You Deserve to Love Your Job: Here's How to Make it Happen (And Avoid Job Regret)

So many people think it's normal to hate their job. They slog through their days, feeling drained and unhappy. Eventually, they regret starting a job; or resigning for something new like so many people did during the “great resignation”. They thought a new job would be great and now dread coming to work each day, like 72% of young workers, according to a recent survey on “shift shock”. They stay in jobs they dislike because they don't think they deserve better. But that's not true! You deserve to love your job, and it is possible to make that happen. This article will discuss why so many people dislike their jobs or experience job regret and how you can leave or change your job to get one you love. We'll also talk about creating a career that is right for you and makes you happy!

What is job regret?

Job regret is a feeling of dissatisfaction or disappointment with a job you have taken. It can be caused by anything from salary and benefits to work environment, hours, and coworkers. Job regret is usually the result of taking a job without carefully considering all factors that could make it an undesirable position. It may also occur when expectations are unmet, or something changes in your life (like a move or a change in a family situation) that makes your current job no longer ideal for you.

Creatives and entrepreneurs (and creative generalists especially) are prone to experiencing job regret. There are a few reasons for it:

• A lack of clarity about what type of job would suit them best

• Unrealistic expectations for their career

• Feeling like they don't belong in the corporate world

• Not fully understanding what it takes to transition from one field or role to another successfully.

It's essential to recognize that feeling dissatisfied with your job isn't something to be ashamed of — it happens! It's how you handle the situation that matters. Let's explore.

You're allowed to love your job!

A wonderful client of mine, let's call her Julietta, was stuck in a job she hated. She was stressed out, unfulfilled, and desperately wanted something different. But despite her unhappiness, she stayed in the position because she felt she didn't deserve anything better. During one of her coaching sessions, Julietta cried and told me how frustrated she was with her job. Then, she asked: "Murielle, am I allowed to love my job?"

That question took my breath away. I've heard many things in almost a decade of being a career and business coach, and even though I know many people wonder about the same thing as Julietta, it was the first time someone had put it into words.

My answer was clear: "Yes, Julietta (and that goes for you as well), you are allowed to love your job!" In fact, it is your right to have a job that makes you happy. You don't have to stay stuck in a job that sucks the life out of you and doesn't fulfill you professionally or personally. Just hearing those words gave Julietta the permission she needed to take action. She started exploring other career options and eventually found one she was passionate about. Now, instead of dreading Mondays, she looks forward to starting her workweek.

Why do we think it's normal to hate our jobs?

In that same session, I asked Julietta why she thought that it was normal for people to hate their jobs, and for her, in particular, to be OK with that, and after some reflection, we uncovered a few reasons:

1. She had been told by society that it was normal to hate your job, so she accepted it as her fate.

2. She wasn't sure how to find a job that made her happy or how to create one for herself.

3. She didn't want to disappoint her father, who wanted her to have a "stable" job with a good salary.

4. She felt ashamed to admit that she wanted more from life than the 9-to-5 grind offered.

5. She was afraid of change.

These are all common reasons why many people stay stuck in jobs they don't love. But there is an alternative. It's easy to think that you don't deserve better, but that's not the case. You deserve to love your job, and it is possible to make that happen! What kind of life would it be if we simply had to accept the status quo and never aim for something better? Because that is why so many of us think we have to settle for jobs we don't like: because we've been taught that's the way things are, and it's easier to stay stuck than to go against the grain or strive for something better.

How to make your job more enjoyable

If you're unhappy in your current position, it doesn't mean you should quit. Perhaps you enjoy parts of your job, and you're looking for ways to make it more enjoyable. Here are some tips:

• Speak up about the issues you have. If something isn't working for you at your job (like hours, workload, salary), talk to your supervisor about it and see if anything can be done to improve it.

• Create goals and milestones for yourself. Setting goals and milestones can help you stay motivated and focused on the bigger picture. It can also help you track your progress and feel proud of your accomplishments.

• Find ways to enjoy the work you do. If tasks don't interest or energize you, find ways to make them more enjoyable – listen to music, take short breaks often, or have friendly competitions with your colleagues.

• Identify the tasks that drain your energy and focus on delegating or eliminating them. Ask yourself which activities you can delegate to someone else or eliminate.

• Recognize and reward your accomplishments. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and use these moments as reminders of why you do what you do.

Changing jobs or creating your own career path

So, let's talk about the practical steps for making this happen for you. To start with, if you're in a job that you hate and are ready to leave it, there are some things that you can do to make sure you get the best outcome:

1. Start by figuring out what you need and want in your next job. Make a list of the things that would make you happy, such as working from home, having flexible hours, etc.

