The Careers Coach

Humans are natural procrastinators. We are fabulous at it. We like to think we can embrace change but actually, there’s nothing we like better than to stick with what we know - even if it means sacrificing our own happiness. As a result, many of us stay in jobs that we should have left a long time ago, uncomfortably aware that other opportunities are possibly passing us by but feeling powerless to do anything about it. If you’re wanting to break the cycle and gauge whether you’ve been sticking it out a little too long, here are some questions to ask yourself…

Am I inspired?

Every job has its core functions and one of the key ones of your management team is to inspire those around them. Are you in an environment where you feel challenged, inspired and are continuously learning from those steering the ship? If that sense of inspiration isn’t there and you’re experiencing an increasing sense of repetition, then it’s time to consider whether your current role is maybe past its sell-by-date.

Am I having fun?

Many of us tolerate a mediocre job experience because we’ve been taught from an early age that there is a compromise to be made for receiving a regular salary every month. Every job has its highs and lows but if you’re feeling more lows than anything else, don’t just accept it. If you’re not having fun for the majority of the time you’re at work, something needs addressing.

What am I bringing to the party?

What you put in is what you get out. As much as the organisation you work for has a responsibility to be a place of inspiration, you also need to take responsibility for what you are offering. Are you a force for good, bringing enthusiasm and a can-do attitude to the office every day? Have you done all you can to demonstrate everything you have to offer through your attitude, behaviour and thinking? If your answer is yes but you’re still feeling a sense of dissatisfaction then it may be time to make some changes.

Am I supported?

We thrive in environments where we feel appreciated and where there is some flexibility for us to grow as individuals, whilst contributing to the common goal of the collective. Do the values of the tribe you currently belong to, fit with yours? If you’re not with like-minded people, think about changing tribes.

Why am I still here?

If you’re dithering about changing jobs and unsure of what action to take, ask yourself what’s currently stopping you. Fear about how you’ll perform in a new company, attachment to the people you work with, convenient location, good salary are all common reasons for staying put. However, none of them are good enough justifications for staying in a job if it’s making you unhappy. The price you ultimately pay in terms of self-esteem and long term well being, is too high. It might be a familiar platitude but life is too short to soldier on. Move on and give yourself the life you deserve.