What do I do if I'm unhappy at work?
We all spend a significant proportion of our lives at work. Being miserable at work can spill over into our personal lives so it makes sense to tackle any issues you have in the workplace sooner rather than later.
Clearly, what you choose to do will need to reflect your personal circumstances, but here are ten things you might consider:
- Speak to your line manager. Your first action should be to raise any issues or concerns you have with your line manager. He or she might be surprised to hear that you're unhappy and should be prepared to at least listen to what you have to say.
- Analyse the problem. Consider carefully what the problem is and ask yourself what you might do yourself to improve the situation. It's very easy to point the finger at other people or even processes but, be honest, does part of the problem lie with you?
- Make a point of getting on with colleagues. Relationships at work can be key to happiness. Make an effort to get to know your immediate colleagues. Make them feel valued by asking for their opinions or advice on work matters. Offer to help out at particularly busy periods. You might be surprised by how they reciprocate.
- Consider what motivates you. If you feel unhappy, for whatever reason, try to consider what would motivate you. This will help you understand what changes need to be made and will be important if you ultimately decide to change jobs.
- Do not assume that money is the answer. It's unhappy people who assume that higher pay is the answer. By all means consider whether you are paid appropriately for your role and be ambitious to further your career and earnings but do not assume that more money will deliver greater happiness at work.
- Evaluate your skills. It could be that you need to brush up on your skills base or acquire new skills to enable you to undertake your responsibilities efficiently and effectively. Talk to your manager if you feel you need support in rising to the challenge.
- Volunteer to get involved in a project. If there is a project that interests you or you feel you need to focus on some other things for a while, make sure that your manager knows this. Volunteer to get involved. Ask questions about what's going on. It may be just what you need to get you out of that rut.
- Volunteer for community activities. Many organisations are focusing on corporate social responsibility and offer the opportunity to get involved in community projects. These can help build relationships with colleagues and provide the opportunity to help others.
- Plan your career goals. Think about what you want to achieve in your career and what steps you need to take to get there. Think about your current role in the context of your future. You may not be currently working at the level you aspire to but you may be gaining vital experience that will enable you to progress.
- Seek advice. Speak to friends about your options. Have an informal chat with a recruitment consultant about fresh opportunities in your area. He or she will be able to tell you what employers are looking for and what options you have.