Think Positive Always
What To Do If Your Job Pays The Bills, But Doesn’t Give You A Sense Of Purpose
By Celestine Mecheo Published
Feeling stuck in a job that pays well but leaves you unfulfilled? Learn practical ways to find meaning, protect your peace, set goals, and plan your next step wisely.
You’re making a lot of money at your job. You have financial security. And your job probably has its own set of benefits (health insurance), comforts (a steady paycheck), status (you’re “making a name for yourself”), and maybe even a couple of fun perks that others envy. However, there’s just one thing – you don't like doing it.
You go through the motions every day: wake-up; get the job done; collect the paychecks; and move forward. From an outsider's perspective, things could seem perfect. People might even say how lucky you are to have this kind of opportunity.
Yes, having financial stability is very important.
However, if your job gives you all the above advantages but leaves you feeling empty inside, what do you do? Or, if the job sounds great on paper, but your heart doesn't connect with it, what do you do? Or, if you've been successful in your current role and yet you're still feeling unfulfilled, what do you do?
You're not the only person who finds themselves in a high-paying job that isn’t aligned with their values, sense of purpose or happiness. There are countless individuals who have reached a place in their careers where they understand that money is important, however so is meaning.
The good news is that you don’t have to rush into anything.
You don't have to quit your job right now. You don't have to give up the financial security your job provides. You don't have to turn off your feelings about your job.
You can stop. Take time to reflect. Look at your options. And then take intelligent and responsible steps towards creating a balance in your life and finding fulfilment.
1. Identify What’s Missing
Step back before acting. Do not rush to quit. Do not ignore your discomfort. Do not assume you are simply ungrateful. Instead, ask yourself an honest question:
Exactly what is missing in this job?
Work environment? Passion for the job itself? Poor relationship with your manager or team? Lack of purpose in your work? Burnout? Lack of growth opportunities? Your values no longer match the role?
Sometimes the problem is the whole job. Sometimes it is only one part of a job that needs changing.
Perhaps you enjoy working for the company but hate your position. Perhaps you like the work but don't like the culture. Perhaps you value the salary but feel no connection to the mission. Perhaps you are not unhappy with the work itself but you are exhausted because you have no balance outside of work.
Understanding what is missing helps you understand whether your dissatisfaction can be addressed within your current role, or if a bigger change may be needed.
Act: begin keeping a journal or simple list. Write down the parts of your job which make you unhappy and the parts that still give you joy.
Example:
What tasks drain me? What tasks give me energy? When am I most frustrated at work? When do i feel useful/engaged? What would i want different about my job?
Clarity is powerful.
The moment you can name the problem (you can) begin deciding on how to handle the situation.
When you can name the problem, you can begin to decide what to do about it.
2. Create Meaning Within Your Current Role
You may find your job does not have an immediate sense of deep meaning.
However, this doesn't necessarily indicate no meaning exists.
There are many ways you may be able to create a sense of meaning in your current position.
Will you explore potential projects at work that fit closer to your personal interests? Will you act as a mentor to another worker? Can you provide support to one of your teammates? Are you interested in suggesting a new idea for the company? Can you reflect upon how your role impacts clients, customers, colleagues, etc.?
Changing your mindset slightly will often allow you to regain a connection to your current role from a more meaningful standpoint.
Example: Maybe you perform the same tasks every day. However, when you think about your performance helping other members of a team; supporting customers; improving processes; making others' experiences easier; you may find meaning in areas you previously did not.
This is NOT an attempt to force yourself into loving a job that truly exhausts you.
Rather, it is a decision to determine if there are opportunities to create value, connection, and/or purpose while working at your current place.
Action Item: Identify ways to voluntarily participate in projects that interest you; or propose ideas to further develop initiatives that relate to your core values.
Asking yourself:
What area(s) of your role do you believe could be viewed as being more meaningful by approaching it differently? Who could you assist; teach; lead; coach; or aid at work? Which projects would make you feel like using your talents and abilities?
3. Invest in Your Own Personal Development
Personal growth is investment of yourself.
If you find that your job will not provide you with the opportunity to continue growing (both as a professional and personally), don't let your entire life stagnate.
Even though your job may be paying you well, if it doesn't push you creatively, enhance your knowledge and skills, or encourage your continued growth, you may begin to feel trapped. That's why your investment into your own personal growth is so important.
Investing in your personal growth allows you to pursue opportunities outside of your job. There are many ways to do this:
- Take classes - Learn new skills - Develop hobbies - Attend workshops - Read books - Start something outside of your job that gives you a sense of progress.
When your job seems repetitive, or un-inspiring, investing in your personal growth provides you with something to look forward to.
As an example;
If your work has limited creative freedom, consider taking a writing class, learning photography, starting a blog, practicing design, or joining a creative community. If your job lacks intellectual challenges, search for online courses in a new area. If your current role does not align with your future career goals, begin acquiring the skills needed for the next stage of your life.
You don’t have to wait for growth from your job.
