The price tag on your peace of mind and happiness is invaluable.
Nearly half (44 percent) of working adults indicate their current job affects their health in some way, according to a national survey from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in collaboration with National Public Radio and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. However, only 28 percent of respondents say their job has a positive impact on them. While, these numbers are alarming, they don't have to be. Employees should feel empowered to reclaim their happiness and work in an environment where they feel valued and supported.
Here's how to determine if your job is impacting your health and what you should do about it.
Evaluate your current work situation. Is your current role in an intense environment that leaves you mentally and physically stressed? Are you feeling undervalued and underpaid? Are you no longer motivated in your current position? If you can answer "yes" (or even "maybe") to any of these questions, it's time to explore the countless opportunities out there.
When you're in a job that seamlessly fits you and your lifestyle, it just feels right and it will allow you to reintroduce healthier habits back into your life.
Identify unhealthy characteristics. Identify the aspects of your job that you are unhappiest with. Maybe it's a toxic boss, the workplace environment, a lack of support on your team, lack of recognition for hard work, challenging commutes, a nonexistent work-life balance or maybe it's all of the above.
Whatever it is, take time to jot down what's most problematic so you can make the opposite a top priority in your search for a new job. Knowing what makes you unhappy is as important as knowing what does make you happy. This will help you quickly rule out companies and jobs that may not be a good fit.
Review and revise your resume. Job seekers often feel overwhelmed at the thought of updating their resume, but they shouldn't. In fact, it can be incredibly liberating to relish in your own accomplishments. It reconfirms the value you bring to your workplace and that you deserve a job that doesn't negatively impact your health and well-being. Don't let this be what stops you from reaching your happiness.
Search, don't settle. Think about what you really want from your next job. Is there something new you want to try? Do you want to explore a new industry? Are you looking to relocate? Use this as an opportunity to connect your next job to whatever it is you're passionate about doing – even if this means starting a new career.
Keeping your goal in mind to find the right next opportunity, look for openings with descriptions that closely match what you're looking for and align with your skill set and experience. This may take some time but don't get frustrated: They exist. If time has passed and you haven't heard back from anyone, try adjusting some of the keywords on your resume. Look to career sites and employer listings to review job descriptions that match your ideal position and tailor your resume to match.
In addition to searching for open positions directly, reach out to those in your network, including previous co-workers, mentors, friends and family to let them know you're seeking new opportunities. Use this same network to practice mock interviews and tough questions so you are prepared and exuding confidence when speaking to potential employers and hiring managers.
When asked why you're looking to leave your current job, less is more. Simply state you are ready for a change and looking to explore new experiences. Instead of talking about what isn't working in your current position, use this as an opportunity to pivot into what you excel at and how you can be an asset to the prospective organization. When you're interviewing, it's not only what you say, but it's also what you don't say that counts.
Leave yourself breathing room. It can be something we let fall to the wayside, but it's helpful to reset before and after a job interview. Your job search doesn't have to be a 24/7 endeavor – keep things as easy and stress-free as possible. One way to help with your search efforts is to set up job alerts so opportunities come directly to you. This will allow you to pause for a moment without the stress of missing out on your dream job.
Overall, remember that the stress, unhealthy habits and overload you're experiencing in your current job can change – it's just a matter of taking the necessary steps.