There might be days when the alarm goes off and you just feel sick—of your job. Is it time to move on? Or do you only need a mental health day? Consider trying a few ways to get through a work slump to give yourself the time to determine if it’s just a bad day, or a bad job.
Published
This article speaks to me on so many levels. I knew it was time to move on from my current job when anxiety kicks in every morning when I get up for work or even the thought of opening my computer to view my assignment for the day. Not to mention my off and on Left Shoulder and chest pain.
Maureen Bonatch MSN, BSN, MSN, RN
19 Articles; 78 Posts
Oh no, not the alarm. Most people don't spring out of bed eager for another day at work, but some days stimulating any enthusiasm can be harder than others. Physically you might feel fine, but mentally you're exhausted at the mere thought of work. A large portion of our lives is spent working and that time can affect our overall happiness and general outlook. These feelings of discontent might happen occasionally, but if they start happening often, perhaps it's time to evaluate if it's just a bad day, or if it's a bad job.
Identify the Triggers
Your nursing job might've started off ideal, but over time things can change with you, and with your position. Has your job changed into something that no longer meets your needs or one that leaves you feeling unfulfilled? Perhaps you're unsure if you just need a day to unwind and relax, or if it's time to look for a new job?
Plan a mental health day, or a long weekend- Take a break and remove yourself, and your thoughts, from work. Do something completely unrelated to your job and assess if your feelings have changed once it's time to return to work.
Often, we invest too much of our happiness in our job. Try to find happiness outside of work as a distraction from stress, or to derive personal satisfaction. Focus more on your hobbies, volunteer, or invest time in additional ways to nurture your soul.
Wait and evaluate- If you're uncertain what's causing your dissatisfaction, take time to evaluate what made you lose that lovin' feeling. This can help you discover where to direct your focus.
Talk it out with someone or journal your thoughts to determine
Take Action
Once you've determined if your dissatisfaction resides with you, or with your job, it's time to either make more out of the time spent at your job, or consider looking for a new one.
It's not you job, it's me- If it's just a bad day, week, or month, you might realize that "mentally you've quit", but you continue to show up because you're hoping to reignite that fire. Consider ways to shake things up to help you enjoy your job again.
It is you, job-If you're filled with sadness and anxiety at thoughts of the upcoming workweek, and your Sunday night blues start leaking into the rest of the week, perhaps your job is responsible for your unhappiness.
Make Your Happiness a Priority
Work fills a large portion of our time and our lives. If your job doesn't bring you happiness, start looking for ways to make a change. If it's just a temporary feeling, or you've been overworked or overwhelmed, take that mental health day and invest a little time in reviving your enthusiasm for each day.
How Do You Determine If It's a Bad Day, or a Bad Job?