How The Right Career Can Help Improve Your Well-being

People joke about not wanting to work all the time – this is just what humans do. But for some, it is their reality. 

In a recent survey conducted across several countries in Southeast Asia, Singaporeans reported the lowest levels of engagement and job satisfaction. Twenty-six per cent of the Singaporean respondents revealed dissatisfaction with their job, compared to 15% in Indonesia and 17% in the Philippines.

If you’re one of these people, it might be time to step back and reflect. Ask yourself: “What's the right career for me?”

The Importance of Finding the Right Career

Job satisfaction, or the fulfilment or enjoyment one experiences in their role, is necessary to a person's growth and well-being. It spells the difference between going through the motions at work and being excited to come to start your work day. It defines the line between a job and a career.

The former is merely a task you do for money. The latter is something you’ve built up over the years, a path that gives you more growth opportunities, security, and more importantly, a sense of pride and happiness. 

While it’s not wrong to get a job that pays the bills, finding a career you enjoy can improve your entire life. Hating your job impacts your well-being, with constant negativity putting you at higher risk for illness and can damage your mental health.  

But how do you know if you should move on and #SEEKBetter? Here are the warning signs that tell you your job is not suited for you.

Read: New Job, Bad Fit? How To Deal With a Job You Don’t Like

Warning Signs That Tell You This Job Is Not for You

You dread work.

While many people probably dread work at some point, dragging your feet has become an everyday situation for you. Languishing means you hardly find things about your job that you enjoy. You constantly feel frustrated or defeated in your role. Some people even say they get so stressed out and unhappy at work that they severely compromise their mental well-being.

You’re on autopilot.

Does work start to feel like too much of a routine? Working for the sake of working is a glaring sign that the job is not right for you. When you’re just doing the bare minimum and not thinking much about what you’re doing, you’re no longer personally invested in the job. You’re probably bored because the work doesn't challenge you anymore.

You’re overwhelmed.

On the opposite side of being on autopilot is the feeling of constantly being overwhelmed. It’s one thing to be in over your head once – we all have bad days in the office. But if you find yourself constantly missing crucial details in projects, getting things wrong or misunderstanding even the most basic instructions, perhaps you need to take a break and figure out what is bothering you. It could be stress from working too hard or you’ve simply lost the will to care.

You’re not growing.

Because you’re just going through the motions, you’re no longer growing, improving, and becoming better. Worse, if you don’t feel like upskilling or learning more in this role, you’ve gotten tired of it and probably shouldn’t be there any longer. 

You don’t feel supported.

Instead of a high-paying job, China’s richest man Jack Ma famously advised millennials to look for a good boss for the first few decades of their professional life. A good boss will support you, champion your work and bring you to greater heights. If your boss or your colleagues aren’t supportive of you, this may be a sign that either doesn't complement your goals. Your beliefs don’t align with the work that you do.

Read: Why Having a Mentor Could Be Your Career Boost

Your professional relationships aren’t working out.

It’s not just the work that makes you stay – it’s the people. Individuals thrive in an environment where they enjoy being around their colleagues. It is especially helpful in tasks that require regular collaborations or if you need to utilise your network to get a project moving. If you can't connect with the people in your office, this role might not be the best fit for you.

You can’t be yourself.

Inclusion and diversity help a firm succeed because they bring multiple perspectives to the table. If the company you work for doesn’t make you feel welcome and instead makes you uncomfortable to be yourself, you should move elsewhere. You deserve to feel safe in your workplace, and if your company doesn't offer that, you’ll find it challenging to stay engaged and be productive.

Your work doesn’t align with your values.

The company culture makes you feel extremely uncomfortable. Moreover, the work does not provide the personal and professional fulfilment that you seek. These are usually some of the most important red flags signalling you to move on and consider your next move.

If your job is constantly making you deeply unhappy, you should take action to find opportunities for better prospects. Here’s what to ask when looking for a career that’s right for you. 

Questions to Ask If It’s the Right Job for You

Is the role interesting/challenging?

Check the job description. Does this sound like something you’ll be interested in doing? If yes, will it be a role that will challenge you? Make sure that the job is something to enjoy, but at the same time, it should be something that will teach you new things and help you improve. Otherwise, you’re going to be just as bored as you were in your previous role. 

Will you like the people around you?

You should be able to get a feel of the workforce during your job interview. Does it feel like you’ll enjoy working with a team under the leader who just interviewed you? Feel free to ask your interviewer questions about the people they look for in their organisation – this can also give you an idea about the kind of personality they’re after. 

Does this job fit the lifestyle I want?

These days, hybrid working is becoming more and more commonplace, but setups vary from company to company. Remember to ask about the company’s policies on work arrangements to figure out how this fits your lifestyle. If you’re a parent who must be at home on most days, it’s important to flag this with your prospective employer immediately to manage expectations. 

Does it align with your values?

Do your research. Look up the company’s vision mission or strategy and see if its values are those you support. But don’t stop there. Ask about the company culture to learn things that are not on the company website. In your job interview, inquire about how the company treats their people – do they offer recognition programmes, mentoring programmes, or training? These will be beneficial to you once you’re in the firm, so best to know them as soon as possible. 

Will this job help you advance in your career?

Every new job should make you feel you’re stepping up a higher level on the career ladder. Check if this new role will give you skills or experience that will help you grow your career. Ask about the path your role entails – is there an opportunity for career advancement within the firm or will you be in the same position for a long time? See if they’re willing to invest in you before you invest your time in working with them.

Finding the right career for you might feel like a pipe dream. Sometimes, you just need a job to get you by. But finding job satisfaction in a role can do wonders not only for your professional life but your personal life, too. Working in a job you enjoy is good self-care.  

Find ways to nail work-life balance via our Career Resources page. Don't forget to download JobStreet’s app available on the App Store and Google Play for tips like this.