If you’re feeling discontent or demoralized at work, how can you tell if it’s the specific job or the wrong career entirely? Is the job toxic or do you simply not fit this whole career?
This can be a tricky question, but there are a few things you can do to get a little clearer. First of all, think about who you really are. What are your values, your interests, your strengths, your goals? I recommend writing these down somewhere so you have a nice clear record of the insights you get from doing this. Next, think about what you need from your employer so that you can really live these truths about yourself. What would it look like if your workplace let you be your best self at work?
Then evaluate your current situation. Does your employer meet some of your needs? Most of them? Almost none? Do you feel respected and appreciated for the work you do?
Next, think back to when you first started in this role. Were things different? Did you enjoy your job more? What changed, either within you or within the organization?
If your current employer is mostly meeting your needs but you feel dissatisfied, it may be that the particular job doesn’t fit you. On the other hand, if the company isn’t meeting your needs and isn’t known to be especially unusual in the industry, it may be the case that the career path isn’t a good fit with who you are. This may be especially true if you liked the job at first because you were learning new things or you enjoyed some of the less essential perks offered (a cappuccino machine in the breakroom, free lunch Fridays, etc.).
This, of course, isn’t the complete answer to the puzzle, but I hope it will get you started on deciding whether you want a new job or a whole new career!
