What If You’re Not Happy in Your Job?
In a world in which we spend most of our waking hours working, what happens when you’re not happy in your job? It might not bring you satisfaction or provide a good work-life balance; you might have poor relations with your boss or coworkers; or you just might feel like you’re stuck on a treadmill going nowhere. No matter the reason, you may be considering options for your future. No one wants to be unhappy at work, much less miserable, if it’s come to that. What can you do to navigate a challenging work situation?
Stop and Reflect on the Situation
No one makes the best decisions in the heat of the moment. One bad day doesn’t mean this position or company isn’t for you. Even bad weeks and months pass, so you don’t want to do something rash when it comes to your career future. Any important decision warrants some self-reflection.
Determine the reasons you’re not happy in your job. Is it because of your relationship with a boss, mentor, or coworker, or are there other aspects of the job that weigh on you? Some reasons you may feel unhappy at work may include:
- a lack of opportunities for growth
- poor work-life balance
- misaligned corporate culture
- feeling personally undervalued
Identifying the root causes for your discontent will help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Identify Alternative Solutions
If you’re not happy in your job, it’s worth considering other options within the organization. Could you have a conversation with your supervisor? By clearly communicating your concerns, you can work together to explore ways to mitigate the challenges you’re facing. If the issue lies with your boss, remember that she may be unaware of your feelings and how her actions have affected you. And if there are other concerns you have, getting them out in the open may be the first step to finding a resolution.
Leverage HR as a Partner
One of the primary goals of your company’s human resources department is to support employees and maintain a positive work environment. If you’re not happy in your job, consider connecting with HR to ask for assistance and guidance with next steps. HR’s role within the organization is to provide a safe space for you to share your concerns confidentially. They may also have insights into other opportunities or resources that could serve to improve the situation.
Highlight Your Value to the Company
When you connect with your supervisor or HR about your unhappiness at work, this is a good time to put a spotlight on the value you have provided (and continue to provide) to the company. Highlight your contributions to the team and the skills you bring. If your boss and/or HR realize your importance, they may be more willing to advocate for you and help you find greater happiness in the organization. That could mean exploring other positions or improving your current situation. Demonstrating your dedication and commitment to the company can significantly influence their perception of your worth.
Explore Internal Opportunities
By sharing your worth with HR and involving them as an advocate, you’re more likely to gain access to other roles in the organization, perhaps in a different department, team, or location. Moving internally within the company can provide you with a fresh start and the chance to find a better fit with your talents and personality.
Research other departments and positions that align with your career goals and discuss these possibilities with HR, who can guide you through the application process and help navigate the transition. And if you have proven yourself to be a value asset in one department, it’s likely another department will be happy to have you.
Seek External Support
When you feel you’ve exhausted all your internal options, it might be time to extend your search. Career coaches, mentors, and other experts in your professional network can be invaluable to help you determine best next steps. They can provide guidance and insight as you explore career options. Professionals can also help you update your resume and prepare for the interview process if you choose to separate from your current company and look for new opportunities.
Uplevel Your Skills
Whether you choose to stay in your current company or role—or you decide that moving on is the best option—it’s always good to improve your value add. By investing in professional and personal development, you’ll boost your confidence and increase your marketability for future roles. Identify areas where you can acquire new skills or enhance those you already have. Then look for training programs, online courses, or industry certifications that fit your goals. You can never lose when you invest in yourself.
What to Do When You’re Not Happy in Your Job
When you’re not happy in your job, you don’t give your all, your self-confidence declines, and your work-life balance suffers. It’s common to have this happen from time to time, and being unhappy doesn’t always mean it’s time to move on. However, getting in touch with your feelings and investigating the source of your discontent, as well as potential options, can go a long way to helping you reengage at work.
Remember that a career journey is a dynamic and evolving process, and it’s up to you to advocate for yourself to ensure that you’re on a journey that fits best for your needs and desires. Resume and Career Services includes our Career Advocate Program with all our packages, so you’ll not only have up-to-date career documents, but you’ll also be educated and empowered to move forward. You can even add on our coaching program to work one on one with your own dedicated advocate. Learn more about all our options here.