Even though I’m blessed to have a career that I really love, I can’t ignore this topic anymore than the next person. You see, career dissatisfaction shows up often in my office. It doesn’t always appear to be career dissatisfaction at first glance but, after some digging, the mask comes off.

You see, depression, anxiety, and stress can all be rooted in chronic work issues and unhappiness. Even more “extreme” conditions such as panic attacks and bipolar disorder can be partially caused by the 9 to 5 grind.

The good news among all this BLAH is that there are ways to reduce or almost totally alleviate work dissatisfaction…all you have to do is quit your job.

Okay, I’m kidding about quitting your job (although for some people, that may be the answer. More about that at the end of the article.) But I am serious about helping anyone who is mired in work unhappiness find real solutions. First, let’s take a look at factors that contribute to this problem and then I’ll show you the best techniques to use to solve your job issues. 

Culprit One: Constant Technology Changes

If you’ve ever muttered the words: “I thought my computer (cell phone, software program, etc.) wasn’t working but turns out it was a user error,” then you can relate to this issue. For each new gadget invented to make our jobs easier there is an increase in the number of hiccups we have to endure with that new gadget invented to make our jobs easier. When we encounter chronic frustration and irritation our bodies get stressed. And that stress leads to a host of other problems from headaches to addictions to chronic illnesses.

Culprit Two: Information Overload

Basically, we are bombarded with too much information. Technology has a lot to do with this as does the popular belief that it’s good to multi-task. Truth be told, current research has shown that no one really does multi-task effectively. There is a lot to be said for doing one thing at a time; our ability to focus and complete tasks improves when our energy is concentrated. When we fail to censor incoming information or when we try to do too many things at one time, we experience all the baddies: stress, fatigue, etc. 

Culprit Three: A False Sense of Urgency

Too often we feel as though everything is a matter of life or death. This deadline, this phone call, that project presentation, this accounting matter. The list goes on…and on and on and on. There is a difference between a matter of real urgency and something that is simply important. Unfortunately the line between the two has been blurred, especially in our work lives. This leaves us feeling constantly irritable and on edge. After all, how can you relax when there’s an emergency to deal with? 

Culprit Four: Long Work Hours

You know the old movie, Working Nine to Five? Well, the title gives away the age of that movie! How many people truly work a 40 hour work week anymore? Everyone needs time to relax and restore themselves. It seems as if we’ve (along with our bosses) have forgotten that time off isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity: our bodies require down time.

Looking at just these four culprits, it’s easy to see how work can cause some severe physical and emotional problems. Not only are we overloaded every time we step into the workplace but now we spend even more time in this stressful state thanks to longer work weeks!

So, work dissatisfaction can cause serious issues. Now let’s look at practical solutions that anyone can use to make their career life more balanced and healthy. (And for those who are serious workaholics: post these tips everywhere. Then use them.)

5 Ways to Reign-In Career Dissatisfaction

1.  Be assertive and learn to set clear boundaries.
You are the one responsible for setting realistic limits and for informing your boss and co-workers about these limits. If either of these skills is hard for you, practice. Figure out what your boundaries really are. Hold imaginary conversations with your boss about how long you can work or when you can complete a project.

2.  Learn to Prioritize.
This is one of those skills that will come in handy until the day you die. Your boss may convey a sense of urgency but that does not mean that the urgency exists. You must learn how to put the “big rocks” of your career first; there will be time for everything else. Learn how to tell your boss that project b will have to wait until project a is complete. (See #1.)

3.  Clear Your Mind.
This tip is straightforward but many people don’t do it. Why? Most of us look for complicated ways to solve our problems instead of practicing simple solutions. When you allow your brain to take a break, it returns to work in much better form. So make it a habit to take frequent breaks at work: do yoga stretches, walk around the building, sit outside, read a few chapters of a book, eat a juicy apple. Whatever you do, don’t just physically relax; clear your mind as well.

4.  Set Environmental Boundaries.
When someone complains about not being able to lose weight because they can’t resist junk food some doctor or another will usually point out the “simple” remedy: don’t keep junk food in the house. This is my favourite example of setting environmental boundaries. You create your atmosphere. Consider the difference it would make if you: set your cell phone on silent, close your email window, shut your office door, refuse to “chit chat” during certain hours of the day, etc.

5.  Rethink your work Attitude.
You are ultimately in charge of your career life. Your boss isn’t trying to figure out how she can make your life more fulfilling. In fact, many times the more work you do, the more work your boss will give you. Your limits may or may not be in alignment with the company you work for. That’s okay; you are still in the driver’s seat. There are many companies that will accommodate your needs. 

Even though career dissatisfaction is widespread, it doesn’t have to affect you. Clarify the main factors that are causing your unhappiness and then commit to changing those factors. Many  people are so afraid of change that they just admit defeat and refuse to take any sort of action. Choose instead to take action and start to enjoy your career.

© 2008 I Choose Change