Does Your Job Give You Everything You Want? If Not, Take a Broader View

Number 141

We devote vast time and energy to our professions, and we expect much in return. But sometimes we aren’t satisfied with the deals we’ve cut. Even when the pay is good, our jobs may leave us feeling bored, ignored or frustrated.

Would you like to get a bit more out of your work? Perhaps more recognition or stimulation? Certainly it makes sense to seek ways to make your job more satisfying. But don’t stop there. It may be that some of the elements you are missing at work could be found elsewhere in your life.

If you are happy, healthy and engaged in life, you are most likely to thrive in your career. But you may have to look to additional avenues to find the fulfillment that will allow you to be at your best, both at work and at home.

Ask yourself about what is missing in your work life – like appreciation or a sense of community – and consider whether you might find other ways to attract those elements into your life. Ask these questions, as you explore ways to meet needs not currently met by your career:

• Are you lonely? Research suggests that people are generally happier the more they socialize. Gallup data on well-being show that the happiest Americans socialize six or seven hours a day. If your job doesn’t offer satisfying interaction with others, look within and beyond your professional life to improve your social life. Schedule simple activities during the day, like coffee breaks and quick lunches. Join professional groups and committees. And drag yourself out of the office for regular time with friends and networking in your community.
• Do you need more recognition and appreciation? High achievers often reach a plateau where they are still doing good work, but their colleagues are taking it for granted. They may enjoy the work itself, but they miss getting “A’s” and being thanked for their efforts. If you feel like you’re not enjoying enough respect on the job, reflect on whether there are other venues where your contributions might be appreciated. Consider service on a non-profit board, or find some other kind of volunteer work. Join a club or reconnect with your faith-based organization.
• Do you need new challenges? We tend to get bored when we perform similar tasks for a long time. But when we are engaged in learning something new – even if it is not directly related to our jobs – we may develop renewed interest in our work. It seems that when we are in a learning mode we start to view old routines in a new way. We are more alert, and spot new connections and develop fresh ideas. So if you are bored with your job, you might create a change of pace by studying something new. Learn a language, pick up a new skill, or pursue an abandoned hobby. You can stimulate new energy at work by engaging your brain in new challenges outside the office.
• Is your job too stressful? On-the-job stress tends to build with time. When we already are feeling stressed we overreact to emergencies and other new stressors and the pressure continues to build. We may reach a stage that we are so stressed we can barely function, but are feeling so overwhelmed that we don’t dare take a minute off. Research suggests that people in stressful jobs often improve their performance if they take regular breaks. So build in small breaks throughout your days with meditation, brief walks or deep breathing. And take regular vacations. Even if you think you are too busy to get away, you may find renewal that will allow you to perform more effectively than ever.