Neri Karra Sillaman writes about an interesting topic that I feel we don't speak enough about; when you are stuck in a job, you can not quit. Some continue to work and keep their dissatisfaction to themselves; society today would refer to this as "quiet quitting"; others are not afraid to speak up to ask for change, ignoring the possibility of negative consequences. However, being in a job that no longer satisfies you can become frustrating, especially when there is a lack of opportunities, financial or family commitments or simply because you're getting nowhere with your job search.
Sillaman suggests four ways to alter how you feel about your job and make an unsatisfactory situation work for you in the short term.
Reframe
A sense of purpose can be found in almost any job; it is just how you frame it; you could be helping others, it can be solving problems, you could be in the role for a reason, learning new skills or helping you take the next step. But, like many things, it is how you view the situation, as much as, at times, it is hard.
Reexamine
If you're unhappy, ask yourself what specifically is making you unhappy. And what aspects make you happy? So that you can focus on the tasks that make you come alive, not the ones you have outgrown. Stepping back from a larger responsibility may give you greater satisfaction, but money doesn't buy happiness and fulfilment. It does, however, buy shoes and holidays, just saying, but that won't even overpower job dissatisfaction.
Redesign
After considering the two factors discussed, it is time to redesign your work and match it to your values and interests. When you understand what energises you most in your role, you can work consciously to accentuate the exciting elements of your job.
This redesigning of your role has been referred to as "job crafting" it isn't about avoiding the less enjoyable aspects of your job; it is realigning your craft in ways that accentuate the elements that make you come alive.
Retrain
And finally, to assist with overcoming frustration whilst in a job you are dissatisfied with, look for opportunities to retrain. Invest in your future, and develop new skills that will move you towards a position that will give you greater satisfaction. I did this by studying for an MBA, and I am so glad I did.
Maybe you're a lawyer and love technology; enrol in short courses to upskill yourself for a role in technology. Focus on doing the best work you can in your current job and upskilling yourself to work towards a job that gives you more satisfaction.
In conclusion, it is possible to work towards something greater whilst working in a role that doesn't make you come alive every day. Working through the four R's may ease the frustration and guide you to a more satisfying position that makes you come alive, as the world needs more people that come alive.
Sillaman touches on the fact that if a role is toxic, underpaid, and impacting your health, by all means, quit. Your health is of utmost importance. However, research does suggest that most jobs can be turned into a calling if you reframe, reexamine and redesign.
If you wish to read the full article by Sillaman at Harvard Business Review, I have provided the link below:
Author
Sallina Jeffrey
Founder and CEO
The Mentoring Movement (TMM)
Comments