Work woes!

[ratfinks]

After years of jumping between different jobs and courses trying to find something I enjoy I've had enough... every job I've had gives me a big knot of misery in the pit of my stomach. Started a new job last summer, should have been the dream, only to find myself back in the same boat.

I love my life generally, loads of hobbies, I volunteer, have a happy relationship and good social life but work is making me want to do myself in.

Does anyone else feel like this or am I wired wrong? I'm at a low ebb with it today, and it's only bloody Monday!

It sounds a bit like you feel only extremes of emotions ?

From the job being "the dream" to "a big knot of misery in the pit of your stomach"

I'm sure most people get fed up with work at times. I expect quite a lot feel either frustrated, bored, or stressed, but it sounds like you feel like this about every job ? and that you have had several ?

Is it the same job you are doing, for different employers ?
Or have you tried different things ?

What is it about them that is making you so upset ?

Can you pin down why? That feeling of discomforrlt is usually where there is an opportunity for growth. Or a new job

All good questions. I don't feel upset as such... more dissatisfied and unengaged. I have sense of dread every morning that I don't really understand.

It just all feels a bit pointless. And endless. I can't really describe it. Like meetings where people spend an age talking but don't really say anything, and doing work that in the grand scheme won't make a difference to anything. Other jobs I've found mind-numbingly boring. I have this weird sense that it's all just meaningless and a colossal waste of time! But everyone else just seems content to get on with their bit or even enjoy their work (imagine!!) I feel like I have no motivation at work.

I describe my current job as the 'dream job' because after years of feeling dissatisfied, I worked towards getting into a sector which I thought (from volunteer/ personal interests) would be something I could get stuck in to. The organisation has a good rep for staff satisfaction and wellbeing. But I've ended up feeling just the same only with less hope left for the future!

I've done different jobs over the years- healthcare, hospitality, admin, ecology, cleaning, teaching support, lab assistant. I started a PhD but left as I felt the same about it... so I think it's me rather than the jobs.

I was volunteering for a small charity before lockdown and regularly spent 12+ hours a week there, organising things, trying to improve systems, producing training materials, training other volunteers... I only signed up for 4 hours of greeting on reception! I also volunteer for two other organisations and take on every opportunity I can fit it. I organise social activities for a group I'm in, I've always got a personal project or hobby (or 10) on the go. But when it comes to work....