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!