most people hate Mondays. I used to hate Mondays because I hated my job. I felt like a prisoner in my life. Every time I woke up Monday morning I was reminded that I had to spend the next five days doing something I did not enjoy because it was the only way I could pay my bills.
Then I realized I was lying to myself.
- I did not have to spend the next five days doing anything. No one was holding a gun to my head. Every day I was choosing to work for that particular company. I could work somewhere else. I could quit. I could call in sick.
- Working at that particular job was not the only way I could pay my bills. I could deliver pizzas. I could be a teacher or tutor. I could take a job as a waitress. I could find clients to do freelance consulting work.
- They had great health insurance.
- It paid me a decent salary.
- It provided a steady reliable paycheck that allowed me to make progress towards financial goals.
- It provided experience for me to add on my resume.
Even though the job was not my dream job, I didn’t have to be miserable. Working at my job was not a complete waste of time. It was actually doing a lot more for me than things I would rather be doing like binge-watching Netflix, eating snacks, sleeping 14 hours, etc.)
OK, but I still hate Mondays and my job…what do I do?
While I was glad I didn’t have to be miserable, I wanted the bar for my professional life to be higher than “just above miserable.” I had to take action steps that would move me towards career fulfillment.
Here are some common reasons why people don’t like their job:
- They are not getting paid what they are worth.
- There is no room for growth/promotion.
- They are not passionate about their industry and/or profession.
- They have a toxic boss or coworkers.
- They are overqualified for what they are doing.
Now, can you identify with any of these? If so, I am going to provide you with some actions you can take to solve these problems.
1. You are not getting paid what you are worth.
- Ask for a raise.
- Ask your boss what you need to do to get a raise.
- Apply to other companies.
Employees who stay at companies for longer than two years earn 50% less in their lifetime. If the first two methods didn’t work, it’s probably time to move on.
2. There is no room for growth/promotion.
- Confirm that its true with your boss.
- Take a hard look at your profession.
- Apply to other companies.
- Figure out what you are passionate about before you leave your job.
The last thing you want to do is leave your job thinking you are following your dreams, only to realize later that you don’t enjoy your new “passion” profession. If possible, do an internship or take a part-time position your “passion” industry and soak in as much as you can. I explored the fashion industry by working part-time at a national retailer. I realized quickly it was not for me. Hopefully, that will not be the case for you, but if it is, then at least you didn’t uproot your life only to be disappointed.
4. You have a toxic boss or coworkers.
- Look hard at your part in the situation.
- Ask if you have the option to work remotely.
- Apply to other companies…but do your research.
If working at your job really is unbearable then absolutely apply elsewhere. However, many workplaces are toxic. Talk to current employees at prospective companies, look on Glassdoor and read what people are saying about working there. Sometimes it is better to stay with the devil you know.
5. You are overqualified for what you are doing.
- Tap into your network
- Ask your boss what you need to do to get promoted.
Great post!! Thank you for your article.
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