If you’re trying to figure out what makes your job the most miserable it might be time to consider making a change to either your workplace or career. The problem can be knowing which one needs to change.
Naturally, some circumstances are very clear however you might find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure. Are you miserable at work because this career is not a good fit? Or, do you simply need a change of workplace to refresh your career passion?
With so many variables, sorting through the smoke can make it difficult to find the source so you can make the best change for yourself. So, this is where understanding and examining the issues at hand will help you decide.
The Big Choice: Changing Your Workplace or Career
Let’s start with breaking down the possibilities that support the decision for each change. The follow-up questions can also be a guide to help you brainstorm. Regardless of which change you need to make, it’s time to find fulfillment in your work again.
Signs You Might Hate Your Workplace
If these points resonate with you it means you’re still in the right field, but the environment is the problem. Consider each one carefully and don’t make a choice until you’ve also read the career signs.
1. You like the actual work, but dread going to work
You enjoy the tasks, projects, or the kind of thinking your job requires—but feel anxious or miserable around your coworkers, boss, or office culture. This could be as simple as even just one toxic coworker that can make you feel left out.
The last thing we want to do is wake up every morning and force ourselves into misery. Look around and recognize the people at your job that bring joy to your day or that bring stress. It might be as simple as acknowledging the team dynamic at this job is not for you.
2. You feel undervalued or disrespected
If your work isn’t recognized, you’re micromanaged, or there’s a toxic culture of blame or competition could be reasons to change your workplace. Feeling appreciation for your contribution and a recognized respect from workers is so important.
Micromanagement can make you feel that person does not trust you to do your work properly. Poor recognition from colleagues or managers can show you a lack of team support. A quick judgement of your work can pass blame or imply another person could do your job better.
3. You fantasize about the same job somewhere else
You catch yourself thinking, “If I could do this work with a better boss, better hours, or in a more supportive environment, I’d be happy.” This can be an easy sign to recognize that between workplace or career, it’s most likely time to change where you work.
Sometimes allowing yourself to imagine a better work environment can put your current situation in a clearer light. Or maybe you even have a friend who talks about their workplace and it sounds like a dream.
4. You feel emotionally drained by people, not the work
You might find your work engaging, but the meetings, communication, or politics sap your energy. It is possible to have poor communication dynamics or office structure that will wear you out.
Perhaps it’s a lack of private work space or not being able to step away for a breather. Coworkers can mean well but sometimes cross a line in how they rely on you or pull you into helping with their responsibilities.
5. You see yourself staying in the same role… just not here
You want a different company, team, or leader—but not a different career path. Even if there is not a single person or structure to your current job that you can pinpoint as a problem, doesn’t mean you have to stay.
You might find the type of work you do is fulfilling but the company or people you do this work for aren’t the best fit. If there is any way a workplace does not feel “right” to you, trust your gut. Allow yourself the option to find out if changing locations will make you feel more comfortable.
Signs You Might Hate Your Career
If your discomfort runs deeper than the issues above, then your problem likely won’t be solved by a new workplace alone. Changing your environment will not matter if it is the field of work that is draining you.
1. You’re bored or unmotivated by the work itself
You might find tasks feel pointless, repetitive, or misaligned with your interests—even in ideal conditions. Yes, in any job there will likely be some mundane tasks but it shouldn’t be the majority.
This may be a sign that rather than changing your workplace it’s time to change your career to something more fulfilling. Don’t be afraid to recognize that you may have liked this role to begin with but perhaps it is no longer a good fit.
2. You don’t see a future in the field
If the “dream job” version of your role doesn’t excite you, or the thought of 5 more years doing similar work feels like a dead end, consider a career change. Remember, if you’re going to spend most of your life working, make sure you consider if you can keep doing this role long term.
If that horrifies you or sounds awful, don’t stay in that field. Maybe there is a similar field you might want to explore, or your interests are entirely different now. Choose to make that change in career now so you can begin doing something you enjoy more.
3. You’ve changed jobs, but the dissatisfaction follows
Maybe you’ve worked the same role for more than one company and still feel unhappy, drained, or unfulfilled. This perspective is very helpful because it has already eliminated your workplace as the problem.
It’s possible changing your job location made a positive change but did not meet your other needs. Fulfillment in the responsibilities you uphold can only change so much based on the environment. Recognize that if you feel dissatisfied in a new workplace it is likely time to change your career.
4. You feel disconnected from the mission or purpose
This might be the case if you don’t care about the impact of the work—or you’re working in a field you don’t believe in. Because we spend so much time working, it’s vital that we have a connection of purpose in our job.
If this is lacking for you, it might be time for a career change. And, perhaps you started off feeling that purpose but have over time recognized the mission you work towards is no longer motivating.
5. You’re drawn to something entirely different
In this case, you daydream about a different field altogether, not just a better company or team. There are times someone might choose a career based on external forces such as family expectations.
If you maintain a job in a field you aren’t personally interested it could make you miserable quickly or build up dangerously over time. Do some research if you feel a pull to a different career. Don’t settle just because you’ve already put in some work in that specific field.
Questions to Help Clarify Changing Your Workplace or Career
If even through all of those signs you feel unsure about what change to make, consider your answers to the following questions as a guide also. Maybe you’ll find answers to problems you didn’t even know you had.
What tasks energize me, and which ones drain me?
Have I felt this way at other jobs too?
If I could work for a company I really admire, would I still want to change careers?
Do I admire people in my field, or am I envious of people in other lines of work?
Final Thoughts on Changing Your Workplace or Career
Remember that this is your life, no one else has to live it. So, why not make the best of it and get away from a miserable job or an unfulfilling career?
Don’t be daunted by all the pieces that are a part of making a big decision like this. Take your time to sort through them and eventually you’ll discover which path is best for you.
About the Author
Anna is a twenty-something living in the south. She's passionate about family, crafting, and continuing her education beyond her college degree.