Wrong Job?

What I’m about to say may sound incredibly impatient, preternaturally inconsiderate or at the very least brutally intolerant. But if you’re one of those people who is constantly complaining about your job, do us all a favor: either do something about it or shut up!

I’m constantly amazed by the sheer volume of American workers who have nothing positive to say about their jobs, yet aren’t even in the market for a new one.  In any other area of life, chronic complaints about a situation without any action to improve it wouldn't be looked upon favorably. For some reason, complaining about our jobs seems to have become the acceptable norm. As a culture we constantly avoid the opportunity to better our lives because we’re afraid of the unknown.  Sure, changing jobs can be scary, but is it really scarier than a lifetime of being under-compensated, under-appreciated and under-utilized?

Think of the energy waisted on complaining about your job on a daily, or even hourly, basis. How about focusing all that energy on changing it?  There are over 125 million jobs in the US alone. If your negative arguments are sound, I guarantee you there is someone out there that would thrilled to both appreciate and compensate your talents. The beauty of working in a free-market society is that if what you do has value, there are always people looking and hoping to employ you.

Trust me, I’ve had bad jobs in my life and I understand completely. How awful it can be to work in a job where you feel unfulfilled or unappreciated, but you have the power to change it!

It’s human nature to be up some days and down others, but if you don’t feel excited to go to work at least 3 out of 5 days a week, you’re either not as talented as you think or you’re in the wrong job.  As the employment market tightens, and employers are more and more desperate to hire quality workers, keeping a job that doesn’t inspire you is nobody’s fault but your own.

Comments

[Jay Whiting]

I love the honesty. I couldn't agree with your outlook any more. Do something os shut up! I love it! Haha!

[Charlie]

I have to say, I manage 26 people, and where you would think this article would make me cringe, I actually I wish I could post it in my break room. I have half the department complaining and gossiping all the time!!! I know half of them are just doing it to “fit in” because misery loves company, but others may truly be unhappy in their position. What I wish more than anything is that they would leave so I could hire and pay people that would do the job and stop whining. Sure I have bad days like anyone, but when I think about my career, there are things I want to accomplish in my current role and master it before I move on. Perhaps then my managers will see the asset I am and make a counter offer. A message to all the whiners out there: get some goals!!!

[job interview answers]

I have to say, you did a really nice job on explaining something that can be really tricky at times. There are times that I stuggle with wrapping my head around topics like the this, thank you for summing it up well.

Thanks a Lot!