2. Update your resume and apply for jobs that fit this description.

3. Reach out to people in industries or positions you're interested in and ask them questions about their work and experiences. This will give you a better understanding of what options are available to you.

4. Use networking opportunities to connect with potential employers and expand your professional network.

5. Finally, take risks! Don't be afraid to try something new or step outside of your comfort zone - it

Finding a job you love

The activities of the previous point are a good starting point for finding a job you love. The next step to take is understanding what makes you passionate. This can be anything from wanting more freedom in your career, or being able to have an impact on the world around you. Your passions (especially if you're a creative generalist, a creative, or an entrepreneur) will help guide you toward a career that aligns with your values and makes you happy. Once you know what drives and excites you, then it's time to start exploring different job opportunities. You don't have to stay stuck in the same cycle of unhappiness – there are plenty of resources for finding jobs that make you happy.

Finding a job you love is possible, but it requires some work. Here are some tips for finding or creating the job of your dreams:

• Get clear on what makes you happy and fulfilled professionally. What kind of work do you enjoy? What makes you feel energized? What type of environment do you want to be in? Take some time to reflect on these questions and write down your answers.

• Do your research and explore different industries, roles, and companies that could fit with what you are looking for. Networking can also help open doors and get you in contact with potential employers.

• When applying or interviewing for jobs, be sure to ask the right questions about culture, roles, and responsibilities. You must get a good understanding of what the job is really like, so you can make an informed decision.

• If a traditional job isn't working out for you, consider creating your own career path by freelancing or starting a business. This will give you more control over your work, and you can create something that aligns with your passions and values.

• Remember to take care of yourself during this process! Changing careers is hard work, and staying motivated and pushing forward is essential even when things seem harsh. Take some time to relax and recharge to remain focused on your goals.

Creating a career that is right for you

If the traditional 9-to-5 job isn't working out, or if you have a hard time finding the right job, then why not create a career that fits your passions and lifestyle? The possibilities are endless! As a coach, I love to help clients create careers that are tailored to their unique skills, interests, and values.

Here are some steps you can take for creating a career that is uniquely yours:

1. Get clear on your passions, skills, and values – what do you enjoy doing? What unique experiences or qualifications do you have? What drives and excites you? Take the time to understand who You could become a consultant, start an online business, or go freelance. You can also be creative in how you make money – try teaching classes, selling products or services, or even writing books. There are plenty of ways to make money while doing something you love.

2. Develop an action plan. What steps do you need to take to reach your goals? This could include creating a website, networking with potential clients, or researching the market.

3. Build relationships for support. Working for yourself can be isolating, so it's important to find community and collaboration opportunities that will help motivate and inspire you along the way. A mentor, colleagues, or friends can provide valuable advice and guidance as you pursue your dreams.

4. Take action! The most important part of creating a career is taking consistent action toward your goals. Even if it's just one small step each day – take the plunge and start doing something every day to get closer to achieving what you want.

5. Stay flexible. Creating a career for yourself is an ever-evolving process, and staying open to new opportunities and changes along the way is essential. Don't be afraid to pivot or adjust your plans if needed – it's all part of the journey!

The key takeaway here is that no matter what job you have, it's important to take steps toward creating a career that makes you feel fulfilled and energized each day. When we love our jobs, we can show up and do our best work. So take the time to explore, research, and plan out your career path – you're sure to find something that suits you perfectly!

Happy exploring! :)

Are you feeling stuck in your career and don't know what to do next?

You're not alone. A lot of people feel this way at some point in their lives. That's why I offer private coaching to help you figure out what your next steps should be.

Avoiding job regret is important, and I can help you do that. I'll give you the tools and resources you need to make a successful career change. Plus, I'm an experienced professional who has helped hundreds of people achieve their goals. You can trust me to help you too.

Schedule your free session!

3 easy steps to help you change careers

Hitting that metaphorical 9-to-5 wall, Groundhog Day, running on a hamster wheel of mindless work – choose a career cliché for how you’re feeling right now. Ok, so now what? 

You’re ready for a more dramatic change this year, and not just something small or incremental. It’s a new decade, and the pressure of a new decade living the same ten years all over again is not unusual for a perfectionist and overachiever – we do love to hold onto things.

Did you forget all of your accomplishments? Your efforts and achievements? 