You can create your own opportunities for growth.
Action item: seek out online courses, local workshops, or personal projects in areas that interest you (whether they are related to your field or completely new).
Ask yourself:
What am I always wanting to learn?
What skill could open doors for me?
What hobby would make my life feel more alive?
What small learning goal will I be able to achieve this month?
Your fulfilment is not found only at work.
4. Set Personal Goals That Will Help You Remain Motivated
Personal goals are essential when you find little satisfaction in your job. Your job can provide you with a sense of direction and purpose.
It's important to develop personal goals.
If you do nothing but go to work daily, and your job has no reward, and your life has no personal goals, then your entire life could become unfulfilling.
Your personal goals can include; financial goals (such as saving for something), skills building goals (learning something new), health goals, lifestyle goals, and personal development goals.
Do you want to save up for a major item? Do you want to create an emergency fund? Do you want to lower your stress levels? Do you want to increase your overall health? Do you want to gain some knowledge about a new skill? Are you preparing yourself for a career transition?
As long as your job relates to a larger goal than just going through the motions each day, your job may stop feeling like such a prison, and begin to feel like a resource.
For instance, instead of thinking "My job is sucking the energy out of me", you may now think "My job is giving me the opportunity to save money while I plan my next steps."
You still will not have solved all problems, however this can allow you to continue working on planning for your future while maintaining motivation.
Action Item: Develop SMART goals which support your visions for your life.
SMART goals are Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant and Time-bound.
Example: Instead of stating "I am going to try to save money" state "I will save $500 over the next six months by depositing X dollars into my savings account at the end of every month".
Example: Instead of stating "I want to be healthier" state "I will walk for thirty minutes four days per week to get exercise."
Example: Instead of stating "I want a better future" state "I will dedicate two hours per weekend researching career options that relate to my values."
Goals clearly defined and written will help you move from being frustrated to taking action.
Taking action provides you with a greater degree of control.
5. Reconnect with Your Passions Outside of Work
Work might no longer bring you joy, but your entire life does not have to be without joy either.
You must make time for things that give you the feeling of "who am i?" Outside of work.
Before life got too crazy what did you like doing? What makes you feel light? What energizes you? What do you get lost in timewise (in a good way)?
Painting...hiking...writing...cooking...volunteering...music/sports/gardening/mentoring/dancing/spending time w/loved ones, etc. ...
Participating in your passions outside of work can greatly enhance your overall happiness.
This will also remind you of an important point: fulfillment is not limited to just your job.
Yes, having meaningful employment matters. But, your job is just one part of your life.
You are allowed to build joy elsewhere as well.
Action item: Schedule regular time each week for activities you enjoy.
Do not wait until you "get around" to finding the time...
Create the time.
Start small...One evening...One weekend morning...One hour after work...one thing that makes you feel human again.
A balanced life needs more than income.
It needs moments that give you energy to your heart.
6. Set Limits on Yourself Before Burning Out.
It’s possible that there’s an imbalance of how much the job is asking of you vs. what the job provides in terms of fulfillment.
The issue is not only about being unhappy with your job; it’s also about whether your job is asking too much of you — your time, energy, mental space, emotional reserves, etc. If you’re job is consuming too many of these resources, dissatisfaction might actually be burnout.
Burnout will cause all aspects of your job and life to feel bad.
You’ll likely start disliking some things at work that you used to tolerate. You may find yourself exhausted before the day has started. Your ability to enjoy your personal life may suffer as you’re constantly thinking about work.
Therefore, setting limits is important.
When possible leave work at work. Take breaks. Protect your sleep. Don’t say yes to every opportunity to take on additional duties. Improve your quality of life by establishing better work-life boundaries. Allow yourself time to recover.
Setting limits isn’t lazy, it’s wise.
Action Step: Develop the habit of saying no to opportunities that don’t fit into your plans/goals or create excessive stress/pressure.
Some examples include:
“You are not going to get anything from me right now.”
“I could help with that after I’ve finished my current priorities.”
“I’m not able to assist you today, I need to complete my tasks.”
“Outside regular business hours I am unavailable.”
You don't have to burn-out to show commitment to your job.
#7. Look for a new role within the same company.
Do you like working at your company, but are unhappy with what you do?
You shouldn’t pass up looking into alternative options within your company.
Not everyone needs to look for a job outside their company. Many people just want a job change or a better fit to their abilities, interests and/or career goals.
You may have to consider finding a new role within your existing company, which would allow you to get a "fresh start" and keep your income, benefits, etc.
Maybe there is an entirely new department where you can use your skills and talents. Perhaps a new manager will provide you the opportunity to grow. Maybe a new role will offer you increased creativity, flexibility, leadership opportunities or personal fulfillment.
It doesn’t have to be one or the other; remain in the same position or go somewhere else.
Likely, there exists another avenue of professional development as part of the same organization.
Action item: discuss internal opportunities of interest with your direct supervisor or the human resources department.
