5 SIGNS YOU’RE IN THE WRONG JOB
Sometimes a job can seem right when applying for it. It may have even once been a dream job which you trained for and worked hard to get. However, after landing the job, you may realise that it’s not for you at all.
Few of us enjoy every aspect of our job and we all have off-days. In such cases, it’s often worth sticking it out. However, if a job is completely wearing you down and you feel completely misplaced, it’s probably a good idea to look for another job - your current job could be bad for your mental health and could fail to make good use of your strengths. Below are just 5 signs that you may be in the wrong job.
You find the work extremely tedious
Are you bored to tears with the work? If you’re doing the same tasks over and over again and it’s failing to stimulate you, it could be a sign that you’re in the wrong job. Some people don’t mind routine in a job - certain tasks may even be therapeutic. However, others may find such repetition soul-destroying.
Such work could eventually get you depressed if you continue it and the quality of your work may start to be reduced if you have no motivation for it. This is why it’s important to find another job.
You find the work too challenging
Every job involves some hard work. There may be times when your workload gets on top of you or you simply don’t know the solution to something. However, you shouldn’t constantly be struggling to keep on top of the workload or feel that you’re clueless when it comes to routine problems.
If the work is too challenging, then it’s likely playing to your weaknesses rather than your strengths. Consider looking for another job which uses not just your hard skills, but your soft skills (such as having a head for figures, being creative or being very meticulous).
You don’t get along with any of your colleagues
Certain jobs attract certain personalities. This is because such jobs may benefit from such personality traits.
If you have a hard time connecting with any of your colleagues it could be because of a personality clash. While different personalities can get along, you may find that the work culture doesn’t align with your personality.
It could be worth taking an MBTI assessment. This could help you to identify your personality and the jobs that are well suited to it.
Leaving a job is definitely worthwhile if you are experiencing workplace bullying from multiple colleagues. This may not be a matter of personality difference but the fact that there are simply too many toxic people within that workplace.
The work regularly goes against your values
If you’re having to say and do things that go against your values, then you’re likely not in the right job either. This could include selling a product or service that you think is ethically wrong or having to make decisions that you constantly think are unfair.
Not everyone has such strong values, but if you do, you could find that you’re better suited in a career where you can channel this passion.In fact, you could be a valuable asset to somewhere that aligns with your values.
You yearn for progression – but there is none
Some of us are eager to climb the career ladder. But what if your job doesn’t give you this opportunity? If there is no chance of progression, then it could be another sign that you should leave, otherwise you’ll constantly feel as if you’re trapped.
It could be a case of working for a bigger company or another company where you’re more likely to be recognised by your superiors (a bad manager may be stopping you from progressing because they have a bias towards other employees). Either way you need to leave your current job.
What to Do If You’re In The Wrong Job
If you’ve come to the realization that you’re in the wrong job, it's important that you do something about it. After all, as we spend the majority of our adult life at work, it's important you find something you're passionate about.
Of course, it's not often as simple as handing in your notice and walking into your dream job, especially if you aren’t really sure what your dream job is. To narrow this process down somewhat, think carefully about the causes you hold close to your heart. Then, you can begin to think about careers that are related to this, therefore finding your calling. For example, if you’re passionate about helping or guiding others on their spiritual journey, you might want to learn how to become a chaplain or at other similar roles.