How Not To Sacrifice Your Happiness For Work
- Posted on Feb 9, 2024
Did you know that the average person spends approximately 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime? That’s a third of your life spent on work-related activities. But what if we could flip the script? What if, instead of working 40 years to enjoy life for 10, we could live, love, and serve every single day?
As a clinical sociologist with expertise in career consulting and human resources, I’ve seen too many individuals sacrificing their happiness for work. They’re pressured into not taking leave, asked to work while on vacation, or even denied their hard-earned vacation time. They receive ‘promotions’ with no salary increase, endure policies that make it impossible to be their authentic selves at work, and get laid off despite having exceptional performance. This is not just an issue; it’s a crisis.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to settle. You can create your own path. There are many inclusive, great organizations out there that support work-life harmony. They understand that happier, less stressed employees are not just more productive, but they also contribute to a better world.
I’ve witnessed the transformative power of work-life balance and recognition for a job well done. I’ve experienced it and would never have it any other way. It’s not just about having time for leisure and celebrating accomplishments; it’s about living a fulfilling life. It’s about loving what you do and serving others with passion. It’s about spending our time here on Earth with loved ones and colleagues that we enjoy.
Here are some tips to not sacrifice your happiness for work:
Believe and internalize that being unhappy at work is not normal. Often, we’re socialized by our primary group, media, or other mediums to believe that suffering at work is martyrdom. Just because those around you are suffering doesn’t mean it has to be your normal. Sometimes we get into a cycle of victimhood that becomes our story. Did you grow up seeing family and friends suffering at work? Does your friend circle have a routine of complaining about their jobs? You could be unconsciously creating your reality. Step back and refresh your mindset.
When searching for organizations to apply to, prioritize the company culture. Along with the usual priorities of compensation, benefits/flexibility, and location – company culture will impact both your happiness and success in an organization. People leave their high paying jobs every day because of the workplace culture. Make sure you’re doing your due diligence by researching this upfront and asking relevant questions during the interview process. How you are treated during the recruitment process can tell you a lot about the culture. Step away from the process if you notice any red flags. Keep in mind how you are treated, how long the process takes, and the language used as indicators.
Change the way you look for your new job. Do you search the job boards of LinkedIn or one of the other popular job boards? If you do, you’ll need to find roles you want to apply to and then research the company culture on the back end before deciding to apply. This is backwards, but most job seekers do this. Instead, research companies that have inclusive, great cultures FIRST and then see what positions they have available. This is a more effective strategy that saves time and makes your search more successful. My favorite annual list is the Corporate Equity Index by the Human Rights Campaign. You can expand your search by searching “best places to work” to uncover sector specific lists as well.
I regularly provide keynotes and signature training for awesome and inclusive organizations! Great places to work are out there; you just have to find them. If you need help, schedule a free career strategy chat with me. I’m happy to help! If you’re an awesome and inclusive company looking for a speaker, visit my speaking page to learn more. If you found these three tips helpful, I’m working on a document with seven additional powerful tips on how not to sacrifice your happiness for work with links to my favorite ‘best places to work’ resources and more. Sign up to my email list to be the first to get access once it’s published.
Fewer things are better than a life full of living, loving, and serving.
Why are you waiting for retirement to start enjoying life? Why are you settling for a “good job” when its keeping you from enjoying your dream career lifestyle?
If you’ve experienced pressure at work to forego your leave benefits, how did you handle it?
How have you been socialized or conditioned to settle for a less than ideal workplace?
#CareerWellness #LoveCareerFreedom #LiveLoveServe
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