Utterly depressed and demotivated at work. Anyone else?

[NotAnEagerBeaver]

In some respects I feel that it's my fault, my attitude, but it is also because there are legitimate problems there that I don't feel that I have the power to get resolved.

Anyone else feel the same?

What to do?

If you aren't going to leave then set some short term goals.

There are no goals I can set. I can't advance in my position. I could look to join another department, but I am not sure if I am capable, or if they would have me. It is not a career, just a job. I don't have any prospects.

Only you can really decide what to do next, as you've not given us a lot of info to work with.

If it's 'just a job' and you hate it, can't you get another 'just a job' in a different area?

You speak of wanting prospects - what kinds of prospects are realistic? If your experience will never translate into prospects maybe that's what you should focus on, identifying roles above you and what you'd need to get them. When I worked in a corner shop I still knew that I could go on into management, then Area Management or head office admin if I wanted to. Be aware of what's possible.

I am feeling exactly the same at the moment so I feel you, OP. Started at current business around 18 months ago and was happy to be working through Covid, everything super busy and lots going on but in all of the time I've been here I haven't had one objective set and it makes progression impossible regardless of procedure. I am currently looking for other jobs - going through lots in my life and need to progress at work. But much less than that, I just want to feel like I'm adding value somewhere and this role just is not giving me that at the moment. I hope you get your mojo back, be that looking elsewhere or progressing at your job!

Absolutely yes, have been in this position.

Short term - fake enthusiasm, show up, do your job, be as professional as you can and do not bad mouth at work.

Vent to friends, family, anyone trusted.

Make a list of things YOU want to achieve at the job, skills you want, experience you need so you can put this on your cv and be relentless getting that.

Then have a real proper think about what is not working about the job, write a list about what enjoy and don't enjoy about work - is it isolation, supportive manager, autonomy?

And also, if you are checking out of work, make sure you are checking in to something else - so health, mental well being.

Do all this before you even looked the jobs boards and waste time making the same bloody mistakes and kicking yourself.

Your sincerely, bitter experience.

It's hard. Especially when you hope to have a more meaningful 'career'. Things that help me are searching for higher meaning or connection to my values e.g. I do my best as I am a responsible and conscientious person or it will be of benefit to X. I also try to put it in a box where it belongs. I'm having trouble with a someone more senior to me at the moment. At face value she's a dick, when I feel more magnanimous she is deeply insecure and this makes her want to shove the blame on to anyone but her. Really it is her fault and it's no big deal. No-one will care in 3 years time.

Are there things you like even if the not the job, like colleagues or lifestyle or even what the salary allows you to do? If not use it as a thought exercise for things I dislike and won't be doing in my next job. Then get planning.