5 subtle signs you’re not satisfied with your job in Ghana

Not satisfied with your job in Ghana? Having a job that you’re passionate about may not be the one that pays the bills, but fulfilment is assured. What you’re studying or studying at school may be different from what you’re passionate about, like in my case, especially in this part of the world.   However, they may come in handy in due time. Just so you know, even if you’re not passionate about it, you can still be good at it, if you need to pay your bills and in time. Oh yes, for many people it’s about the money.

This may be helpful, particularly for those who intend to start side businesses. Others may want to gather enough resources from their bill-paying income sources to fund their side businesses. We’ll soon be discussing signs you’re not satisfied with your job in Ghana.

READ ALSO: 10 important qualities of an entrepreneur in Ghana

Reasons for job burnout

Whether or not you’re a pro, the human body needs a break, to relax and be refreshed and when the time comes, you sure can’t cheat nature. Other times, job burnout is more of a psychological issue. Some of these reasons are:

1. Problems with your boss/ immediate supervisor (s).

2. Low salary/ pay as compared to your qualification.

3. You feel unappreciated for the work you do tirelessly.

4. Unmatched expectations / non-specific job expectations.

5. You do not take time off, physically and psychologically.

6. Inability to make suggestions or make simple decisions about your job.

7. Personal issues like relationship problems, caring for a  child or parent with a serious health condition, etc. 

By the time you are supposed to work there is no fire left in you and all enthusiasm is out the window.

8. It could be the environment at work.

 Almost everyone else isn’t as energetic about the work as you are. Sticking around the wrong people long enough will make their lagging attitude rub off on you. Soon enough you will start complaining as they do about almost everything. 

READ ALSO: How to avoid toxic people 

9. If you’re being abused, run.

 

Signs you’re not satisfied with your job in Ghana

1. The excitement you had coming in on day one fades away. 

This is one of the most common signs you’re not satisfied with your job in Ghana. That feeling that made you happy you were going to work the first day is not as strong anymore. That extra spring in your step when getting to work in the morning seems missing. It could be laziness, but not the independent kind (because people can naturally get lazy) but the kind that’s developed from the environment.  

2. You really do not care about the work or task you perform as you used to.

Nothing motivates you anymore.

3. Even getting out of bed, especially on a Monday morning irritates you.

4. Every day at work feels like forever. You can’t wait for work to close. It’s stuffy, even choky.

5. You never say anything positive about work, even if it’s the best in the industry.

How to express dissatisfaction at work

It’s not always resolved by leaving. You’ll be surprised that many issues can easily be resolved if you take the bull by the horns and speak up, regardless of opposition. It’s not healthy to bottle up emotions, because you may just explode one day and that could lead to your dismissal instead of you quitting as planned. Here are some suggestions.

 

NB: CONSIDER YOUR CHOICE OF WORDS. BE AS PROFESSIONAL AS POSSIBLE. NO HARD FEELINGS, SARCASM OR INSINUATIONS. 

Be clear about what you want to put across so they don’t take it the wrong way or double-guess what exactly you meant.

 

YOU’LL BE SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FOOT IF YOU MAKE YOUR BOSS SEEM NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE OR INCOMPETENT. You don’t want that!

 

1. You should most def. Know him/her a little or find out from others in a subtle way so that you know how to approach them on the matter.

2. Speak with your boss or supervisor physically if they’re available. 

Send an email or write to him/her officially. This would make them know how serious you are about the issue.

3. Clearly spell out the consequences or disadvantages of using that retarding method, or rule and its effects on staff and clients if it’s not appropriately addressed.

4. Research practical alternatives and have a plan so that you can recommend better solutions.

5. Be ready to face the consequences of your actions.

 READ ALSO: 5+ healthy tips on how to resolve conflicts in relationships

Solutions to actually like your job

What do you do when you hate your job, but can’t quit? Perhaps you don’t really hate it. Consider these factors.

