Dread going to work each day? Here’s how you can get the ball rolling and make a change.

Do you get to work and think, ‘Urgh, here we go again’? If you’ve been in your job for a while, it’s not uncommon to feel uninspired, lethargic and a tad miserable particularly when the sun is shining outside and you’re stuck indoors. Sometimes those feelings go one step further and the thought of going to work fills you with dread accompanied by a lack of energy and negative thoughts. If this sounds like you, it may be time to take action.

They say, ‘Life begins at the end of your comfort zone’ and that is so true when it comes to our careers. Having “job dread” for an extended period of time can lead you to develop personal habits which could be detrimental to your wellbeing and sap you of the energy required to prioritise self care. Then there are negative thoughts about venturing into the unknown –  applying for a new role, going through the interview process and having to prove your worth can be extremely daunting. What we fail to recognise is that on the other side of our trepidation, we could discover a career that energises and fulfils us.

If you are suffering from “job dread”, here’s how to kick it to the kerb.

 

Do some self-analysis.
Think about what you really love to do, the industries that suit your personality and energy level, and the kind of environments that bring out the best in you. You may be outgoing and assume business development is ideal for you, only to discover you hate cold calling and are more suited to an account management or a client services role.  Examining your values and passions as well as your strengths and weaknesses will help you identify the right role for you. If self-reflection isn’t something that comes naturally, think about talking to a life coach or counsellor. We can help you find clarity and develop an action plan.

 

Do your research!

Don’t just search job boards. If you find an organisation that is aligned with your values, find out how they advertise their positions. After compiling your preferred list of organisations, keep an eye out for any roles you might be well suited for. Remember, opportunity comes to those who seek it, so if your dream organisation isn’t currently recruiting, be proactive and get in touch with them so you’re on their radar when an opportunity does become available. Putting yourself out there isn’t always easy, but people are generally helpful and happy to explain their recruiting process and it often pays off.

 

Become a job search expert.

Most of us know about the big job sites like Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn but there are a range of other job sites that cater to particular needs and preferences. For example, if you’re a return-to-work parent who prioritises flexibility, Flex Careers could have the perfect part-time/school hours role on their site. If you’re someone who is inspired to make the world a better place, Ethical Jobs might have the ideal role for you in the environmental space.  If you’re serious about reinvigorating your career, you should be checking these sites twice weekly and setting up job alerts so you don’t miss out. At the same time, ensure you’re registered with a few reputable recruitment agents and ask them for feedback on your resume.

 

Nail the interview.

Even the most confident and extrovert people get nervous about a job interview. Being  well prepared can help calm the jitters. If you’ve secured an interview, pat yourself on the back, then research everything you can about the role and the organisation. It’s also a good idea to role play the interview with a trusted mentor.

Once you’re in the interview, try and enjoy it! Remember, they want to find the perfect candidate just as much as you want to secure the role. Get comfortable with talking about yourself in particular expanding on the skills and qualities you bring to the table. The following two questions will more than likely be asked.

  • What attracted you to the position? This is your chance to let the interviewer know how much preparation you have done about the company as well as your ambition to grow in the role.
  • Provide an example of when you…..? It’s a pretty standard question but a good example has a start, a middle and an end. The end being how you resolved it!

 

Be open to improvement and develop your resilience.

Didn’t get the job? Contact the interviewer for some feedback and to ask how you can improve your interview skills. Disappointment at missing out on the role you wanted can trigger unexpected and unwanted feelings which can begin to affect your mental health and wellbeing. Be sure to check in with yourself regularly so you’re in touch with how you’re feeling.  If the process of securing a new job is stressing you out or getting you down, consider chatting to someone who can help you navigate your feelings and rebuild your confidence.

 

I’m passionate about helping people find a career that will make them excited to go to work each day. If you’re suffering from “job dread”, let’s work together to create a happier and more fulfilling future for you.

 

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