You might be letting the inner critic ring it’s a bell on the hour every hour, and you might even be feeling confused about what your next step is, you’ve stopped dead – I get this all the time from my clients. You’re stuck, but you notice you really don’t want to feel that way anymore. Going through another year of the same thing is no longer an option, too much anxiety and overwhelm live there. 

How do you reclaim your power and take the next step mentally?

Guidance

Chances are you have some inclination towards change – you feel a tug, an itch or a pull. This emotional or internal guidance is there and it’s getting louder. You might worry about leaving where you are now will open the floodgates of new challenges, discomforts, or pessimism. However, from my experience, living in the past does that, but so does keeping the same routine on autopilot. Which do you prefer? Not nourishing your desires allows fear to grow instead.

There’s no “perfect” way to break through fear. There’s only taking one step at a time. It can be messy. Fear never really goes away, but it can be channelled into action. 

Human emotions are important messengers. Resistance is one tell-all sign that growth is necessary and the universe will eventually kick you out of your seat if you delay. That or you might be feeling the downside in your health, relationships, or stress levels. 

This is certainly true for me – and so many of my clients. One way fear keeps showing up for me is in disguise: perfectionism, procrastination, too much research, waiting for that moment when I’ll finally be *ready*. 

The problem is, that day usually NEVER comes.

That’s why those difficult emotions require reframing; you might not have the answers, but on the flip side to those emotions are opportunity, discovery, and change. You just need to hop over that fence (even in those fabulous new heels you’re wearing).

Does my Dream Job Really Exist?

Ultimately, it’s important to accept the fact there will never be the “perfect” job out there for you that will meet 100% of your needs, 100% of the time. And that’s okay! A lot of my clients get pretty darn close. One left her office job to train and become a trailguide around the world.

How do you know you’re ready for your career breakthrough this year? Here are 3 tell-tale signs:

#1 Acknowledge and investigate that itch.

Recognize there is a better job (or lifestyle) than the one you’re currently in, which you have yet to discover. Acknowledge that overwhelm, stress, and frustration of being undervalued and unappreciated where you are, is no way to live. 

A lot of people are unsatisfied where there are more than are willing to admit. The difference between you and most people is you want to do something about the itch. You can’t clock watch and go home to slump on your couch watching Netflix forever. You know you want to feel different – more energy, joy, laughter, perhaps even working outdoors. 

You have to be open to admitting your needs, to follow that “what-if” so that you can discover what you truly want to do, plan for it, and eventually take that leap!

#2 Reunite with what you enjoy.

what do you enjoy doing and what legacy do you want to leave behind? Who are you and where did you come from? What makes you laugh and what brought you true joy as a child? What do you enjoy doing most where the time goes by unnoticed? These are the deeper self-reflective questions you want to answer as you come to terms with the idea that yes, you will be acting on a change sometime in the near future. 

When we’ve become accustomed to something for so long it’s easy to mistake it as comfortable. Detachment becomes confused with familiar. You might be on autopilot and bored, but fall back on the justification that this is just the way it is. It shouldn’t be! 

If you don’t feel joy, you have to ask yourself why you’re allowing it? Perhaps you need to work through feelings of worthiness and give yourself permission to plan and change your life trajectory. You too can make a #Megxit from the dysfunctional royal family. 

#3 You’re open to change

You’re determined, curious, and open-minded. You want (and maybe have) to try something new. What you’re currently in is definitely a “no”, a temporary blip in your important larger journey towards a more meaningful life. You desire something, perhaps you know or perhaps you want to find it, and that something is not waiting for you at the desk you currently loiter at or the meeting room you constantly yawn through. 

You have achievements, networks, and support; you also have ideas and dreams that have been ignored. Understanding how action can turn those ideas is the next step – and it’s closer than you think. 

If you feel like you’re going through a breakthrough then you’re ready to get your hands dirty. Don’t fight it, embrace it and acknowledge the feelings behind it, not just mentally and emotionally but also physically through action, even if a small step forward. You can no longer waste time resisting the message. Or else, experience eternal déjà vu as you watch others live the life you want to be living, and that’s no way to live at all! You have so much to offer the world. Stop dimming your inner light.

In the end, you can’t break through without letting go. You have to make space to embrace the new. Your future life is waiting for you, one that’s more soulful, enjoyable and true to the real you, and not the one you feel you have to be for others. 

You know you are an overachiever who’s multi-talented and creative – that genius in you is sitting dormant. If you’re ready, I’d love to hear about your dreams. 

Fear or not, you can’t say “no” to that inner voice any longer.