1. Upgrade your skills. 

You might have been in the same position for so long that the monotony bores you, or you may be dissatisfied with being in the same space. Shake it up a little. Find creative ways of doing the same thing with even better results. Take a course, learn the trend and what works for you or your institution. 

2. Get a great CV makeover with the Writers Gh.

Don’t assume it’s automatic to move up the ladder just because you’ve worked there for years or everyone knows you’re good at what you do. Get a CV makeover, including your most recent achievement, if indeed you took new courses or programmes relevant to your job.

READ ALSO: 5 savvy steps on how to write a CV

3. Plan your personal life separate from your corporate life.

Our personal lives are bound to conflict with work, especially with emergencies and that’s okay. However, to reduce the stress of carrying personal problems to work, have a resolve to keep office work separate from personal affairs. Take a leave if you must, avoid working after office hours or on weekends if possible and confide in a trustee. Having a trusted person(people) to talk to often significantly reduces the burden. Though the problem might not be solved, it helps you cool down a bit to assess things. 

4. Do not neglect your duties at the expense of friendships.

That could be a result but not the ultimate goal. It’s tempting to feel or expect some care or “humanity” from co-workers. After all, we are humans (and that’s where human resource management comes in). The line should always be drawn at your ability to complete your given task. Actions or attitudes from co-workers should not bother you as long as it doesn’t jeopardize your ability to work well. And when it does is when you really have to speak up about whether it’s from a superior (or inferior?).

READ ALSO: 10 honest ways to say no without feeling guilty

5. Apply for a transfer.

If you’re always not satisfied with something or someone at work, then you should reassess yourself because you’re going to meet more or worse of those personalities.

Learn to adjust and stop correcting people all the time. It’s exhausting, it’s not your job to change anyone.

On the other hand, you could actually be the problem. Yh. You may be toxic.

READ ALSO: 10 common interview questions: How do I prepare for an interview in Ghana 

Quotes to inspire you at work

1. A great way to love what you do is to do what you love.

-Emmanuella Obeng-Koranteng

2. Don’t work 8 hours for a company then go home and not work on your own goals. You’re not tired, you’re uninspired.

-Unknown

3. If you’re not happy with the work you do, change it (otherwise don’t complain- my emphasis).

– Anamika Mishra

4. Don’t let the behaviour of others destroy your peace.

 – Dalai Lama

5. Just be happy that others are happy. Don’t destroy yourself by trying to destroy others.

-Unknown

6. One of the happiest moments ever is when you find the courage to let go of what you can’t change.

-Unknown

7. Don’t let the concept of change scare you as much as the prospect of remaining unhappy.

 – Timber Hawkeye

8. People inspire you, or they drain you-pick them wisely. 

– Hans F. Hansen

9. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then waste no time starting on the first one.

 – Mark Twain

10. A man should never neglect his family for business. 

– Walt Disney

11. It is only a crazy dream, until you do it.

– Serena Williams

12. You’re not a rehab. It’s not your job to fix everyone.

-Unknown

13.  No one else can make you happy but yourself.

-Unknown

14. Do not be embarrassed by your failures. Learn from them and start again. 

-Richard Branson

15. A few will never appreciate and acknowledge your work no matter how hard you try.

 – thediaryforlife.com

16. Work without love is slavery 

– Mother Theresa

17. Passion will move men beyond themselves, beyond their shortcomings, beyond their failures

 – Joseph Campbell

 READ ALSO: How to make money online without having a job:10 legit ways

If these signs you’re not satisfied with your job in Ghana are a good description of how you feel about work and you intend to leave, that’s absolutely fine. Quit in a way that you can always stay connected, even in the future. You always have choices and are ultimately responsible for the consequences.  All the best in your next endeavour (s). If you need to work on yourself, do so. Building healthy relationships at work or network is as important because the world is a global village, right? No man is an island.  

By Emmanuella and Felix