5 strategies when you are unhappy at work (including 3 strategies in case you are not sure about quitting)
Today I want to talk with you about what you can do when you are unhappy at work but don't really know what to do. Research shows that way too many people are unsatisfied with their jobs and want a change. However, leaving an unfulfilling career behind is not possible for everyone all the time. Of course, I am a big advocate of taking action to change your life. I´ll always ask you to have a close look at what you might be able to change and take action accordingly. But it's also a reality that there are many reasons why this might not be the right thing for you to do at the moment. And often, quitting is not the best step anyway. At least not the best first step because there are so many other things you can try to improve your situation first.So let´s talk about what strategies you can apply if you are unhappy in your job but are not sure if quitting is the right thing to do.Strategy 1: Alter, adjust, change (reinvent your current job)
This strategy is to work with what you have. In other words: change your current job in a way so that it feels more fulfilling. I know, this might sound counterintuitive because all you want to do is to leave but hear me out. We often forget how much room there is to change things if we only try. It´s very easy to just give up and surrender to how things are. But the uncomfortable truth is that only you can change things. As wonderful as it would be if companies proactively adjusted things so their employees feel happier at work, it rarely happens. You will have to be the one who initiates the change you want to see.How to:
Start with what´s already part of your job and what you enjoy doing. Then think of ways how you can do more of that in your current job.Once you have ideas (and maybe have tried them already!) approach your manager and suggest the changes you have in mind.If this step is successful then ´take it from there. Build a more fulfilling career one change and one step at a time.
MANTRA: It doesn't hurt to ask!
Strategy 2: Stay - but move! (internal career change)
If you are thinking of a career change then use your current job to your advantage. Changing your career is the easiest when you build this step on the experience, internal knowledge, network, and reputation you´ve already built in your current company.Examples: changing from Marketing to Human Resources, from Data Analytics to the Sales team, from Administration to Product Management.Your target here is a lateral change - staying with your employer but transitioning to a new job, new tasks, and a new team. And because your employer already knows you this step will be far easier than when you would have to build your new career from scratch.How to
Do an inventory: What skills and connections do you already have that can be useful for this transition? And what is missing?Talk to your employer about your career - you might be suprised as often companies support internal career changes (including providing necessary training!)If possible, talk to people about your change, strengthen your network and share your story for a smooth transition.
MANTRA: Sometimes the obvious option is a good choice indeed.
Strategy #3: Move - but take your skills with you! (change company but do the same job)
This strategy is for you if you generally like what you do but need a breeze of fresh air. This strategy is about changing the company or industry but keep on working in your profession. This way of changing your job can be very effective because it allows you a fresh start and to see things with new eyes. It´s also the right strategy for you if you are just over with your current employer and have no aspiration anymore to initiate change. A new industry, new colleagues, and a new environment can rekindle the passion for your profession, so it´s worth the try!How to
This is the most straightforward strategy of all: simply apply for a new job!To make sure you´ll be happy in your new job invest some time and get clear on what you are looking for. What structure, tasks, environment, and team do you need around you to feel happy at work. What are red flags for you?This strategy has the big advantage that you can take your time to look for a better job. Some employers also prefer to interview candidates who are already employed so use this to your advantage to get your foot in the door.
MANTRA: I trust the magic of new beginnings.
Strategy # 4: A true career change (including starting your own business)
If you are thinking of a real career change you have chosen the hardest of all options - but sometimes this is the only way forward! Keep in mind that a real career change might take time, resources, and determination. A good way to prepare for this move is to save up some money, build the necessary skills, and expand your network - all things you can do beautifully while still working in your current job!How to
Build your foundation for this step: finances, know-how, people, infrastructure, mindset. If you manage to have this in place, every move will become easier!Ideally, you´ll test your ideas before going all in. The best way: Designing Your Life prototypes. These can be short conversations, testing your business idea with real (potential) clients, or taking small steps to see how things feel.Make a plan of your way forward. It will give you clarity about the steps to take and remove pressure because you know you have it all mapped out.
MANTRA: Everything is figueroutable!
Strategy # 5: Accept it (for now!)
So you might not like this strategy at all because strategy #5 is simply to accept what is. This can sound like you are giving up or letting go of all your dreams and aspirations. Which is not necessarily the case. Because sometimes, life will ask you to focus on other things than your career and “aspirational” goals will not have room for that. In such cases, a legitimate step is to accept what is. To give your job a new meaning - eg that it supports your other priorities, that it provides (financial) stability, or that it is simply a reasonable place to hang out until you are ready for your next move.How to
Be honest with yourself if this is the right step for you. If you discover that it´s actually hidden fears trying to convince you not to change, then take action. But if you realize that quitting or moving is simply not the right thing to do then stop the fight and make the conscious decision to accept what isChoose other sources of joy if your job does not give you any fulfillment, pleasure, or energy. Whether that is your personal life, hobbies, voluntary work, or focusing on yourself.Regularly review if this is still the right thing for you and if there are things you can do to feel better. Life changes, circumstances change and you change - so maybe after a while of accepting you realize that now the time has come to move on.
MANTRA: I accept the things I cannot change - and change the things I can.
Things will change - and so will you!
This article is meant to inspire you to look outside the box and explore the options you have. If your job is not the right thing for you anymore, make a plan and quit. But in case this is not possible for you then work with what you have, and adapt what´s possible. Things will change and the moment will come when you change things. Until then, make the best of what is while figuring out your next steps.You got this - and so much more!————
Hey, I am Laura a certified Designing Your Life Coach, recruitment professional, podcaster, multi-passionate career changer, and business owner, In my Designing Your (Work) Life 1:1 Coaching series, I will help you to gain clarity about what you want in life and your career, equip you with the tools you need to create a fulfilling (work) life and move through challenges along the way. Because this is not only about a job but about what life you want to live! 🌿
