Hating your job could lead to serious negative health effects by the time you are 40 according to new research. Growing job dissatisfaction is highlighted by a 110% spike in searches for phrases like “I hate my job so much” in recent months.
But what are the biggest health risks associated with persistent unhappiness at work, and how can you combat them?
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, experts at job search and career coaching platform JobLeads teamed up with Maria-Teresa Daher-Cusack, a Clinical Development Consultant at Health Assured to shed light on the key health red flags to watch for in an unhappy workplace.
Ongoing dissatisfaction in the workplace can lead to persistent stress and anxiety. The constant strain of tensing your muscles in anticipation of tasks you dread can feel like an unending workout, resulting in body aches.
This prolonged stress not only triggers the release of hormones that increase heart rate and narrow blood vessels but also weakens your immune system, creating a cycle of increased sick days and decreased productivity. To alleviate this, set clear boundaries between work and personal time.
Learning to say no to overwhelming situations helps protect your mental space, reducing feelings of entrapment in your job. Worrying about work can lead to sleepless nights, with stress and overthinking making it difficult to unwind.
Poor sleep quality is a major concern, as restful sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and cognitive function, while a consistent lack of sleep can amplify feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. To break this cycle, establish a calming bedtime routine, reduce screen time before bed, and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises for more restful nights.
Prolonged job dissatisfaction can erode a person’s self-esteem, leading to doubts about one’s abilities, and contributing to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This creates a vicious cycle that hinders proactive steps towards career fulfilment.
Surround yourself with supportive friends who uplift your mood and reinforce your self-worth, and seek regular feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain perspective on your strengths and areas for improvement. Feeling trapped in stressful or unfulfilling jobs can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol use and binge eating.
While these behaviours may provide temporary relief, they carry significant long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease and liver damage. Try to adopt healthier outlets for stress relief.
Set a daily routine which includes at least 30 minutes of physical activity or mindfulness practices, such as guided meditation. Instead of isolating yourself, connect with friends after work or join local clubs which align with your interests.
Finding a job which resonates with your passions and interests is essential for both personal happiness and professional success. To support those on the journey to discovering their true calling, the experts at JobLeads have developed a five-step guide:
- Identify your core strengths and interests
- Assess your values and goals
- Expand your horizons and close the skill gap
- Build bridges, not just contacts – securing your dream job isn’t only about what you know – it’s about who you know because around 70% of job openings are never advertised
- Attend industry-specific conferences and workshops where you can engage with peers and professionals.
- Transform your career aspirations by setting SMART goals- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound.
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