We spend so much of our lives and energy on work. We’re busy hitting targets, attending meetings, and doing our best to impress people in charge so we can be better rewarded for what we do.
All the while, we’re managing our busy personal and social lives, so it can be tricky to ‘see the bigger picture’ and properly ask yourself: is this all worth it?
With that in mind, here’s a list of questions to ask yourself about your working life. Then you can hopefully answer the big one.
Am I happy?
This is maybe one of the most high-concept questions on this list, and a hard one to answer straight away.
After a busy day, it’s very easy not to check how you’re feeling – and when you do, it’s usually just “I’m so tired”.
Get in the habit of regularly checking your mood after work – and ask if that’s a feeling you enjoy.
Am I able to relax?
Work can be very stressful – and in a sense you should be feeling some sort of pressure to be productive.
But that’s on company time. You should also have a capability to relax outside of work, whenever that might be.
If you can’t, then it’s time to think about the workload you’re taking on.
Am I engaged in what I do?
It’s easy to fall into a trance with no motivation. You find little, if anything, interesting about what you do at work; yet you still keep at it.
Why?
It’s something that can easily miss a lot of people thinking about their career – it doesn’t seem dangerous, and for some it’s ‘better’ than being stressed out. Just snooze through each day and get paid.
But this is a silent killer, and it’s likely you’ll find your mood being ground down when you spend so many hours this uninterested.
Am I with a company on its last legs?
Business is cutthroat. Companies come and go, and 21.5% of them appear to ‘go’ within their first year.
It seems a bit brutal to simply jump to safety when the company ship starts to sink, but just remember – the brutality works both ways.
Companies will make you redundant when your position isn’t needed, or when they can’t afford to keep you on; and in the same fashion, you’re well within your right to look after yourself.
Holding on can sometimes do more damage than letting go.
Am I really invested in the company anymore?
You might not be motivated to care about the company, either – this doesn’t mean you don’t care about the people you work with (or maybe it does).
It can be something you’ll try to force, but ultimately your interest in a company’s success should come naturally.
If you haven’t been partnered for long, give it the time it needs. But when it’s been a long run and you’re simply done caring, maybe it’s time for pastures new.
Am I keeping well?
Physical wellbeing is another connection to work, sometimes tying to stress as well.
It can be very easy to overlook the first few times, but regularly falling ill at work can reveal issues with how you’re coping.
If you’re able to, reduce your workload or negotiate more time off – but don’t be afraid to transfer your skills elsewhere if your health is at risk.
Am I being rewarded properly?
Promotions and pay rises, for a lot of us, are rungs on a ladder to climb up in the world.
They’re also something that employees often don’t initiate; when this can be the best way to succeed in getting that sought-after title.
If this question gives a disappointing answer, the first action to take is having that potentially awkward conversation with your boss about moving up.
If this bears no fruit, then it’s time to think about the time you’re wasting.
Am I content with my co-workers?
This question might not always apply, especially if you work remotely. But the people you work alongside can make the difference between your experience being miserable, productive and/or fun.
Hopefully, you can nail a combination of the last two.
If you find that’s proving a struggle over time, though, remember that it can be worth experimenting with different work environments.
Am I content with my boss?
It’s a common stereotype that everyone ‘hates’ their boss, but (believe it or not) it’s possible to get along with them.
With that said, if you find your boss to be bullying, rude, arrogant or any of the other issues that can come with authority, you’re better off out.
You genuinely have the power to choose how you work. If you’re having doubts and worries about where you work, SalesRec might be able to help. We have plenty of experience in recruiting top talent like you, and pairing you the with the right company environment.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch at enquiries@salesrec.co.uk.
If you read every word, skim read the best bits, or even just scrolled straight to the bottom – thank you for taking the time. SalesRec is a specialist Sales Recruitment company in London, you can find more information on roles and how we recruit on the website – www.salesrec.co.uk or follow us on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sales-recruitment-co/ for more blogs and helpful tips from the world of recruitment.
