What to Do If Your Career Choice Has You Depressed
Everyone has had some lousy jobs in their life. They can provide fun stories later in your life. But what if the problem is not a specific job? What if you come to the conclusion that your career choice is what has you depressed? This changes the equation, huh? In a bad job, you can blame the pay or the boss. But how does one come to terms that the stress they feel is based on a specific choice they’ve made?
The average worker spends an awful lot of time at work — even if it’s a remote gig. Being stressed and depressed about that reality can impact all aspects of your life. So, now what?
How Do You Know If You’re on the Wrong Career Path?
If your career choice has you depressed, it will initially manifest as increased stress. Such stress can reach a point where even thinking about work is enough to make you uncomfortable. Other signs to look for include:
Boredom: You’re getting by, doing the bare minimum. What once motivated you at work now holds no allure. You feel out of place when talking with co-workers.
Resentment: This can take the form of jealousy when you see others happy with their career choice. Your resentment can also emerge in feelings that your talent and skills are not being appreciated or utilized.
Mood Swings: On the job, you’re detached and perhaps a little numb. Losing your temper happens more often and you find yourself taking more days than usual off.
How Does Someone Wind Up on the Wrong Career Path?
Of course, the reasons can be very varied and specific to each person. That said, there are some common themes worth considering, e.g.
Outside Pressure: Even well-meaning parents and family members can unconsciously pressure you to fulfill their dreams. Also, some cultural standards can result in young people taking choices designed to satisfy outside expectations.
Confusion: You may have chosen a career path long before you knew yourself. So, whether it’s age or a general lack of self-awareness, you made a choice before you had enough information to do so.
Personal Evolution: Plenty of people simply outgrow their career choice. We all change in ways that could not be predicted.
What to Do If Your Career Choice Has You Depressed
Do Not Ignore What You Feel
However, this is not meant as a prompt to immediately quit. Instead, try being proactive on two fronts. Firstly, of course, explore your options for change. But also, in the meantime, look into making changes in your current position. This could relate to work hours, breaks, and other accommodations.
Focus on Other Parts of Your Life
Take care of your non-work life. Practice self-care, stay social, and do not let job stress carry over into the rest of your life. Talk with trusted friends, your partner, and your family. Get the support you need.
Make Sure It’s the Job
Take stock of how you’re feeling in the full spectrum of your everyday life. Be certain that what your feel is truly related to an incompatible career choice. People have been known to assume one cause when they are not ready to explore the deeper roots of their depression. This type of work is ideally accomplished in therapy (see below).
There Could Be So Many Factors Involved
Depression is a diagnosable mental health disorder that arises from a complex set of circumstances. If you find yourself wondering about big life choices, it can be essential to talk with a professional. I invite you to connect to set up a free and confidential consultation for work-stress therapy.