A job is supposed to provide a sense of purpose, financial stability, and growth opportunities.
But not all jobs are going to be the right fit for you — and sometimes the wrong job will drain you and make it hard to get up in the morning. Beyond boredom or frustration, the wrong company culture can have very real effects on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s therefore a good idea to choose your job and career wisely.
If you’ve been feeling run-down, anxious, or disconnected at work, it’s worth considering whether your job might be affecting more than just your career path.
Here are four ways the wrong job can jeopardize your health — and why a career pivot might be a godsend.
1. Chronic Stress and Burnout
Stress is inevitable, but if your job always has you in the red with no break or cushion, burnout might be inevitable. Being stressed out constantly not only will drain your brain but also will potentially lead to physical illness.
Chronic stress also causes high blood pressure, weakened immune systems, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and even heart disease. It can also have a psychological impact leading to a lack of concentration and irritability.
Work that buries you under unrealistic deadlines, unclear expectations, or abusive management will always have a negative impact. Instead of accepting the status quo, it’s best to explore how to achieve a better work-life balance that keeps stress from getting out of control.
2. Poor Work-Life Balance
If too much energy or time is invested in work, it will ruin your work-life balance. Overtime, late nights, and being always on duty — even after hours — will rob you of sleep, lessen the amount of time spent with family, and keep you from pursuing hobbies.
This imbalance can lead to insomnia, burnout, and conflict with others. Healthy social connections and sufficient sleep are essential. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of emotional exhaustion, cynicism in the workplace, and compromised mental health.
3. Toxic Workplace Culture
Where you work is as important as what you work on. A poor environment — due to poor communication, harassment, or micromanaging — can destroy your mental health.
If you work in an environment where you do not feel comfortable asking questions, where success is unappreciated, or where conflict resolution is poor, you will be grumpy and depressed.
Toxic workplaces also affect your physical health since ongoing stress can lead to muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, and a repressed immune system. The longer it goes on, the more impactful the spillover into your non-work life.
4. Repressed Growth and Job Dissatisfaction
While career stagnation is a career issue, it is equally a health issue. Over time, this dissatisfaction can contribute to mental health struggles like depression, low self-esteem, and chronic stress. It can also lead to unhealthy coping habits — overeating, excessive caffeine or alcohol use, or neglecting exercise.
When your skills and talents aren’t being used, it’s not only frustrating. It’s a constant reminder that you’re not reaching your potential, which can weigh heavily on your mental well-being.
Your job is about more than just your salary. If it’s taking more out of you than it’s worth, you’ll want to be mindful about considering other options. It might be possible to fix the situation at your current workplace, but sometimes a fresh new start is the best option.
A career pivot, like picking up an in-demand trade, could be the answer you never knew you needed. And it won’t have to take forever either since, for example, you can earn a certificate as a forklift operator online in a day. That’s just one of many trade job options.
If enduring stress, physical burnout, work-life imbalance, or other problems are making you sick, it might be time to make the leap. That could involve seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
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