Someone once told me that life is too short to feel stuck in a job. Never was a truer word spoken to me.
It was a light bulb moment. A reminder it was time to reset priorities. Just when I was feeling lost about my next move. Without the nudge, I would’ve stayed put.
Out of a sense of misplaced loyalty. Loyalty to a job and team I adored, but neither needed me any longer. They had progressed and I had outgrown the role.
But it took a while to admit it.
- Are you wondering if feeling unexcited about going to work is a sign it’s time for a change?
- Have you asked yourself whether your dream job has turned into a snooze-fest?
- Does your intuition suggest you are giving more than receiving?
If “yes” to any of the above, but still not sure, then here’s some further points to consider about what you really need from a job. This might push you towards the next step (thinking music please!):
- Does work-life balance mean a choice between family or work? It shouldn’t have to. It should be life-work balance, and it means thinking about your whole self. You need to have capacity for your wants and needs too. Make the time for self-care, your hobbies and interests, and your friends.
- Are you able to come home and do something more productive than collapsing? Can you find some time in your day to do some exercise? Coming home and slobbing on the couch in front of the TV is fun for a short time, not for a long time. Whether it is a walk / run, Pilates class, judo or gym session, you (and your brain) will benefit from some physical movement.
- Are you giving back? One of the best activities in my life is volunteer work. When I am not doing something, it just doesn’t feel right to me. Yet it’s the first thing I give-up when I feel time-poor. But I shouldn’t. Volunteering is more than a rewarding experience. It allows you to expand your skills, knowledge and make a new acquaintance who could become a friend.
- Do you have time for real conversations? Part of the reason we choose to co-habitat is the company. When daily chats are reduced to “did you remember to fetch milk,” you are missing out on more than you should.
- Time for your own hobbies. I am such an uncoordinated dancer; my family nicknamed me “Elaine from Seinfeld”. Who cares! I love it and returning to weekly dance classes this year has made me happy. It was on my “list” of things to do for too long. Now I am excited about costumes for the mid-year review.
- Too tired to read at night. I struggle to read for pleasure when I am tired because I lack concentration. I will read the same paragraph again and again. Last week I read four books. Okay, during times when I probably should’ve been sleeping, but it was such joyous escapism, it was worth it.
Asking whether it is time to go can be motivated by more than money, a fancier title or even that colleague you just don’t click with. No matter what may be commonly thought.
It’s knowing that a great job should inspire, motivate and care for you as a whole person.
It should allow you to make a valued contribution to your workplace and still leave you with the time, energy and capacity to show up for the rest of your life commitments.
You are worth more than a job that doesn’t acknowledge the whole of your worth.