Many of us experience the so-called Monday blues. It usually starts on a Sunday afternoon with a feeling of unease and dread. To many of us, Mondays symbolize the start of another week of mindless drudge in a job that we’re unhappy doing. If you’re one of those who dread Mondays, it could be time to reevaluate your future and your career. Think of it this way: maybe you don’t hate Mondays; maybe you just hate your job.
But don’t despair. Whether you’ve been secretly dreaming of starting your own small business or working as a freelance florist, changing your future is in your hands. Knowing what inspires you and what would make you feel fulfilled is the first step in finding a job that you will enjoy. Take the time to explore what matters most if you were to change your job.
In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to provide you with some valuable pointers on how to find a more rewarding and satisfying job that will make you look forward to Mondays, not get terrified by them.
Do you hate your job?
Some of the signs below will be a red flag that you actually hate Mondays because you’re unhappy in your job:
- You believe you are working for too little money compared to the work you’re doing;
- You believe you are not receiving the recognition you deserve from your superiors;
- You believe your employer is undervaluing you;
- You continually watch the clock, waiting to go home;
- You believe that the workplace environment is uncomfortable or unpleasant;
- You believe you’re trapped in a dead-end job;
- You don’t find your job challenging enough.
These are all significant issues that may cause you to dread Mondays. But what can you do about it?
It’s all about choices
Someone once said: “The choices we make directly affect the life we lead.” It’s up to you to alter your life. You don’t have to be stuck in a job that feels more like indentured servitude than something fulfilling. It is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not you want to continue living that way. Take back control of your life by taking charge of your career. Make deliberate decisions to improve your situation.
Once you realise that the choice to change your life’s path and find a job that’s satisfying and makes you happy is in your own hands, you’ll begin to look forward to those pesky Mondays.
Do what you love
As the old saying goes, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” We’ve all heard it innumerable times, but the sad truth is that few of us can truly say that we have always had the pleasure of doing what we love. “Follow your passion”, they say, and all the rest will fall into place. But how do you follow your passion if you’re not sure what that passion is? Here’s a clue: find what you’re good at, what interests you, and what you enjoy doing. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll never hate Mondays again.
Finding what you’re good at
Finding your passion can be an exciting, internal journey of self-discovery. Passion is what makes you feel happy, energetic, and excited. Something that makes you feel so good that you want to keep doing it forever.
Identify the unique skills that you possess. We’re all born with something unique that we’re particularly good at. Think about the qualities that other people admire in you and compliment you on. You might excel at mentoring, being creative, enjoying taking on leadership roles, giving relationship advice, etc.
Take career-matching online tests if you’re unsure. They suggest the ideal occupations for you based on your skills, aptitude, and interests. Some focus on personality attributes, while others are more concerned with your skills.
Consult a career counsellor to assist you in identifying occupations that fit your interests, qualifications, and ideal working environment. They can also help you create a long-term career strategy and draw your attention to professions or business sectors you haven’t previously explored.
Conclusion
There’s no need to be stuck on the hamster wheel forever, dreading Mondays and working in a job you hate. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t settle for less. Your future is in your hands. You can achieve anything you set your mind to and be whomever you want to be. The choice is yours.
