DEVELOPMENT
81,396 hours . That ’ s how much time , on average , you spend at work in your lifetime , according to Gallup ’ s State of the Global Workplace : 2022 Report . Gallup ® also found 59 % people are emotionally detached at work and 18 % are miserable .
Moreover , Gallup ’ s research into wellbeing at work finds that having a job you hate is worse than being unemployed – and those negative emotions 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 towards finding a solution but that ’ s not all . If this is sounding all too familiar , here are seven ways to help you identify why you hate your job and what you can do about it …
You are not playing to your strengths
1 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 an assessment like CliftonStrengths , which reveals 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 over one in 33 million !
The negative workplace culture
2 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 comfortable , try addressing concerns with management . If it persists and significantly impacts your wellbeing or career growth , consider exploring alternative options , such as transferring to a different team or seeking opportunities outside of the organisation .
Your boss
3 “ 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 , stifles communication , and fuels disengagement . Do not suffer in silence ; speak to a mentor , a coach , HR or the next leader up .
Workload and responsibilities
4 Are you constantly overwhelmed with tasks , working long hours , struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance and feeling underappreciated ? Have a conversation with your manager about the tasks , hours and how you like to be recognised . Ensure this aligns with your strengths .
You are not developing or growing
5 Without the prospect of learning new skills , taking on new challenges or progressing in your career , you may feel stagnant and unfulfilled . So , take the reins of your growth journey ! If you love learning , think about some short and long-term goals and consider different means of learning . From podcasts , job shadowing and reading to secondments , it ’ s not just about courses . Write your development plan and take it to your manager or consider getting a career coach .
Lack of purpose or meaning
6 The pandemic made many of us reflect on what ’ s important . And there can be a disconnection when a job lacks purpose or fails to align with the company ’ s purpose . 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 engaged .
Misalignment of values
7 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 ( try online tools or lists ) and think about the toll – the countless hours lost doing something you do not love , the precious moments taken away from loved ones and the sacrifices made in the name of career demands . Life is fleeting ; too valuable to spend chasing after a paycheck that doesn ’ t bring you joy .
Understanding the root causes of any job dislike requires introspection , reflection and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths . By considering all factors , you can then take steps to address them . Whether it involves seeking opportunities for growth within your current role , making changes work environment , discovering your values , strengths and purpose or exploring new career paths altogether . S thestrengthspartners . com
THE EXPERT
Charlotte , one of Australia ’ s longestestablished and most experienced Gallupaccredited strengths coaches , works with individuals , managers and teams across the world to help them discover and use their strengths to meet their business and personal goals .
Winter Issue 2024 | Executive PA 59