Careers with Hart with Jay Hart

Before you resign, make sure you understand just why you feel so unhappy.

You may already have a long list of reasons. Be sure to work past the initial, generic grievances like, 'I don't enjoy my work” or 'I don't like my boss,” in order to discover the specific reasons for your dissatisfaction. If you don't, you may be surprised to find your discontent follow you to your next job.

If you are able to uncover the specific reasons you're unhappy at work, you are more likely to eliminate or mitigate them. And you may not need to look for a new job after all.

A large part of job satisfaction is tied to whether or not we feel valued. All of us generally perceive and convey value through; words, gifts, service, touch and time. Failing to recognise these differences can lead to extreme job dissatisfaction.

For example, your boss may make time to sit with you each week. She thinks this exclusive time shows she values you. Instead, you feel micromanaged and wish she would use her words to tell you she values your contribution.

In the meantime, you use your words to tell your boss just how great she is every day. Unfortunately, she ignores you and assumes you're being dishonest. She also wonders why you don't grab a coffee with her every now and then.

It seems you're unhappy with your job because your boss doesn't like you and you hate being micromanaged. But the underlying reason for your discontentment is that you don't feel valued – neither does your boss, for that matter.

Understanding the method of communication you need to feel valued would be a great first step towards increasing your job satisfaction. Understanding that of those around you would be an epic second.

Contact Jay Hart, josmar.hart@gmail.com