Work & Career
Dissatisfaction
Imagine going back into your childhood when you were asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up.” Your responses were limited and had much to do with what careers you were exposed to in life. You may have dreamed about being a doctor, lawyer, athlete, performer, police officer, or firefighter. Then other children were socialized to be in a career based on their personality characteristics. Some examples, you like to argue a lot; you will probably be a lawyer. You are a class clown; you will probably be a comedian. You are smart; you will probably be a doctor. There are also those careers that memorized you. That attracted you in a particular way because of what you believed would bring you happiness and stardom. I hear young people tell me their dream jobs are being an athlete, a musician, an entertainer, and someone in the spotlight. Regardless of all these influences, you had strengths and weaknesses as a child. You had goals and ambitions about life. As you grew older and life happened, your dreams changed, and for some, your dreams disappeared.
Developmental Stages: Impact from Infancy
In adulthood, career and job dissatisfaction impact one’s overall feelings and experiences with mental wellness. Occupations with high rates of reported depression work in nursing homes, childcare facilities, food services, social workers, health care workers, artists, entertainers, teachers, administrative support staff, maintenance and grounds workers, financial advisors, accountants, and salespeople. The career you choose or the one chosen for you may bring about challenges in your mood. It does not stop here.
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Many careers increase one’s overall level of stress. The highest stressful jobs are active military personal, firefighters, airline pilots, law enforcement officers, broadcasters, physicians, anesthesiologists, therapists, and emergency workers. The top three highly stressful jobs are airline pilots, surgeons, and lawyers. These careers are innately going to increase one’s level of anxiety if you allow it to consume you.
The national statistics report the highest suicide rates are among medical doctors, dentists, police, veterinarians, financial services, real estate agents, electricians, lawyers, farmers, pharmacists, chemists, and construction and maintenance workers.
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In the United States, the highest rates of PTSD are those people working in the military, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical and ambulance workers, healthcare workers, journalists, and first responders.
I am saying not to go into these careers; I am suggesting having a plan for your mental wellness if you are in a job that is likely to bring about depression, anxiety, and trauma. I recommend getting the support of mental health professional to assist you. You may have lived with and are surviving through your career without recognizing the toll it takes on your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
I challenge you to explore the three questions.
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What career were you born to do? What do you believe was your purpose? On the surface, some individuals will respond with jobs based on a title. I think my purpose was to be a social worker or a teacher, or a doctor. If your patient enough and can explore this idea in a more meaningful way. What was the purpose of you being born? What was the big plan, the plan that the creator wanted you to fulfill before you got caught up in the pleasures of life? As I reflected on this response myself, I am learning that my purpose is to reconnect back to God. My career is to serve the creator in all that I do. The way I think, the way I interact with others, what I believe, and how I feel and respond emotionally. You may think your purpose is different, and that is okay. We are all at different moments in our lives. The idea is to reflect on your meaning in this life.
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The second reflective question is, are you engaged in the career in the manner you imagined? From the time you awake in the morning, during the day, and into your sleep, is this what you imagined? Are you the person whose personality you embrace? Are you impressed with your growth? Do you like the ways you interact with yourself and others? I noted here that this is not about money; this is not about a label, how educated or impressive you can be to others. If you choose to live in this manner, it is about you finding your true self, your authentic self, the self that pleases God. Spirituality is a complex concept to understand and accept because we are all on different levels in this journey. No matter where you are, there is growth to be made.
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The last question I like to explore with patients is, what can you do to move towards your purpose? Most research tells us satisfying careers have similar qualities. People report their work is engaging, and they have fulfilling relationships with coworkers. They are doing something to benefit others. They feel valued; there is flexibility in how and where they work. There is meaningful collaboration, and there are fewer negative experiences (unpredictable work hours, long commutes, feeling unrecognized, and feeling in danger). The day-to-day task is fulfilling, and they feel they are good and are less stressed. The most satisfying careers are clergy, physical therapist, firefighters, educational administrators, painters, sculptures, teachers, authors, psychologists, special educational teachers, engineers, chiropractors, dentists, and nurses. You can do things to move towards finding or revamping your career so that it becomes more satisfying and rewarding.
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In my work with patients, here are ideas of what we consider together.
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If you consider employment within another company, explore the companies culture, reputation, and opportunities for advancement. You will need to evaluate the money aspects and other negative aspects to help prepare you for developing a mental wellness plan. You will assess your strengths and weaknesses. Your plan includes enhancing your strengths and working through your weaknesses. It is essential to address the activities and subjects you enjoy and how it relates to your working style. Provide space for you to set up an environment that encourages your mental wellness. Develop your style, your niche, and create the career moving towards your life’s purpose. Lastly, consider your values and what is important to you. If you want to help others but feel stuck in a career that harms people, develop a plan for your mental wellness and make adjustments.
I will leave this by saying, “I am doing something that satisfies my soul, the essence of my being. It pleases God, and it is really, really a blast.”