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Framing Our Future

Thoughts and actions towards a better world

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead (1901-1978)
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Are you Living to Work? – Part 18

1 April 2024 Leave a Comment

The emotional stress of an unfulfilling job

Very few people want a job just for the money, but many have jobs which are solely to provide income. Who wouldn’t want an occupation which stimulates, interests, or satisfies them?  As more than two-thirds of people in employment are unsatisfied, they are hardly likely to bounce out of bed in the morning.

Not only 70% of people have unsatisfying jobs, one person in seven would actively damage the business for which they work. If it is that awful, why stay? It really is time to assertively address the issue of job hunting.

It is easier to find a new job if you are in employment, whether that makes sense or not. To take action to change our lives should begin before something dramatic, like losing a job, happens. People stay in unfulfilling jobs for a wide range of reasons:

  • Guaranteed income
  • Loyalty to the boss or colleagues
  • Pension scheme
  • Location
  • Inertia
  • Family pressure

“People will choose unhappiness over uncertainty” Tim Ferriss

Of course, the primary reason people stay in their current role is the lack of an attractive alternative. If they had taken time to work out what would provide stimulation and meaning, they would be In a position to look for it. 

If the job you are in feels unfulfilling, but the company is fundamentally sound, perhaps the questions are:

  • What could I change to make it more stimulating?
  • What could my boss change to motivate me?
  • Can I move roles or tweak the one I am in?
  • Does my boss know how I feel?
  • How do I approach my boss to ask for help?
  • What happens if my boss feels threatened and takes it out on me?

We frequently need to have difficult conversations and yet, too often prefer to remain silent and endure the frustrations. Very often the prospect of the discussion is much worse than the reality. 

Rob Ball
Connections:
07850 954075
rob.ball@workhorizons.com
rob.ball@naturallyconcerned.com

Websites:
Work Horizons – Organisational renewal through engaged, productive people
Naturally Concerned – Developing better business leaders
www.framingourfuture.com 

Books:
Beating the Wisdom of Hindsight: 75 Ways to Pursue Fulfilment and Avoid Regrets eBook : Ball, Rob: Amazon.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Sponges-Overcoming-behaviours-absorb/ Online Programs:
Empower Change by Learning to Live Well (indegu.co.uk)
Expanding Your Work Horizons (indegu.co.uk)

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Filed Under: The World of Personal Growth Tagged With: career, health, purpose, work

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About the author

After an extensive career in Human Resources, much of which was at a senior level, Rob is a consultant and executive, life and career coach. He is an international public speaker, author, and climate reality leader.

Rob is also a founder and director of Work Horizons, and director of Naturally Concerned.

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Recent posts

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  • Are you Living to Work? – Part 21
  • Are you Living to Work? – Part 20
  • Are you Living to Work? – Part 19
  • Are you Living to Work? – Part 18

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If you would like to speak to Rob, you can send him an email or call him on +44 7850 954075.

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