Being happy in a job or career is not something you want; you succeed.
For some people, it’s difficult to understand why people they know constantly complain about their jobs, but they take no action to change the situation themselves. They keep saying that they are mistreated, or undervalued, or underpaid, or that they are bored, or that they are “burned out”, or that they don’t like the people they are with. they work. And yet, day after day, they continue to show up, endure and collect their regular paycheck.
The truth is that’s the reason most people stay, the salary and/or benefits. They would rather suffer for something guaranteed than take personal ownership of their future. So even if the company they work for has a poor culture, broken business model, or terrible values, they will stay. They are so afraid of the unknown, of working elsewhere or starting their own business, that they will simply stay.
So why do these people stay while others leave or even start businesses? Let’s look at some of the reasons and see if it can help you make better career choices. Because knowing is the first step to taking action.
The risk is terrifying. For many people, the known trumps the unknown. If you have a bad situation at work, it’s a risk to go elsewhere… “what if it was even worse? You completely believe it’s a risk to try something new. The problem with this belief is that it is simply your mindset and will keep you frozen in place. Why live miserably? Gather your courage, do your homework and move on. You were not born to work in the company you work for.
Learning new things is difficult. Some people stay where they are because it’s difficult to learn something new. It’s so sad and yet so true. Most people don’t quit jobs that they might even hate simply because the idea of having to learn a new process, a new skill set, something new is terrifying and exhausting to them. What a sad way to live. Embrace the other side of this belief and adopt a growth mindset that learning new things is the key to a happier life.
You love handcuffs. One of the biggest double-edged swords of well-paying jobs is something called “living with golden handcuffs.” Your salary is so good, your benefits are so good, your retirement plan is so good, everything is so good that you are willing to sit in a cubicle hating your life eight hours a day just because, on paper, you are ‘living life.’ Well, if you were the last person on earth and had no one to impress, would you still stay at a job you couldn’t stand? No, you wouldn’t. Make a plan and pursue the happiness you deserve.
You like to complain. Another sad truth, but some people like to be unhappy. They find pleasure in showing up to work and saying the phrase “I hate Mondays.” They have learned to love their misery, and even if they talk about leaving, they never will. They will tell other employees, family members, and loved ones that their job or company sucks. But they won’t leave. For what? For them, it is easier to complain than to tackle the real problem. You have not been “doomed” to be unhappy or to be a seasoned complainer. Develop your skills and expertise, then go somewhere where you will be appreciated. BTW, no one cares about your complaint anyway.
Don’t disappoint. Some of the most talented and intelligent people end up working jobs they despise simply because they don’t want to disappoint their parents. Or their family. Or their friends. Or anyone else. For what? Because they believe their value is tied to the brand name of the company they work for… it’s so cool to work for Google, Apple or Disney. Not if the work sucks. Face the facts. If the job or company isn’t what you thought it would be, move on. People who love you really want you to be happy; you don’t really need to impress them with where you work.
You live the life you can’t afford. It’s amazing how much people prioritize acquiring “stuff” before establishing the career or lifestyle they want. They get a job they don’t like, but pays pretty well, and before they know it, they have an expensive car, high rent, and a lifestyle they can’t escape. They want to do something else, but they have now accumulated too much monthly overhead, and maybe even debt. And for them, a change in lifestyle is unthinkable. Do you want true happiness? Get rid of the “clutter” in your life and spend time with the people you love. Honestly, no one cares about the BMW M3. And if they do, stay away from them.
You’re not Dorothy from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.” You can’t just click your heels and wish you were with your family in Kansas. But you can control your happiness and your career. You don’t deserve to be in a job you hate. Trust yourself, believe in yourself, adopt a growth mindset, surround yourself with good people and create a plan to move forward.