WORK IT OUT
Seven signs you hate your job and what to do about it
Do you leap out of bed on a Monday morning, excited to go to work? Or, do you get the “Sunday scaries” – that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach? On average, we spend 81,396 hours at work over the course of a lifetime, according to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2022 report. Gallup’s research into wellbeing at work found that 60 per cent of people are emotionally detached at their job, and 19 per cent are miserable.
Having a job you hate is worse than being unemployed, and those negative emotions can end up at home, impacting relationships with family.
If you’re not thriving at work, you’re unlikely to be thriving at life. Understanding why you hate your job is the first step to finding a solution. Here are seven ways to help you identify why you hate your work and what you can do about it.
. YOU’RE NOT PLAYING TO YOUR STRENGTHS
Most people can identify their weaknesses but struggle to identify their strengths. If you don’t have the opportunity to do what you do best every day and play to your strengths, it’s like being weighed down by kryptonite.
Consider taking a CliftonStrengths assessment, which reveals your unique talents and strengths, and what sets you apart from everyone else. In fact, the combinations of talents are so unique that the chance that two people share the same top five CliftonStrengths themes in the same order is more than 1 in 33 million!
. THERE’S A NEGATIVE CULTURE
Like a rotten apple spoiling the barrel, negativity from coworkers can infect the team, destroying camaraderie and productivity. While you may not be able to change the entire workplace culture, focus
on areas within your control. Lead by example, and identify opportunities to make a positive impact.
If it’s comfortable, try addressing concerns with management. If the vibe persists and significantly impacts your wellbeing or career growth, consider exploring alternative options, such as transferring to a different team or seeking opportunities outside the organisation.
. YOU HAVE A BAD BOSS
“I love being micro-managed,” said no-one, ever. Having a bad boss or being subjected to unfair treatment extends beyond mere job hatred – it corrodes trust and fuels disengagement. Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to a mentor, reach out to an employee assistance program, human resources, a career coach or the next leader up the chain.
. THE WORKLOAD IS OVERBEARING
Are you constantly overwhelmed with tasks, working long hours and struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance? Is it making you feeling under-appreciated? Have a conversation with your manager about “job crafting” – customising the tasks, your hours, and how you would like to be recognised. Ensure that what you craft aligns with your top five strengths.
. NO GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Without the prospect of learning new skills, taking on new challenges or progressing in your career, you may feel stagnant and unfulfilled. Take the reins of your growth journey! If you love learning, think about some short and longterm goals, and consider different means of learning: podcasts, job shadowing, reading and secondments. It’s not just about courses. Write your development plan and take it to your manager or consider getting a career coach.
. YOU FEEL THAT YOUR ROLE LACKS PURPOSE
The pandemic has made many of us reflect on what’s important. There can be a feeling of disconnection when a job lacks purpose or fails to align with the company’s goals.
Think about the activities, interests and topics that ignite a sense of excitement or fulfilment within you. Think about your best ever day at work. What were you doing? Who were you with? Write a list and pay attention to the moments when you felt happiest and most engaged.
. THERE’S A MISALIGNMENT OF VALUES
Does your current job align with your personal values? For example, if you value creativity and freedom but find yourself in a rigid, bureaucratic environment, this misalignment could lead to feelings of frustration and unhappiness. Identify your values through online tools or lists.
SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Think about the toll it’s taking, the countless hours lost doing something you don’t love, the precious moments taken away from loved ones, and the sacrifices made in the name of career demands. Life is fleeting. It’s too valuable to spend chasing after a pay cheque that doesn’t bring you joy.
Understanding the root causes of your job hatred requires introspection, reflection, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. By considering all factors, you can then take steps towards addressing them, whether that involves seeking opportunities for growth within your current role, making changes to your work environment, discovering your values, strengths and purpose, or exploring new career paths altogether.
Charlotte Blair is a Gallup Strengths Coach. She works with individuals and teams to help them meet their business and personal goals.