If you're only moderately happy or feeling satisfied at work, is that complacency?

16 Comments

1. Jhan KathleenFebruary 27,2022 at 11:42AM UTC

   You know if you doing well when you happy

2. Jhan KathleenFebruary 27,2022 at 11:48AM UTC

   I am learning how to not look to my job and career as the only and everything thing that can make me happy or make me feel accomplished and good. It won’t fill every void and need to be hapy. ot that. It’s a job that’s it . Treat it as such and it will fulfill what it needs to . A job is a tool or an enabler it’s not who we are it’s what we do.

3. Susan RoblesFebruary 27,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

   I would pay to learn, grow, have a little complacency.

4. AnonymousFebruary 27,2022 at 2:31PM UTC

   If you don’t want to leave your job or aren’t sure that’s okay.

   I feel like everyone is switching jobs too or building forever careers. I encounter everyone working from home. I wish I was too.

   Unfortunately, like many I had to switch jobs when the pandemic permanently shrunk my hours from full time to 8 hours a week. I went from in person to remote. While I loved working 8 hours a week spread out over 3 days. It wasn’t sustainable for more than a year and half. I took a new job that’s full time and I’m still not happy at my current job and it’s my second one since having a job I loved. I’m determined because I’ve had great work experience.

   Just know that your time will come and you’ll know with out question whether you want to leave your job.

   Also, doing things outside of work can always help fight any sense of being bored at work.

   I hope that this helps.

5. Michelle PrinceFebruary 27,2022 at 3:30PM UTC

   Seems that way, but in reality only about 1/3 of people are making moves - some internal movement too. Rather than compare yourself to others, evaluate your own situation and if it's a good one then celebrate that! Be grateful, tell your boss how much you appreciate them. You are very fortunate. ?

6. NataliaFebruary 27,2022 at 8:11PM UTC

   Don't be influenced by others if you are truly happy!
   A lot of people are leaving to make more money bc they might be in a company that doesn't allow them to get promoted easily or where they're being paid unfairly. Also, I think people forget to look at other things like culture and benefits as well as those you work with on a regular basis. If you are happy in all these areas then you are doing well in my book! As someone who started in a new organization I'm happy to say that all of these things are being met for me. Btw, I started a new job after taking a 2 year break.

7. AnonymousFebruary 28,2022 at 2:26AM UTC

   I was told by younger co workers you should switch up every few years to make more money.

8. Rebeca EvantashFebruary 28,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

   My motto is you should be earning or learning. Sometimes taking your foot off the gas to focus on yourself is okay if you’re still delivering.

9. Rosa GoesMarch 2,2022 at 3:57PM UTC

   I agree with you Rebeca. If there is a financial goal, then earning is the key.

10. Susan RoblesMarch 2,2022 at 7:30PM UTC

    Learning is a mindset I feel. I'm in role that I could have done 15 years ago, so it's not "earning" that I'm doing. But I am learning, all the time! Learning to use similar but different systems, always learning to work with people - people are never boring!!!

11. Kimberley Ferretti HammettFebruary 28,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

    It's totally up to you and what you want out of your job! If your real happiness is outside of work, as long as your job is not draining you and financially supports the life you want to live (and you have time to enjoy it) then no need to switch things up. We are fortunate that we live in a time where there are so many opportunities to make a living out of our passions but that doesn't mean we have to.

    I think it's always a good idea to stay curious and open to opportunities but have a good idea of what you like in your life holistically so you have clear perimeters to measure an opportunity against. When your needs are met and you enjoy most of life, that's how you know you're doing well. Honestly these days, if you're not having regular anxiety attacks you're tracking ahead of the curve **nervous laughter**

12. Claire McCabeFebruary 28,2022 at 3:19PM UTC

    If your job doesn't destroy your mental health, pays enough to keep you afloat financially, and you are surrounded by decent people , you are winning. Careers ebb and flow and nothing is permanent!

13. AnonymousFebruary 28,2022 at 3:39PM UTC

    Why people leave can vary, just as the reasons people stay.

    Personally, I like where I work - my co-workers are great, the students I work with are great but there is little room for advancement and I am 7 hours away from my family. It's great for my first full time career, I am learning a lot but do I plan to move in a few years, yes. For the fact that I want to be closer to my family and have room for growth. I am also single, with no children so its easy for me to move.

    My co-worker on the other hand has been in this position for 23 years. She doesn't make much more than I do but she likes her job, likes the consistency of it, its close to her family, it provides what she needs out of the job. B/c we work in Higher Ed there aren't a lot of options locally so she would have to move if she chose to and with children and grandchildren its not the move she wants. Nor does she desire to move up.

    Its truly all about what you want. If you are happy, comfortable, and have what you need out of work - wonderful, you are right where you are supposed to be at this moment. If you feel like you need a change, more motivation, more of a challenge, more money whatever it may be then maybe look for a new position.

14. Twannetta WeaverFebruary 28,2022 at 11:17PM UTC

    I think it depends on where you are in your life. Sometimes it’s a sign that you hit your sweet spot of understanding your job. If you are bored, then that’s another thing that should be considered.

15. AnonymousMarch 1,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

    You don't have to be passionate about a job. In fact, it helps not to be passionate when times change or crappy managers get hired. It used to be normal for people to stay in a position for 20-30 years. The only reason to jump ship would be a fear of getting stuck or a desire to learn something new.

16. AnonymousMarch 2,2022 at 5:27PM UTC

    I've found now with a number of years working professionally that my personal metric for deciding is 1) I can love the job but not be so pleased with the management (provided they are not doing anything inappropriate) and 2) I can love the management and the people, but the job may not be stellar. Both options allow me to work competently and contentedly (not complacent), even if it isn't skywriting-ly amazing. But if the management is not good and the job is lagging, then I would definitely consider a recharge and a change to new horizons.