Would you use the word love in the same sentence as your career? Or do you see your career as a grind, as something you do to pay the bills? Although some people may not think it will ever be possible to truly enjoy their career, as a 25-year career counsellor, I can assure you that it is possible. I’ve witnessed many people go from being miserable and unfulfilled to finding purpose and joy in their work lives. It’s not out of your grasp either!
Too Many People are Out of Love with Their Careers
Sadly, too many people are struggling with unfulfilling, stressful, or even toxic career situations. A study of US workers in 2023 found that only half are satisfied with their jobs overall, leaving the other half clearly not loving their work. In Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report only 31% of respondents found themselves thriving at work, with 47% intending to leave their job. How can people find purpose, and once again feel engaged and satisfied in their careers?
Look Within Yourself
First, it’s important to step back and understand where you’re at. Do you dread Monday mornings, and find yourself depleted, exhausted, or cynical about your work? Do you have a difficult or, even worse, a toxic boss who is eroding your wellbeing and confidence? Or are you just plain bored, craving new challenges but feeling stuck in your current role?
Figuring out exactly how you’re feeling and why is an important step in regaining career fulfillment. Mentors, friends and loved ones can be great sounding boards. There are times, however, when these conversations may not provide you the clarity and direction you need. Seeking out a career counsellor in these cases can bring confidence and purpose back into your work life.
I’ve been honored to do this work over the course of my career, and built a team through Canada Career Counselling that combines psychology with career development knowledge to help you gain clarity. I love what I do, as seeing people move from confusion to purpose and direction is so rewarding! Hearing from my clients as they thrive in their careers is a great joy and privilege. Resources in your area of the world can help you, too, as the knowledge and insights provided can be exactly what you need to fall back in love with your career.
To Stay or to Leave?
Oftentimes people stay in workplaces for the safety and security of their employment. Whether it’s a pension or the “golden carrot” of shares or bonuses, people hang on with depleting levels of joy due to financial necessity. Although our financial needs are very real, sometimes people get trapped in the fallacy of “this is the only option where I will have financial security.” Or that they “cannot make as much money elsewhere.”
It’s important to do your due diligence on other options, and not make assumptions. Conversations with others who have moved on to do different jobs, consulting, or their own businesses can lead to important insights. In career counselling, we call these important conversations “Information Interviews”, and too many people do not take the time to test their assumptions in this way.
When it comes to whether you should leave, it’s important to assess if the cons of staying outweigh the pros (and risks) of leaving. The cons of staying can include stress, mental wellbeing, burnout, and work impacting your relationships outside of work. Yet leaving is scary and unknown, which is why you need to get clear, and ideally have a strategic career plan before jumping ship.
Focusing on your job search strategies is also key, once your direction is clear. A Job Search Advisor can help with job search strategies, including your LinkedIn, resume, cover letter, interview skills, and methods of networking and applying for a job you love.
And leaving your employer may not be the final answer. Provided your workplace culture is a healthy one, you may consider a lateral move to gain new experiences or progress in your career by taking on leadership opportunities. New challenges, provided they fit your strengths and personality, can help you once again find joy in your career.
In sum, it is possible to fall back in love with your career. I’ve seen it in thousands of people and it is possible for you to do so, too!
Dr. Laura Hambley is a thought leader on Career and Workplace Psychology, passionate about career development. She founded Canada Career Counselling in 2009, however has specialized in career development since 1999 through her Master’s research and counselling in different settings, including outplacement and career transition firms in Alberta.
Dr. Laura learned early on that effective career planning enhances wellbeing, confidence, and clarity in one’s work and life. Combining the expertise of Psychology with Career Counselling is what she sought to do as she founded and evolved Canada Career Counselling from Calgary to Toronto, Victoria, and Halifax, providing Career Counselling and Career Coaching to thousands of clients over many years.
Dr. Laura enjoys her work as a Career Counsellor and Career Coach to professionals who are in mid- or senior stages of their career, helping them navigate complex career decisions and pivots. Her extensive experience as an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, enables her to understand and address the challenges faced by individuals, leaders, teams, and organizational cultures. Having consulted to a wide range of organizations since the late 1990s, and becoming a future of work thought leader, has enabled her to help individuals and organizations navigate the latest trends impacting today’s organizations.
Dr. Laura fulfilled her dream of having her own podcast in 2020, called Where Work Meets Life™, where she interviews experts globally on topics around career fulfillment and thriving humans and organizations. She is a sought-after keynote speaker for organizations, associations, conferences, and events.
In addition to her Master’s in Counselling Psychology (1999), Laura holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (2005) from the University of Calgary. She is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, as well as a member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). She also contributes to teaching, supervision, and research as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Calgary.
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