Is It WORTH It To Stay Or Go?
Since the pandemic, many workers have faced increased burnout and pressure along with a strain on corporate culture. For many in recreation, tourism and hospitality there was the added pressure of inconsistent shifts and income, heavier workloads for the same (or less) pay, challenging customers and health concerns. This is not simply an entry-level role problem, according to Lifeworks (formerly Morneau Shepell), one in four Canadian leaders are also considering a career change from the increased stress of the pandemic. The past 18-months have shown many employees there is more to life than work and have them rethinking how they spend their time. So how do you know if you should stay or go?
Here are five questions to ask yourself to help with planning out your next steps. Grab your journal and caffeine, we’re going deep.
Have you been upfront with your employer on your concerns?
Let’s face it, it’s easy to suffer and stew silently through the last 18 months but have you made your leader aware of your concerns and specific needs? Keep in mind, they will be much more understanding and supportive of you leaving if you provide them with the opportunity to support you and give you the tools you need to do your job effectively.
If you have, were they able to provide you with a timeline for improvement or recovery? If so, is it one you’re comfortable with? If not, ask yourself, if the reason you haven’t asked is because you know your mind's made up on leaving and it’s beyond repair? If you are feeling conflicted on whether to stay or go, this conversation can be a helpful first step since it gives your employer a chance to meet your needs.
Be specific in this discussion, while descriptors such as “unhappy” and burned out” are important, you want to be solutions-oriented. For example, if the volume of workload is too heavy, advise what you’d like to see lifted off your plate.
Is your unhappiness at work taking a toll on those around you?
Forgive the bluntness, but when you get to a point where you find yourself unable to move past resentment and it starts to spread, it’s time to go. Your colleagues will support you but also breathe a sigh of relief for your next adventure. This also applies to your friends and family who may be quietly questioning your decision to stay in a role that makes you so unhappy. Everyone is still struggling and while languishing may seem like the norm, it also makes this even more exhausting than usual. You should work in an environment that supports your happiness and if that’s not possible in your current situation, it makes a case for moving on.
How do you feel at the start and end of your days?
Nothing beats journaling or meditating when trying to compartmentalize, but even doing a quick daily mental pulse check can be helpful. If you find yourself waking up daily instantly anxious and full of dread or constantly losing sleep over work, it is a sign something has to change for the sake of your health. Explore whether those feelings are specific to your role and if perhaps a less stressful position would help at your current company. You may be surprised at your employer’s flexibility to be able to keep you, especially if the move is temporary.
*Tip: If you’re new to meditation, check out this article on how to start a mindfulness practice.
Are you in a position to hold out for the right company and role?
If your workplace is downright toxic and it’s taking a toll on your mental and/or physical health, then maybe it is worth leaving for any opportunity or stepping away to find something else. The job market is strong and vacancies in recreation, tourism and hospitality are returning at a steady pace. Those open to utilizing their transferable skills for other industries, will find a surplus of job opportunities await. If you know you want more out of your career but that your current employer or job is fine for now, then consider continuing to explore options while employed. This can provide you with more security and allow you to hold out for the right employer and position. The Great Resignation has shown us with so many unhappy people that the grass is not always greener on the other side, so if you can afford to be selective, do.
Ask yourself what your reasons for wanting a change are and what your dream position would look like.
To best communicate your needs and also find what will make you happy, you first need to take the time to know yourself. For example, if you are needing something less stressful it is a very different motivator than needing something more challenging. If you’re feeling stagnant, you may find taking a course or taking on new responsibilities could be beneficial. Comparatively, if you have decided that work-life balance is most important, an adjusted work schedule may be a great option. By focusing on everything you enjoy doing, you’ll be more confident in your ability to outline your needs to a current employer, create your dream role or identify when job searching what you’re looking for. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll come away more confident and self-aware.
It can be hard to make decisions when you’re completely absorbed in the work and stress and finding it challenging to take pause and reflect. If you’re feeling stuck consider chatting through the above prompts with someone other than your leader, whether a close colleague, mentor or even counsellor through an Employee Assistance Plan.
Consider the above questions a starting point for self-discovery, so you can come away feeling more comfortable in your needs and next steps. Ultimately, you spend too much time at work to be consistently unhappy and unfulfilled. Pandemic or not, know you are WORTH more than your job and deserve to feel good at work.
Looking for more questions to ponder? Check out this helpful IG post from Career Contessa and make sure you give our 10 Career Resources Worth Following article a read for more of our favourites.
Reference
Senior leaders’ state of wellbeing and resiliency compromising post-pandemic workplace recovery (July 15, 2021). Lifeworks. https://lifeworks.com/en/news/senior-leaders%E2%80%99-state-wellbeing-and-resiliency-compromising-post-pandemic-workplace-recovery