Beforehand prepare yourself for that conversation.
Create lists prior to the discussion:
- Your strengths - Things you enjoy doing. - The skills you want to utilize on a more frequent basis. - Departments/positions that you find intriguing. - How you could use your previous experience in a new capacity within your company.
Making a lateral move can provide you with a fresh challenge and maintain your financial security.
Perhaps your next step is closer than you realize.
8. Consider Long-Term Career Options for the Future
Sometimes, there are deeper reasons why you may be feeling unhappy.
You have made some effort to shift your mental approach.
You have made an attempt at finding a sense of purpose.
You have set boundaries.
You have explored potential new career opportunities internally.
But even after making all of those attempts, something still does not feel right.
When you feel like your job/career path has become misaligned from your personal values and passions, it is time to begin exploring serious options for changing careers over the long term.
That doesn’t mean make decisions based on impulse.
That means take action; research; plan; prepare; get answers; create a “safety net” before taking the leap.
Firstly, connect with alternative career paths that more clearly reflect who you are becoming.
How will this career utilize my greatest assets?
Which company/organization culture will support my growth?
Where in this organization can I find the most fulfillment?
What additional skills will I require?
How can I financially protect myself through the process of transitioning out of my current role?
Having a deliberate "exit" strategy can help you prepare for change and ensure that you maintain your financial security.
Step Action: Find people working in areas of interest to you.
Ask them:
- About what a typical day looks like for them. - About the necessary skills. - About the challenges facing their industry. - About the opportunities in their field. - About realistic ways to move into their industry.
You don’t have to know everything today.
All you need to do is collect information.
9. Create A Financial Safety Net
As long as the paychecks keep coming, there is some value in having a job. The most important part about this is being able to think ahead. Even though your job may or may not give you satisfaction, it needs to allow you to create an adequate income to create future freedom.
Use what you have.
Having a financial safety net allows you to be much more flexible. It gives you room to breathe. It gives you the ability to make decisions from a place of calmness versus desperation.
You might want to start a business.
You might want to go back to school.
You might need to take time off.
You might want to find another job that has less of a paycheck but is more satisfying.
Or maybe you just want the security of knowing you have other options available.
Saving aggressively while still working, will help you prepare for those options.
Action Step: Aggressively try to save enough money (at least) to cover six months of living expenses; so you can have options when you are making career decisions.
Start where ever you currently are.
Examine how you spend your money.
Remove anything that you do not have to spend money on.
Automate the contribution of money towards your savings.
Create an emergency fund.
Store your transition savings separately from your daily/weekly/monthly money.
Your financial safety net will not remove every obstacle, but it will add one more layer of control to your options.
10. Obtain Guidance from Experts
There are occasions where you may require insight from an outside party.
It does NOT signify weakness to receive guidance; rather, it signifies both intelligence and knowledge that some decisions deserve professional expertise.
Regardless if you're considering staying, pivoting or leaving your current job, consider consulting a career coach, counselor or psychotherapist.
Career Coaches can help determine your talents, values and possible career pathways. Psychotherapists can help you cope with the emotional weight associated with feeling unhappy with your job/career, burn-out and lack of fulfillment.
We sometimes find ourselves too close to our situation to see it objectively.
An individual trained to guide others can help clarify issues by creating better questions, create a priority list, and make educated decisions.
Action Item: Identify a Career Coach or Counselor that specializes in navigating transition and achieving fulfillment through work.
Before attending your first session:
Document:
- Emotional experiences you've been having? - What attempts have you made thus far? - Fear of? - Options you're exploring? - Type of support that you feel you'll need?
You don't have to go on this journey alone.
Seeking the assistance of an individual professionally trained to help other people will allow the clarity in the path and lessen feelings of confusion.
Conclusion
Discontentedness with a high-paying job can be difficult to resolve.
Also confusing because there are likely many ways the high-paying job provides value but simultaneously removes value.
Income.
Safety/Security.
Status/Stability.
However it may also create disconnection. Exhaustion. Uncertainty regarding your purposes.
These two elements can coexist.
You could be grateful for the money generated by your job but realize you need additional meaning. You can be happy with the security that your job provides but desire personal development. You can value your job but realize that something needs to change.
Not all answers are to immediately leave your job.
Sometimes it is necessary to reflect. Other times, it is to set limits. Some times it is to reconnect with your passion. Sometimes it is to seek out another job.
Sometimes it is to develop a plan for a broader career change while working progressively toward that goal.
When you identify what is missing, grow personally, create a strategy for action, build a financial safety net, and use available tools when needed, you can start building a life that has a greater sense of completeness and satisfaction.
Recall:
A meaningful life is created equal parts within and beyond the work setting.
Thus, start with one step (and) one honest reflection. One boundary. One discussion. One savings goal. One course. One passion calling you back to yourself. One decision leading you closer to a balanced and fulfilling life.
You don't have to be forever stuck.
You can honour the stability present and simultaneously allow space for the fulfillment currently eluding you.