12 Reasons You Feel So Unhappy at Work

If you’re feeling unhappy at work, the most obvious reason would be that you have a terrible job. And if that’s REALLY the case with no possibility of reprieve, then head right down to the end of this post and find some articles that might help. Or find a new job. Life is too short to be miserable.

BUT … first let me ask you to hang in a bit longer. There may be more going on than you realize. And the good news is, some of this involves things you can change for yourself.

First. let’s look at how we interact with our jobs and the people around us. This is not about blame. It’s about seeing what if anything we might be able to change, without waiting for someone else to change it for us!

If unhappy at work, do you:

• Let annoyances grow and grow in your mind until it’s all you can think of?
• Feel ignored, but never actually ask for what you need?
• Keep to yourself to the point of not having a work support system?
• See better ways things should be done, but never step up to offer solutions?
• Frequently do your work to the bare minimum, thinking it doesn’t really matter?
• Find yourself bored to tears, but never try to change things for yourself?
• Hang out with coworkers to gossip and complain about work?
• Let emotions get the best of you — and who you could really be?
• Feel too small or inconsequential to speak up for yourself?
• Offer suggestions, but when you get shot down, back off?
• Nurse hurts and disappointments for a long time?
• Resent that you are stuck in such a terrible job with so many stupid people?

There might be “happier” news.

This isn’t a comprehensive list by any means. Still, if you can recognize yourself in any one of them, then you may be playing a starring role in why you are so unhappy at work.

But that’s good news, since you’re also the only person you can actually control. If you spend too much of your day thinking about what’s wrong or all things your job is missing, you lose time you might be putting to better use. And putting more of the control into YOUR hands.

For instance, you could look for something to really sink your teeth into and enjoy. Maybe a new skill that’s both fun and useful. Or creating more positive work relationships. Or simply dialing down the hurts and finding some less awful things to focus on for a while. Small shifts in where we aim our brain can bring big results.

Change what you can to start

So, if you’re willing to give it a shot, you can choose to try to shift things around for yourself. Even if it takes a while, you may be able to change just enough to make a real difference in your own workday.

I know this may sound like a small thing when you’re feeling so unhappy at work, but you’ll be amazed how much just taking control of any kind can shift things inside. At the very least, it’s worth a shot!

Unhappy at work? Posts to help:

How Changing Your Attitude Can Change Your Job!

Emotional Triggers in the Workplace

Reasons You’re Thinking of Leaving Your Job

5 Workplace Fears That Limit Your Success

 

Emotional Boxes: Stuffing Your Feelings at Work

Do You Feel Invisible at Work?

Fed Up With All the Things My Job Doesn’t Have!

Are You Always Feeling Angry At Work?

 

When Emotions Take Over In the Workplace

My Job Is So Boring. Should I Quit?

Workplace Solutions: The Whole vs The Parts

Why Do I Always Have Bad Luck in Jobs?

 

⇒  EXTRA:   Dealing With Annoying Coworkers & Bosses

And just in case you do need to leave

⇒  How To Quit a Job (Without Hurting Yourself)