As much as we like to keep our personal lives and our careers separate, in reality they are inextricably linked.

We’re all familiar with the feeling of the ‘Sunday Scaries’ – that is, the dread and anxiety that inevitably comes at the end of the weekend when we think about the impending doom of the following Monday.

As a society, we’re often in hot pursuit of happiness, searching for lifestyle hack after lifestyle hack to make our lives easier. This all comes to the forefront during the January blues, with seasonal affective disorder at its apex and blue Monday looming large.

But, a big contributor towards mental health and mental wellbeing is job satisfaction... which is at an all-time low. In fact, according to the UK Job Satisfaction Survey, 59% of British workers reported having their mental health negatively impacted as a result of their job.*

So, in a society where we place so much focus on physical health and mental well-being, why do we accept lower standards of happiness when it comes to our working lives?

This 3-step guide aims to encourage you to assess your career satisfaction, explore the possibility of a career change, and understand the profound impact your job has on your broader sense of well-being.

The significance of career satisfaction

In the fast-paced world of modern work, the importance of career satisfaction often takes a back seat to other pressing matters.

Especially in the current climate, financial concerns surrounding the cost-of-living crisis understandably take precedence over the so-called ‘nice to have’ of a job you genuinely enjoy.

However, research consistently demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between job satisfaction and overall self esteem and well-being. Harvard Business Review has long advocated for the idea that contentment in one's career is not just a luxury but a strategic investment in personal happiness.

In the post-Covid world, our work life is no longer confined to four office walls.

As the boundaries between our professional and personal spheres blur, the impact of our job satisfaction on our overall well-being becomes even more significant. The choices we make in our careers, and the level of fulfilment we derive from our work, reverberate throughout our daily lives.

The adage "love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life" takes on new significance in a world where our professional journey is an integral part of our personal narrative and holistic happiness.

Therefore, finding yourself in a job that lacks joy and fulfilment can be doubly detrimental, permeating into the very fabric of our existence.

This lack of fulfilment can manifest in many ways, you may experience mental health issues, feel overwhelmed in and out of work, the winter blues and blue Monday may feel like so much more than the most depressing day of the year, while you stress levels skyrocket when you think about the year ahead.

 

Blue Monday Tips

Step 1: Assessing your current role

To know whether a change is right for you, you need to first assess your current situation objectively.

Begin by reflecting on the aspects of your job that bring fulfilment, as well as those that make you feel dissatisfied.

Write a list of pros and cons to your role – does one list hugely outweigh the other?

Considering the alignment between your skills, values, and the demands of your current role will help you understand what you should prioritise when making a decision about your role.

This introspection forms the foundation for a comprehensive evaluation of your professional standing.

 Step 2: Recognising the tell-tale signs

Several indicators may suggest that it's time for a career change:

  • Persistent feelings of burnout
  • Lack of enthusiasm
  • A sense of stagnation
  • Boredom
  • Lack of progression
  • Strained relationships with colleagues and superiors
  • Inability to align personal values with the organisation's values
  • Feeling undervalued
  • Lack of connection to the company's mission or purpose
  • Financial concerns

These are signals that your current role is no longer conducive to your personal and professional growth. In such instances, a strategic shift can reignite passion and purpose in your career.

Identifying where your current role is lacking has the dual benefit of directing your focus on what to prioritise as a next step.

 Step 3: Making it happen

Transitioning to a more satisfying career is a process that involves careful planning, self-discovery, and proactive steps. This step is all about taking action based on the insights gained from assessing your current role and understanding the tell-tale signs that suggest a need for change.

There are many ways you can make change: whether you want to make a complete career switch-up, reduce stress, or lay the foundations for future growth opportunities.

Some proactive strategies you can try:

  • Acquire new skills by enrolling in development courses, workshops, or certifications to gain new skills and make yourself more marketable.
  • Explore new industries aligned with your passions. Consider sectors or roles that align with what truly excites you.
  • Make the most of resources and support. There are career change programmes out there like the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy that are designed specifically to help you transition from one path to another. Utilise such resources, attend relevant workshops or seminars, and connect with professionals in your desired field to expand your network.
  • Develop a well-thought-out plan (an example guide here). Outline short-term and long-term goals, and break them down into actionable steps. This plan may include updating your CV, building a professional online presence via LinkedIn, and networking within the sector you aspire to join.

Being proactive empowers you to move towards a more satisfying and fulfilling career. Remember that the process may take time, and deciding not to make a change is just as significant as launching into a new career. It’s about equipping yourself with the necessary tools to make the right decision.

No pain, no gain

If you're unhappy in your working life, spending time in the outdoors, getting plenty of exercise, focusing on self-care and making sure you a good night's sleep, will only work to a certain extent and you may find yourself still feeling low, regardless of these efforts.

If your work has the most significant negative impact and is the primary contributor towards your negative mental events. You may find that Blue Monday becomes a difficult week, which then becomes a difficult month and a difficult year.

It doesn’t have to be that way all year round.

Finding a job, you genuinely enjoy can be completely transformative in how you find happiness and fulfilment – not just in your professional life, but in your personal life too.

And whilst a change can be transformative, the journey is incremental. The 1% rule – also known as the rule of marginal gains – is the idea that big goals can be achieved through small steps. You don’t need to undertake big life changes every day to notice positive improvement: it’s about assessing your values, optimising your choices and moving towards a set goal.

Don’t let Blue Monday get you down. It’s your sign to reflect on what truly makes you happy!

 

*Source: Work Wellbeing Report, based on a commissioned survey (n=1,517 UK adults), conducted by Forrester Consulting, 2023.