If we had it our way, we wouldn't work at all. We'd bang on the drum all day. 🥁 Maybe throw down a couple of cocktails (after 5pm of course) and eat some bonbons. 🍬🍸
Unfortunately, most of us need a paycheck to make it in this wild world and sometimes, sadly, our jobs really suck. A lot of people stay in stinky careers, even if they cause them more misery than a never ending loop of the Kidz Bop version of…anything. 😵💫
Here’s Five Fast Facts on why we stay at jobs when we're not happy:
- 🤹 New Tricks - It takes a lot of energy to pick up new skills. Many people stay at sucky jobs because the thought of learning something new is downright exhausting. If you're itching for a change, don't let this be your excuse. Adding new skills to your resume is your ticket to a better gig. Taking even the smallest steps will put you closer to the finish line.
- 👮 Cuffing Season - If you're in a job with a cushy salary and top notch perks, you might be wearing what's known as "golden handcuffs." Shiny shackles in the form of big time benefits and a fat paycheck may be keeping you in your cubicle. However, if you're unhappy, it's unlikely another raise will change that. If you were able to land your current sweet gig, there are definitely more where that came from.
- 🍻 Misery Business - Commiserating with coworkers at happy hour is how we de-stress after a hard day at the office. However, too much complaining is a red flag. Some people get so addicted to complaining that they never leave. Plus, it's a great distraction from taking action in your situation. Why not channel that Negative Nancy energy into finding a better job?
- 🫣 Face Your Frenemies - If you're dreaming of a big career change, you might not make moves out of fear of disappointing others. Some people stay in jobs they hate because they're worried about what their family or friends would think if they left. If this is you, take stock of your relationships and who's actually in your corner. People who truly love you wouldn't want you stuck in a lame job. Surround yourself with people who have your best interest.
- 🏰 House Poor - Living beyond your means? You could be chained to your crappy gig because you can't afford an alternative. Expensive cars, a big mortgage, and a lavish lifestyle can be a prison if you're barely scraping by. If true happiness means a career change, you might have to take a pay cut. Consider reassessing your lifestyle and downsizing wherever you can. Take some of the financial burden off your plate and get in a better place to find a job you love.
🔥Bottom line: What's the best thing to do when you hate your job? Look for a new one. When you land an interview, make sure you tell a lie or two. Seriously! This article covers what you should (and shouldn't) lie about in an interview.
Are you currently in a job you don't like?
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